If you’re looking for the best things to do in Bryce Canyon you’ve come to the right spot! Bryce Canyon National Park is a magical place famous for its towering hoodoos, mesmerizing canyons, switch backing trails, horseback rides, and breathtaking sunrises. I absolutely love this park and have been more times than I can count.
Some of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon are fairly obvious like seeing the overlooks near the visitor center but others are a bit counterintuitive (like Sunrise Point is not the best place to see sunrise). In this article I’ll cover all of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park, what to pack, what to expect, and how to make the most of your time.
Things to Know Before Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park
- Guide Book: This is my go-to Bryce Canyon guidebook.
- Map: This is my go-to Bryce Canyon map.
- Visiting More National Parks? This is a fun National Parks Checklist Map I created that can be ordered to your house.
- Sunscreen: Use it. Lots of it. Here’s the one I use.
Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Table of Contents: Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Table of Contents: Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Things to Know Before Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park
- Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
- 1. See Wall Street
- 2. Descend the Navajo Loop Switchbacks
- 3. Catch a Sunrise at Inspiration Point
- 4. Hike Through Peekaboo Canyon
- 5. See Thor’s Hammer at Sunset Point
- 6. Go Horseback Riding
- 7. Explore Queens Garden
- 8. See Sunset from Bryce Point
- 9. Check Out Sunset Point
- 10. Hike the Bryce Rim Trail
- 11. Discover the Bryce Natural Bridge
- 12. Visit Rainbow Point
- 13. Hike Out to Tower Bridge
- 14. Soak in Some World Class Stargazing
- 15. Go Camping at Bryce Canyon
- 16. Explore the Bristlecone Loop Trail
- 17. See the Bryce Canyon Lodge
- 18. Take a Scenic Drive on Bryce Canyon Road
- 19. Beat the Crowds at Fairyland Point
- 20. Head Over to Red Canyon (Dixie National Forest)
- Why Trust Me About Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park?
- 1 Day Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
- 3 Day Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
- Map of the Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Summary of Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Visiting Bryce Canyon? If you haven’t landed on a place to stay, this is my favorite hotel for Bryce Canyon National Park.
1. See Wall Street
Selecting the top spot on my list of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park was actually pretty easy. Wall Street in Bryce Canyon National Park is easily of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen in the national parks. Walking through this narrow canyon feels like magic.
During the morning, light enters the canyon illuminating the walls with impossibly beautiful yellow, orange, and red hues that makes you feel like you’re walking through the set a Steven Spielberg film.
Within the canyon you’ll find towering pines that have defied the odds and somehow managed to grow despite receiving a minimal amount of light each day.
There have been rock slides here over the years that have closed off access to the canyon temporarily but as of now the trail is accessible. I recommend starting early and hiking this trail before 10am to beat the crowds.
The Wall Street section is accessed via the Navajo Loop Trail. Personally, I recommend walking down the Navajo Loop switch backs as the light is the most beautiful this way. Either way you go is fine as you’ll see it all one way or the other.
2. Descend the Navajo Loop Switchbacks
One of the most photographed things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park is the Navajo Loop Switchbacks. One of the reasons for this is because how otherworldly it looks. Another reason is because from the top you don’t have to walk down very far to get a great photo.
These switchbacks are located at the top section of the Navajo Loop Trail. To get here, park at the Sunset Point parking area and head toward Sunset Point. Once you reach the trailhead be sure to turn right at the first opportunity you get. The switchbacks are about 100 steps down the trail after the right turn.
At the bottom of the switchbacks you’ll reach Wall Street.
3. Catch a Sunrise at Inspiration Point
Seeing a sunrise at Inspiration Point should be on everyone’s list of things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park. Inspiration Point is hands down the best place to see a sunrise in Bryce Canyon. The view of the grand amphitheater from here is one of the best and the spectacle for sunrise is second to none.
Another great reason to visit Inspiration Point at sunrise is because most of the crowds will be at Sunrise Point, where Thor’s Hammer is located. Inspiration Point sees a tiny fraction of the visitors at sunrise as does Sunrise Point.
I’ve been to both spots plenty of times and this is the one. Inspiration Point also sits a bit higher than Sunrise Point which makes for a better vantage. However, be sure to bundle up! Even in the summer, mornings can be cold here due to the high elevation (8,143 feet). I always pack this jacket which is expensive but it lasts forever, it’s lightweight, and so warm.
