At the top of the Grand Staircase in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park preserves the largest concentration of hoodoos on Earth. This unique landscape of red rock amphitheaters, spires, and pinnacles was shaped by millions of years of erosion and offers dramatic viewpoints, vibrant plant and animal life, and some of the darkest night skies in the country. Established as a national park in 1928, Bryce draws visitors from around the world to hike its trails, camp under the stars, and marvel at its geological wonders.
Bryce Canyon National Park (est. 1928) protects a vast amphitheater filled with colorful hoodoos, offers scenic overlooks, world-class hiking, and incredible dark sky programs. The park sits on a high plateau with diverse flora, fauna, and unique geology, attracting nature lovers year-round.
Overview and Plan Your Visit
Bryce Canyon is world-renowned for its hoodoo-filled amphitheaters, especially the Bryce Amphitheater, where viewpoints like Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point offer spectacular photo opportunities. The park has one main 18-mile scenic road that extends north to Rainbow Point, with numerous overlooks and trailheads along the way.
Primary Viewpoints and Scenic Drives
- Bryce Amphitheater — The first 3 miles of the main road give access to the park’s most famous viewpoints: Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point. Each offers a unique perspective on the swirling pink and red rock formations below.
- Southern Scenic Drive — This 18-mile (round trip) drive leads visitors to additional viewpoints like Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, Fairyland Point, Sunset Point, and Rainbow Point, the park’s highest viewpoint.
Plan Your Visit and Visitor Centers
- Plan Your Visit — Bryce Canyon NP is open year-round, 24 hours a day, though visitor centers and facilities have seasonal hours. A good starting place for trip planning is the NPS Plan Your Visit page.
- Bryce Canyon Visitor Center — The main visitor center offers park orientation, maps, exhibits, trip planning assistance, and information on ranger programs and camping. It is located near the park entrance and is open seasonally.
Additional Resources
- Park Overview, Entrance Info & Hours
- Current Conditions & Alerts
- Maps, Brochures & Scenic Drive Info
- Calendar of Ranger Programs & Events
- Camping Information
Adventure and Exploration
Bryce Canyon offers hiking for every skill level, from paved rim trails to steep, adventurous routes into the hoodoo-filled amphitheaters. Ranger-led programs, full moon hikes, and stargazing events add to the adventure.
Hiking in Bryce Canyon
- Queen’s Garden / Navajo Loop Combination — This 2.9-mile loop is one of the most popular hikes, descending into the Bryce Amphitheater to walk among the hoodoos. It starts at Sunset and Sunrise Points.
- Navajo Loop Trail — A 1.3-mile loop that features iconic views of Wall Street and Thor’s Hammer.
- Queen’s Garden Trail — At 1.8 miles round trip, this is the park’s easiest trail into the amphitheater, showcasing uniquely shaped hoodoos.
- Fairyland Loop Trail — A 8-mile strenuous loop that offers a quieter, full immersion experience in the hoodoo landscape.
- Peekaboo Loop Trail — A 5.5-mile loop (3.5 miles strenuous) that features spectacular rock formations and the Wall of Windows.
Camping and Lodging
- North Campground — Open seasonally with sites available by reservation and some first-come, first-served.
- South Campground — First-come, first-served; open seasonally.
- Bryce Canyon Lodge — Historic lodge offering cabins and a central location next to the Bryce Amphitheater. Reservations are recommended.
Ranger Programs and Night Sky Events
- Ranger Programs — Educational talks and walks are offered seasonally to teach visitors about the park's geology, wildlife, and history.
- Full Moon Hikes — Join a ranger for a hike by the light of the full moon. Free tickets are available via Recreation.gov.
- Night Sky Telescope Programs — From Memorial Day through Labor Day, participate in ranger-guided dark sky programs to explore the park’s phenomenal night sky.
Animals
Bryce Canyon is home to a variety of wildlife adapted to the high plateau environment. Animals are most active at dawn and dusk and include:
Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Mule deer are commonly seen grazing in the park’s meadows and forests, especially during early morning or evening hours. Their large ears and bounding gait make them a favorite among visitors.
Utah Prairie Dog (Cynomys parvidens)
This threatened species lives in colonies in the park’s open meadows, digging extensive burrow systems. They play an important role in ecosystem health and are protected within the park.
Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos)
These large raptors can be spotted soaring above the park’s cliffs and hoodoos, hunting for small mammals and birds. Their impressive wingspan makes them easy to identify.
Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)
Though rarely seen, mountain lions roam the park in search of prey such as mule deer. They are elusive and primarily active at night.
Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)
These colorful lizards bask on sun-warmed rocks and are often seen darting through the park’s exposed rock areas. Their speed and agility help them evade predators.
Plants
Bryce Canyon’s flora reflects its high elevation and semi-arid climate, with plant communities that include pines, junipers, and a variety of wildflowers.
Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis)
The pinyon pine is a hardy tree that anchors the park’s higher elevation woodlands. Its seeds, known as pine nuts, are a food source for many animals, and its dense branches provide shelter in the rocky landscape.
Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)
Utah juniper is a tough, drought-resistant tree that thrives in the park’s arid conditions. Its blue berries serve as food for birds and mammals, and its aromatic wood is highly resilient.
Sego Lily (Calochortus nuttallii)
This delicate wildflower blooms each spring and summer in the park’s meadows and open forests. Its white petals and distinctive maroon markings make it a highlight for visitors on foot.
Habitats and Plant Communities
The park’s plant life includes sagebrush, serviceberry, and prickly pear cactus, contributing to a diverse ecosystem that supports both wildlife and the park’s striking geology.
Geology and Scenic Features
Bryce Canyon is famed for its hoodoos—irregular columns of rock formed by frost-wedging and erosion. The park sits atop the Claron Formation, which dates back 50 million years to a lake and river system that deposited layers of sediment.
Key Geological Features
- Hoodoos — Formed by erosion, frost action, and rain, these colorful spires give the park its unique appearance.
- Bryce Amphitheater — The largest concentration of hoodoos in the park, visible from several iconic viewpoints.
- Natural Bridge — A stunning example of erosion where water carved through rock to create a natural arch.
Night Skies
Bryce Canyon is internationally recognized for its dark skies, offering some of the best stargazing in the United States. The park hosts telescope programs and allows visitors to enjoy the Milky Way, planets, and countless stars free from light pollution.
Management and Contact Information
Bryce Canyon National Park is managed by the National Park Service with a focus on preserving its unique geology, flora, and fauna while providing opportunities for public enjoyment and education.
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 640201, Bryce, UT
- Phone: 435-834-
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/brca/
- Plan Your Visit: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/index.htm
- Current Conditions: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
- Camping: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
- Hiking: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/day-hikes.htm
- Ranger Programs: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/ranger-programs.htm
Bryce Canyon National Park offers an unforgettable landscape of sculpted rock, vibrant life, and expansive skies—a must-visit destination for lovers of nature and adventure .
Links
Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025
