This handy Bryce Canyon National Park trip planning guide provides a list of important things to know before visiting the park, along with interesting facts and history about the popular tourist destination in Utah.
Bryce Canyon Trip Planning Guide
How many days do you need to visit Bryce National Park?
Several factors must be considered when planning the number of days you need to visit Bryce Canyon National Park.
If your timing is right, Bryce Canyon can be done easily in one day or less.
Start early in the day, and you can take in several of the key viewpoints. You can even take a short hike before exploring more of Utah or Arizona’s many wonders.
Discover the best viewpoints to see the world’s largest hoodoo collection, and check out five easy to moderate hikes that might be best for you.
Subscribe below to be alerted to the next article as soon as it is published. We pride ourselves on writing informative articles with interesting facts. Please leave any comments, questions or suggestions below.
Search for accommodation anywhere by using Booking.Com, book a sightseeing tour using Viator or a flight with Expedia. Any commissions earned will help keep this website running.
Interesting Facts about Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon has the largest hoodoo collection in the world.
- Hoodoos were formed into chiselled shapes after millions of years of natural erosion.
- Hoodoos display a variety of colours due to different mineral deposits.
Travel to Bryce Canyon to discover the largest hoodoo collection in the world. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
- The Hoodoos are made mostly of limestone, along with other rock types. When formed together, they are known as the Claron Formation.
- Hoodoos can stand as tall as 150 feet or as small as 5 feet.
Travel to Bryce Canyon to discover The largest hoodoo collection in the world.
- You can see 7,500 stars on a clear moonless night, more than in other rural areas. Find out more about the Dark Sky Telescope Program.
- On a clear day, standing on the south rim of Bryce Canyon, you can see 100 miles to the Grand Canyon.
Travel to Bryce Canyon to discover the largest hoodoo collection in the world. On a clear day from the south rim of Bryce Canyon, you can see 100 miles to the Grand Canyon. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Things to know before visiting Bryce Canyon National Park
- The annual Pass for all US National Parks access is $80 and valid for one year.
- The annual Pass for Bryce Canyon only – $35
- Rock climbing is illegal and dangerous.
- A free shuttle service runs from spring to fall, departing every 15 minutes.
- Ranger talks and seasonal stargazing are available.
- Full moon hikes are available through a lottery system.
- Several day hikes are available in the park. Read our list of 5 easy to moderate hikes in Bryce Canyon.
- Overnight hiking and camping in the backcountry require a permit.
- Park elevations reach over 9,115 feet (over 2774 meters), and oxygen levels can be reduced to about 70% of normal.
- Daily temperatures can vary up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit between daytime and night.
- There is a year-round danger of lightning. Summer thunderstorms in July and August are the most dangerous. If a storm is brewing, seek shelter immediately in your vehicle or a building.
- Pets must be kept on a leash.
- Here is a complete list of maps to download before heading to the park.
Weather Conditions in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Plan before you go. Always check the current weather conditions in Bryce Canyon. In winter, some areas of the park are closed.
If you plan to hike, carry plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear with good traction and support.
Wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park
Many birds and animals can be found in the park. Here are a few to watch for: Mule Deer, Rocky Mountain Elk, Pronghorn (the world’s second fastest animal, so you will not likely see it), Peregrine Falcons, and hummingbirds. Here is a checklist provided by the national park.
Travel to Bryce Canyon to discover The largest hoodoo collection in the world.
History of Bryce Canyon
- The following American Indian groups have ties to the Bryce Canyon Area: Southern Paiute, Ute, Goshute, Navajo and Hopi.
- In the 1880s, Mormon settlers came from the north.
- In 1887, Ebenezer Bryce came with his family, built roads, and left for Arizona in 1880.
Discover more:
- Travel to Bryce Canyon to discover the world’s largest hoodoo collection
- Trip planning tools for Bryce Canyon.
- Explore scenic Mossy Cave hiking trail in Bryce Canyon.
- Discover more hiking trails at Bryce Canyon.
- Discover the world’s largest gypsum dunes.
About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
Have you been here? Want to go or have other tips or comments. We'd love to hear from you.