Bryce Canyon Hotels, Tours & Things to Do
Discover the Hoodoo Wonderland of Bryce Canyon. Explore towering spires, scenic trails, and unforgettable landscapes in one of Utah’s most magical national parks. Just under 4 hours from the Grand Canyon North Rim, Bryce is a perfect addition to your Southwest road trip.
Plan Your Trip to Bryce Canyon
- Best Time to Visit: Spring–Fall (ideal weather). Winter = fewer crowds, snow-covered hoodoos.
- Popular Add-Ons: Combine with Zion, Capitol Reef, or Grand Staircase-Escalante for the full Utah parks loop.
- Entrance Fee: Included with America the Beautiful Pass or per-vehicle at gate.
Let Bryce Canyon’s colorful spires inspire awe as you make it part of your Grand Circle adventure through the Southwest.
Bryce Canyon Visitor Center
Open daily year-round. Features the “Shadows of Time” film, ranger services, exhibits, maps, and backcountry permits.
Popular Places to Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park
Inside the Park: Bryce Canyon Lodge
The historic Bryce Canyon Lodge, run by Xanterra, features 114 rooms including rustic cabins and lodge suites. Open April–October. Book early — reservations open 12 months in advance.
Hotels Near Bryce Canyon (Outside the Park)
- Bryce Canyon City: Ruby’s Inn (full-service hotel near park entrance)
- Panguitch, UT: Budget-friendly motels & cozy B&Bs
- Duck Creek Village & Cedar City: Lodges, inns, cabins (30–90 minutes away)
Bryce Canyon Campgrounds
North & Sunset Campgrounds (Inside the Park)
- Flush toilets, seasonal showers, laundry, drinking water
- RV dump station at North Campground (no hookups)
- $10/night, max 10 people (6 adults max per site)
Reservations:
- North Campground – Some reservable via recreation.gov or 877-444-6777
- Sunset Campground – First-come, first-served only
Backcountry Camping
Permits required. Visit the NPS website under "Bryce Canyon backcountry permits."
Best Day Hikes in Bryce Canyon
Easy & Family-Friendly
- Rim Trail: 0–11 mi RT; paved between Sunrise & Sunset Points
- Queens Garden Trail: 1.8 mi RT; gentle descent into hoodoos
- Mossy Cave Trail: 0.8 mi RT; waterfall and cave near Tropic
- Bristlecone Loop: 1 mi RT; views + ancient bristlecone pines
Moderate to Strenuous
- Navajo Loop: 1.3 mi RT; steep switchbacks, Thor’s Hammer, Two Bridges
- Peekaboo Loop: 5.5 mi RT; Wall of Windows, shared with horseback riders
- Fairyland Loop: 8 mi RT; quieter, dramatic hoodoo landscapes
There are several ways to explore this Utah National Park; driving, hiking, horseback and mules rides and pleasant strolls along the rim while gazing out across the impressive amphitheater of hoodoos.
Self-Guided Driving Tour:
Beginning at the Visitors Center, be sure to check out Rainbow & Yovimpa, Ponderosa Canyon, Agua Canyon, Natural Bridge, Farview, Swamp Canyon, Paria View, Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, Fairyland Canyon and Mossy Cave. See the National Park website for more information on each of these scenic viewpoints and areas of interest.
Ranger-led Talks & Family Programs:
Ranger programs are a great way to expand your exploration of Bryce Canyon. They're free of charge and range from a few minutes to a few hours. Have all your questions answered or take an in-depth look at Bryce Canyon geology, sunsets or the starry night sky above.
Horseback Riding:
Guided horseback rides are available from April through October from Canyon Trail Rides. Trail ride reservations are strongly encouraged - (435) 679-8665. Tours depart from and can be purchased at the Bryce Canyon Lodge trail rides desk.
Most Popular Hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park
Some of Bryce Canyon's hiking trails are also shared by horses/mules; hikers must yield to horses/mules. Hiking clockwise reduces your chances of encountering horses/mules.
- Rim Trail: (Length: 0 - 11 mi/0 - 17.7 km round trip) Outstanding views of hoodoos from above. Trail is paved and fairly level between Sunset and Sunrise Points.
- Bristlecone Loop: (Length: 1.0 mi/1.6 km round trip) Hike through spruce-fir forests to cliffs with bristlecone pines and expansive vistas.
- Queens Garden: (Length1.8 mi/2.9 km round trip) This is the least difficult trail into the canyon. Using your imagination you may even see Queen Victoria at the end of a short spur trail.
- Mossy Cave: (Length: 0.8 mi/1.3k round trip) Streamside walk up to a mossy overhang and small waterfall. (Waterfall flows May to October)
Here, three of our favorite more-strenuous day hikes that are highly recommended for intermediate to advanced hikers. Moderate Hikes have steep grades with "down and back" elevation changes. Strenuous Hikes are those consisting of steep grades with multiple elevation changes. These hikes are not recommended for the faint of heart.
- Navajo Trail: (Length: 1.3 mi/2.2 km round trip - Moderate) Navajo Loop is completely open, by ascending over the top of the latest rock slide. Please use caution traversing this trail. Thor's Hammer and Two Bridges side of trail is open all the way to canyon floor.
- Fairyland Loop: (Length: 8 mi/12.9 km round trip - Strenuous) See the China Wall, Tower Bridge and tall hoodoos on this less-crowded trail.
- Peek-A-Boo Loop: (Length: 5.5 mi/8.8 km round trip - Strenuous) Steep but spectacular hike through the heart of Bryce Amphitheater. See the Wall of Windows. (This trail is shared by the trail ride concession).
