What no one tells you about Bryce National Park [save this post to refer back to later for planning]
May 2022 was our 1st & so far only time to Bryce National Park. While we LOVED the trip, there are things we will do different next time..
The park workers recommended that we drive 18 miles down to the end of the road, than hit all of the stops on the right hand side on the way back. As we drove down, we were in aw at the beauty & uniqueness of the structures. But it took us a few hours to hit all of these stops, & we tired as the day went on.
By the time we got back to the beginning of the park where most of the popular hikes are, we were out of time & energy. So we never actually did any hiking here.
Next time, we will skip the drive, skip the pull outs & go straight for some hiking!
May 2022 was our 1st & so far only time to Bryce National Park. While we LOVED the trip, there are things we will do different next time..
The park workers recommended that we drive 18 miles down to the end of the road, than hit all of the stops on the right hand side on the way back. As we drove down, we were in aw at the beauty & uniqueness of the structures. But it took us a few hours to hit all of these stops, & we tired as the day went on.
By the time we got back to the beginning of the park where most of the popular hikes are, we were out of time & energy. So we never actually did any hiking here.
Next time, we will skip the drive, skip the pull outs & go straight for some hiking!
But it all depends on what kind of experience you are looking for & what is best for you!
Why you should do the drive
- If you are visiting the park for the 1st time
- If you are spending multiple days in the park
- If you have children with you
- If you are not a hiker but want to experience the park
- You want to be in the comfort of your car, stop, get out, look around & get back in the car
Why you should skip the drive
- If you have limited time in the park
- If you want to get down in the hoodoos
- If you want to hike
Some hikes we look forward to in the future are:
Easy Hikes
Mossy Cave: 0.8 mi (1.3 km)
Sunset to Sunrise (along Rim Trail): 1.0 mi (1.6 km)
Bristlecone Loop: 1.0 mi (1.6 km)
Sunset to Sunrise (along Rim Trail): 1.0 mi (1.6 km)
Bristlecone Loop: 1.0 mi (1.6 km)
Moderate Hikes
Queen's Garden: 1.8 mi (2.9 km)
Navajo Loop: 1.3 mi (2.2 km)
Queen's/Navajo Combo Loop: 2.9 mi (4.6 km)
Tower Bridge: 3.0 mi (4.8 km)
Swamp Canyon Loop: 4.0 mi (6.4 km)
Navajo Loop: 1.3 mi (2.2 km)
Queen's/Navajo Combo Loop: 2.9 mi (4.6 km)
Tower Bridge: 3.0 mi (4.8 km)
Swamp Canyon Loop: 4.0 mi (6.4 km)
Strenuous Hikes
Hat Shop: 4.0 mi (6.4 km)
Fairyland Loop: 8.0 mi (12.9 km)
Peekaboo Loop: 5.5 mi (8.8 km)
Navajo/Peekaboo Combo: 4.9 mi (7.8 km)
Figure-8 Combo: 6.4 mi (10.2 km)
Bryce Amphitheater Traverse: 4.7 mi (7.5 km)
Fairyland Loop: 8.0 mi (12.9 km)
Peekaboo Loop: 5.5 mi (8.8 km)
Navajo/Peekaboo Combo: 4.9 mi (7.8 km)
Figure-8 Combo: 6.4 mi (10.2 km)
Bryce Amphitheater Traverse: 4.7 mi (7.5 km)
Have you hiked at Bryce Canyon National Park before?
If so, did you do the drive? Do the hike? Or both?
If so, did you do the drive? Do the hike? Or both?
Tell me about your trip!
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