4. Hike Through Peekaboo Canyon
For those looking for a good hearty hike, add Peekaboo Canyon to your list of things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park. At 5.2 miles long with nearly 1500 feet of elevation gain this trail is sure to get the old heart pumping.
The Peekaboo Canyon Trail is my personal favorite as it really gives you the best taste of all the best things the park has to offer. The National Park Service lists it as strenuous but I’d put it in the moderate to strenuous category.
Throughout the trail you’ll find yourself immersed in the incredible hoodoos you can see from the overlooks. Horseback riders frequent this route as well giving you an extra treat to see along the way. Narrow passageways, switchbacks, pine forests, sandy ground, red rock, and towering hoodoos make for a fun hike.
5. See Thor’s Hammer at Sunset Point
Seeing Thor’s Hammer is one popular things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park for first-time visitors. When you first get the park map and see “Sunset Point” you’re probably thinking it’s a logical best place to see the sunset in Bryce Canyon. It’s actually not (read on to see the best sunset spot).
Sunset Point is, however, where the famous Thor’s Hammer rock formation is located and the most popular place to see sunset in the Bryce Canyon National Park.
The formation is named for the famous viking God of Thunder, Thor, who wielded a massive hammer (called Mjölnir). Getting to Thor’s Hammer requires a short walk down the trail at Sunset Point, no more than 50 steps or so.
6. Go Horseback Riding
One of the most iconic things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park is riding on horseback through the hoodoos and down into the canyon. Seeing images of this hearkens back to an earlier time, long before the development of the national park.
Guided horseback rides are offered for 2 hours at $85 per person and 3 hours for $120 per person. These rides depart at 9am & 2pm for the 2-hour ride and 8am & 1pm for the 3-hour. If you’re up for it, the 3-hour ride takes you through Peekaboo Canyon which is one of the most scenic areas to hike.
Alternatively you could opt for the 2-hour ride and then stretch the old legs through Peekaboo Canyon. Note that rides are only offered from April 1 through October 31st.
7. Explore Queens Garden
From Sunrise Point you can see the zigzagging Queens Garden Trail in the distance. I can say hiking it is every bit as epic as it looks, and not as difficult as it may seem.
The Queens Garden Trail is just 1.8 miles long (as an out and back) with 320 feet of elevation gain making for one of the top things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park. The starting point for the trail is Sunrise Point. A popular way to hike the Queens Garden trail is combining it with the Navajo Loop Trail for a 3.1 mile loop.
If you start in the morning before the sun has fully illuminated the canyon then be sure to lather up the sunscreen as odds are the sun will be beating down upon you by the time you return.
8. See Sunset from Bryce Point
Bryce Point makes the top 10 of this list of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park for a few reasons. For starters, Bryce Point is probably the best place in Bryce Canyon National Park to see a sunset, even better than Sunset Point.
From Bryce Point you can actually watch the sun dipping below the horizon in front of you whereas from Sunset Point the sun is illuminating the foreground while setting behind you. The amphitheater view from here is pretty great as well. Also worth noting, Bryce Point is typically uncrowded at sunset making for a more intimate setting.
9. Check Out Sunset Point
Ah, Sunset Point, what a place to see the sunset, right? Meh.
I recall my first time visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, setting up here for a sunset photo and being woefully disappointed as the sun set directly behind me from here making for a somewhat lackluster display. Another group came in behind us and asked if they were even in the right place as surely this couldn’t be Sunset Point.
Sunset Point is better at sunrise than sunset in my opinion. It’s a great spot for post-sunrise light and pre-sunset light but doesn’t stand up to other spots for either placing this one squarely on my list of overrated things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park.
With that being said, the panorama from Sunset Point is epic giving you full views of the grand amphitheater.
10. Hike the Bryce Rim Trail
The Rim Trail is one of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon in general, and especially so for folks with limited mobility as there’s basically no elevation change. At 5.5 miles long (one way) the rim trail is great hike to pop on and off to catch different vantages looking down into the grand amphitheater.
The most popular places to access the Bryce Rim Trail is near the lodge and via Sunset Point parking lot. If you’ve visited Bryce Canyon National Park before there’s fair odds you’ve been on this trail and didn’t even know it as it serves as an access point for most of the more popular trails in the park.
