7 Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its stunning hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that create one of the most unique landscapes on earth. The park offers a mix of scenic drives, hiking trails, and star-gazing opportunities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor adventurers. If you’re planning a trip to this otherworldly landscape, here’s a guide to the best things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park.

1. Sunrise and Sunset at Bryce Point and Sunrise Point

• Best For: Photography, scenic views

• Best Time to Visit: Sunrise and sunset for vibrant colors

• Difficulty: Easy, accessible viewpoints

The Bryce Canyon Amphitheater is one of the most iconic views in the park, and Bryce Point and Sunrise Point are the best spots to take in the stunning landscape. Watching the first light of the day or the glow of the setting sun transform the hoodoos into shades of orange, pink, and red is truly an unforgettable experience.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Arrive early for a front-row seat at sunrise.
✔️ Layer up—it can be chilly in the early morning hours, even in summer.
✔️ Bring your camera—the light changes quickly, creating new photo opportunities.

2. Hike the Navajo Loop Trail

• Hike Distance: 1.3 miles

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Best For: Hiking, photography

One of the most popular trails in Bryce Canyon, the Navajo Loop takes you down into the heart of the canyon, weaving between the towering hoodoos and offering close-up views of these geological formations. The trail connects with the Queen’s Garden Trail to create a longer loop (2.9 miles) if you’re looking for more of a challenge.

The Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop is particularly striking, as it passes through a narrow gorge with towering walls of rock.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Start early or late in the day to avoid crowds and the heat.
✔️ Bring plenty of water—it’s a relatively short hike, but it’s steep in places.
✔️ If you’re feeling more adventurous, combine this hike with the Queen’s Garden for a longer experience.

3. Scenic Drive Along Bryce Canyon’s Rim

• Length: 18 miles (one-way)

• Best For: Scenic views, photography

• Difficulty: Easy

The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive offers numerous viewpoints that showcase different perspectives of the park’s famous amphitheater and hoodoos. The drive stretches for 18 miles, with 13 different viewpoints, each providing a unique angle of the park’s stunning geology.

Some of the best stops along the way include Rainbow Point, which offers views of the entire Bryce Canyon area, and Paria View, where you can take in panoramic vistas of the park’s incredible rock formations.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Plan to spend a few hours along the drive to stop at each viewpoint.
✔️ For the best photography, stop at viewpoints during golden hour (early morning or late evening).
✔️ Don’t rush the drive—take your time to absorb the views and capture the beauty.

4. Explore the Under-the-Rim Trail

• Hike Distance: 23 miles (one-way)

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Best For: Experienced hikers, solitude

For those who love a challenging backcountry hike, the Under-the-Rim Trail is an adventure you won’t want to miss. Starting at Bryce Point, this strenuous trail descends into the canyon, following the base of the rim through a series of diverse ecosystems, including lush forests and arid desert landscapes.

This multi-day trail is perfect for those seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience. If you're not ready to commit to the entire trail, there are shorter options to explore.

Insider Tips:

✔️ This is a backcountry hike, so bring sufficient gear, water, and a map.
✔️ Check trail conditions before heading out.
✔️ Be prepared for steep ascents and descents—bring hiking poles for added stability.

5. Star Gazing at Bryce Canyon

• Best For: Astronomy lovers, photographers

• Best Time to Visit: After dark

• Difficulty: Easy, accessible stargazing

Bryce Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the country for stargazing. The park’s remote location and low light pollution provide a clear view of the night sky, with constellations, planets, and the Milky Way visible to the naked eye.

If you’re visiting during the summer months, check the park’s nightly astronomy programs at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, where rangers host educational talks and provide telescopes for close-up views of celestial objects.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Dress warmly—it can get quite cold at night, even in summer.
✔️ Bring a flashlight with a red filter to preserve your night vision.
✔️ The best stargazing happens during new moons, when the sky is darkest.

6. Horseback Riding in Bryce Canyon

• Best For: Families, adventure seekers

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

For a unique way to experience the park, consider horseback riding through the Bryce Canyon trails. There are several guided tours available that take you along scenic trails, offering a different perspective of the hoodoos and landscapes.

The Bryce Canyon Horseback Riding Tour will take you through high desert terrain, past ancient rock formations, and offer views of the park’s colorful cliffs and valleys.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Book your tour in advance, as spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
✔️ Wear long pants and sturdy shoes for comfort.
✔️ Be ready for an incredible photo op along the trail!

7. Visit the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center

• Best For: First-time visitors, families

• Best Time to Visit: Upon arrival or for park orientation

The Bryce Canyon Visitor Center is a great starting point for anyone new to the park. Located just off the main entrance, it offers interactive exhibits, maps, and informative displays about the park's geology, history, and wildlife. The center also has a gift shop and restrooms for convenience.

In addition, check out the park film, which provides a fascinating overview of Bryce Canyon’s history and unique features.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Stop by the visitor center to get the latest information on trail conditions and closures.
✔️ Grab a park map and be sure to check out the interpretive programs that run seasonally.
✔️ If you have any questions, the friendly rangers are always available to help!