Bryce Canyon National Park
National Park · Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park

Photo: King of Hearts · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Bryce Canyon is not really a canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters carved into a plateau, filled with thousands of rock spires called hoodoos. Highlights include Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce Points, and the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden trails. It sits above 8,000 feet, so nights are cold even in summer.

Good to know

Tickets
The park charges an entry fee per vehicle, covered by the America the Beautiful pass. Check nps.gov for current rates. Non-US residents pay an extra per-person fee here.
Time needed
1 to 2 days for the viewpoints and a hike down among the hoodoos.
Best time
May to June and September to October. Winter brings snow on the hoodoos but some roads and trails close.
Getting there
Bryce Canyon City is at the park entrance. Las Vegas and Salt Lake City airports are each about 4 hours away by car.

Where to stay nearby

Gateway towns with hotels and food, close to the park entrances:
Bryce, Utah
Advertisement
Ad space · 728 × 90

Bryce Canyon National Park questions

Do I need a reservation for Bryce Canyon?

No timed-entry reservation is needed. A free shuttle runs from spring to mid-October but is optional for most cars.

What is the best hike in Bryce Canyon?

The Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden combination, about 3 miles, is the classic. In 2026 the Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop closes some weekday mornings for trail work.

Where should I stay near Bryce Canyon?

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is inside the park. Bryce Canyon City and Tropic have more hotels close to the entrance.

Nearby national parks