11. Discover the Bryce Natural Bridge
One of the first questions I had upon seeing photos of the Bryce Natural Bridge was “why do people always seem to jack up the saturation so high on this arch?” Turns out they’re not.
The National Park Service explains the unnatural seeming color of the arch as so, “This arch, sculpted from some of the reddest rock of the Claron Formation (rich in iron oxide minerals), poses a stark contrast to the dark green of the Ponderosa forest that peeks through the arch from the canyon below.” Fair enough.
Another question folks have about the Bryce Natural Bridge is, bridge or arch? Those on team arch are correct. Despite the incredibly misleading name, Bryce Natural Bridge is actually a natural arch.
What’s the difference between a bridge and an arch? Put simply, a bridge is formed through erosion and an arch is not. Getting to Bryce Natural Bridge is incredibly easy as it’s located right off the main park road. There’s a small pullout for cars and the bridge is right there.
12. Visit Rainbow Point
Situated at 9,115 feet elevation, Rainbow Point is the highest viewpoint in Bryce Canyon National Park (along with the less scenic Yovimpa Point). Rainbow Point is located at the very end of the Bryce Canyon Drive, about 30 minutes away from the visitor center.
Accessing the point requires only a short walk down a flat trail. If you’ve made the effort to drive to the end of the main park road then you might as well see this view which is decidedly more forested than previous viewpoints in Bryce Canyon.
13. Hike Out to Tower Bridge
If you’re looking for a moderate hike with some decent elevation then add the Tower Bridge Trail to your list of things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park. At 3 miles (out and back) with 950 feet of elevation gain, the Tower Bridge Trail is officially rated as moderate.
I always like a trail that leads to something cool at the end and the Tower Bridge checks the box. It’s pretty massive in person and does resemble the London Tower Bridge (for which it’s named).
14. Soak in Some World Class Stargazing
The pristine air quality, dryness of the air, and near total lack of light pollution makes Bryce Canyon National Park one of the best places in the US to stargaze. On a clear night at Bryce Canyon one can see 7,500+ stars and 2.2 million light years into space.
Bryce Canyon National Park is world famous for stargazing and an designated Dark Sky Park. In fact, the demand has gotten so high here for star programs that Bryce Canyon National Park now hosts an Annual Astronomy Festival.
Even if you can’t make it out for the annual festival, there are regular ranger programs featuring night sky activities. Some of the best places to see the stars at Bruce Canyon are Farview Point, Inspiration Point, and Fairyland Point.
15. Go Camping at Bryce Canyon
Thinking about pitching a tent under the night sky at Bryce Canyon National Park? Great idea. Due to its high elevation, Bryce Canyon is one of the best national parks in Utah to go camping as summer nights cool down enough for a comfortable night’s sleep.
There are two campgrounds located within the park: North Campground & Sunset Campground.
North Campground has 100 campsites split half and half between RVs and tent campers. As far as campgrounds go this is a fancy spot. Here you’ll find flush toilets, a general store, firewood, dump station – the works.
Located just 1 mile down the road, Sunset Campground also has 100 campsites split half and half between RVs and tent campers. Here you’ll find all the same amenities as North Campground but without the general store which is located at the former.
Sunset Campground is first come first serve except for the group sites while North Campground runs on a reservation system during the popular seasons and first come first served during the shoulder seasons.
16. Explore the Bristlecone Loop Trail
Located at the end of the Bryce Canyon Road, the Bristlecone Loop Trail offers visitors a chance to stretch the legs with practically no elevation gain. The trail is mostly forested although enough light hits the trail to make sunscreen advisable. At just one mile long hiking the Bristlecone Trail takes about 20 minutes to complete depending on your pace.
The rangers say you can catch glimpses of the Bristlecone Pines (one of the oldest living things in the world) hanging on to the edge of cliffs but between you and me let’s just say they’re quite hard to spot.
If you’re on the hunt for these ancient trees look for densely clustered needles of five and trunks that have a more gnarled appearance. In terms of Bristlecones, Great Basin National Park is tops.
17. See the Bryce Canyon Lodge
Designed by the renowned architect, Gilbert Stanley Underwood, famous for his rustic designs of national park lodges, seeing the Bryce Canyon Lodge is a relaxing addition to your list of things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Constructed in 1924 using local materials, the lodge blends beautifully with the natural surroundings. It’s location within the national park itself gives visitors looking for overnight accommodations the opportunity for a truly memorable stay at Bryce Canyon.
The Bryce Canyon Lodge refers to the original or main building but it is not the only accommodation within the park. While they’re all managed by the same company, there are the Western Cabins and the Sunset Lodge as well.
Check out the official site to book accommodations at the Bryce Canyon Lodge.
18. Take a Scenic Drive on Bryce Canyon Road
One of the best things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park for anyone with limited mobility is driving the Main Park Road (also known as Bryce Canyon Road & Highway 63).
Bryce Canyon Road is 18 miles long rising some 1,200 feet from the park entrance sign to the parking lot for Rainbow Point. The drive is actually one of the highest drives in the national park system as the entire road is above 7,500 feet elevation.
The drive takes about half an hour with no stops so I’d budget at least two hours depending on how long you spend at each of the points. Along the way you’ll find all the main attractions, hikes, and viewpoints in Bryce Canyon.
I must say, not all of the points are worth a stop as once you see the first few they start to look the same. All that’s really changing is the immediate foreground.
19. Beat the Crowds at Fairyland Point
Right after you pass the national park entrance sign you’ll see a sign for a left turn toward Fairyland Point. I put this one in the lesser visited category of things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park. Fairyland Point, while not quite as spectacular as some of the other Bryce Canyon view points on this list, is still worth a stop. Even if just to get a first taste of what’s to come without the crowds.
Looking out from here you’ll see the beginning of the vast hoodoo forest that makes up Bryce Canyon National Park. Fairyland Point is also a great area for stargazing as less traffic means less headlights and headlamps.
20. Head Over to Red Canyon (Dixie National Forest)
Ending off my list of things to do in Bryce Canyon is one that everyone should add. It’s highly likely that on the way to Bryce Canyon National Park you’ll pass through one of the most beautiful parts of the Dixie National Forest.
We’re talking about the famous Red Canyon located 15 minutes from the Bryce Canyon National Park entrance. Red Canyon is loaded with epic trails and the very memorable drive through natural, red rock arch which has been featured in countless films.
There’s also a great national forest visitor center here that has all sorts of great Smoky the Bear themed gifts. I recommend hiking Pink Ledges Trail which is a great 30 minute jaunt that ascends quickly up into the hoodoos and gives you a great view.
The Dixie National Forest is a great spot to consider if you’re looking for the same (I think it’s actually more stunning) sort of beauty that you’ll find in all of the Utah National Parks but without the crowds.
Why Trust Me About Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park?
I’m Will Pattiz and along with my brother Jim, we’re collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
Click for a quick Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary!
1 Day Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
Here’s a detailed one-day itinerary for exploring Bryce Canyon National Park, along with some interesting facts!
Morning – 1 Day Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
Start your day by visiting the park’s main attractions, such as the scenic overlooks at Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, and the hiking trails in the Bryce Amphitheater.
Take the time to admire the views from each overlook, and snap some photos of the beautiful red rock formations. At Sunrise Point, take the short hike to the Navajo Loop Trail and see the famous Wall Street and the park’s signature hoodoos up close.
At Sunset Point, take the short hike to the Wall of Windows to see a series of impressive natural arches.
Did you know that the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon are formed over millions of years by the erosion of soft limestone by wind and water? The unique shapes and colors of the hoodoos are a result of the different layers of rock and minerals that make up the canyon.
Afternoon – 1 Day Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike along the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. The Rim Trail is an easy, mostly flat trail that is suitable for hikers of all abilities.
It can be accessed from several overlooks along the park road, so you can choose how long or short of a hike you want to do.
Did you know that Bryce Canyon National Park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including over 100 species of birds and several species of mammals, such as mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep?
After your hike, visit the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association bookstore to learn more about the park’s flora and fauna, and pick up a souvenir or two.
The bookstore is located near the visitor center and is a great place to browse for books, maps, and other educational materials about the park. You can also purchase souvenirs and gifts to remember your visit to Bryce Canyon.
Did you know that Bryce Canyon National Park is located on the edge of the Colorado Plateau, a large geological region that covers parts of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico?
The Colorado Plateau is known for its unique geology and landscape, and is home to several other national parks, such as Arches National Park, Zion National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park.
Sunset – 1 Day Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
Head over to Bryce Point to soak in the last rays of the day. Bryce Point is the best place in the park to catch a sunset (which most folks don’t know).
Sunset Point is an alright place to see a sunset but Bryce Point is much better.
Evening/Night – 1 Day Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
In the evening, attend a ranger-led program at the visitor center to learn about the park’s night sky and stargazing opportunities.
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its dark skies and excellent stargazing opportunities, and the ranger-led programs are a great way to learn more about the stars and constellations visible in the park.
After the program, head out to one of the park’s designated stargazing areas to see the stars for yourself.
Did you know that Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best places in the country for stargazing? The park’s dark skies and high altitude make it an ideal location for viewing the stars and planets, and the park offers regular stargazing programs and events throughout the year.
Before you leave the park, be sure to stop by one of the park’s visitor centers to learn more about the park’s history, geology, and natural features. The visitor centers are a great place to ask questions, get directions, and plan your next visit to the park.
3 Day Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
Day 1 – Bryce Canyon Itinerary
Start your visit by exploring the park’s main attractions, such as the scenic overlooks at Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, and the hiking trails in the Bryce Amphitheater.
Take the time to admire the views from each overlook, and snap some photos of the beautiful red rock formations. At Sunrise Point, take the short hike to the Queen’s Garden to see the park’s signature hoodoos up close.
At Sunset Point, take the short hike to the Wall of Windows to see a series of impressive natural arches.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike along the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape.
The Rim Trail is an easy, mostly flat trail that is suitable for hikers of all abilities. It can be accessed from several overlooks along the park road, so you can choose how long or short of a hike you want to do.
In the evening, attend a ranger-led program at the visitor center to learn more about the park’s history and geology. The ranger-led programs are a great way to learn more about the park and its natural features, and are offered on a regular basis throughout the day.
Day 2 – Bryce Canyon Itinerary
On your second day in the park, venture off the beaten path and explore some of the park’s lesser-known areas.
Hike the Mossy Cave Trail to see a small waterfall and a natural bridge, or take the Peekaboo Loop Trail to see beautiful views of the canyon from different angles. Both of these trails are moderate in difficulty and offer a more intimate experience of the park’s natural beauty.
In the afternoon, visit the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association bookstore to learn more about the park’s flora and fauna, and pick up a souvenir or two.
The bookstore is located near the visitor center and is a great place to browse for books, maps, and other educational materials about the park. You can also purchase souvenirs and gifts to remember your visit to Bryce Canyon.
Day 3 – Bryce Canyon Itinerary
On your final day in the park, get up early to catch the sunrise at one of the park’s overlooks. The sunrise is a beautiful and peaceful time to be in the park, and is a great way to start your day.
After the sunrise, take a strenuous hike along the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop trails, which offer stunning views of the canyon and its hoodoos.
These trails are more challenging than the Rim Trail, and require some steep climbing and hiking on uneven terrain. However, the views are well worth the effort, and you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful and iconic views in the park.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely drive along the scenic park road to see more of the park’s beautiful scenery.
The park road is a one-way road that winds through the park and offers access to several overlooks and trailheads. As you drive, keep an eye out for wildlife such as mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep.
Finally, attend a ranger-led program at the visitor center to learn about the park’s night sky and stargazing opportunities.
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its dark skies and excellent stargazing opportunities, and the ranger-led programs are a great way to learn more about the stars and constellations visible in the park. After the program, head out to one of the park’s designated stargazing areas to see the stars for yourself.
Map of the Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Summary of Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Wall Street
- Navajo Loop Switchbacks
- Sunrise at Inspiration Point
- Peekaboo Canyon
- Thors Hammer at Sunrise Point
- Horseback Riding
- Queens Garden
- Bryce Point
- Sunset Point
- Bryce Canyon Rim Trail
- Bryce Natural Bridge
- Rainbow Point
- Tower Bridge
- Stargazing
- Camping
- Bryce Canyon Lodge
- Bristlecone Loop Trail
- Scenic Drive
- Fairyland Point
- Red Canyon (Dixie National Forest)
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Is Thor’s Hammer not near from sunset point, instead of sunrise point?
Hi Jay,
Yes you are spot on. Thanks for pointing out. Correction has been made 🙂
Best,
Will