Visiting somewhere new is so fun but can also be intimidating.. I am a person who wants to know what to expect on my trip! So this post is to help you get your barring's for your next adventure! You'll read about how to get to Bryce, Once in the park - where you should go, what are hoodoos, hikes in the park, elevation, fees & passes
We went to Bryce Canyon National Park for the 1st & so far only time, in May 2022.
It was a last minute, spur of the moment trip on Mother's Day.
It is wild to me that we live in a place where we can wake up in the morning & say "Let's go to Bryce"
Living in Southern Utah, we get the best of both worlds.. We took a drive THROUGH Zion National Park, on our way to Bryce! Depending on where you're coming from, you can do this too!
Enter into Zion National Park, take the Mt Carmel Tunnel drive, exit the park & go to Bryce!
This is one the beautiful views from the Mt Carmel Tunnel Drive
As you get closer to Bryce, you will start to see these unique arches along the road
Make sure you grab a picture with the sign
Than you've arrived & you can start your adventure!
Here, there are a few things that you can do.
Here, there are a few things that you can do.
When we got there, we were advised by to drive all the way back to the park, & hit the pull outs that were located on the right on our way back. This is an 18 mile road with quite a few look out points.
We did what was suggested, but we wont be doing that again. Keep reading to see why you might want to do it this way & why you might want to skip it..
It was fun to overlook all of the hoodoos - click here to read about what a hoodoo is from the National Park Website
but by the time we got back to the entrance where many of the hikes are, we were tired, worn out, out of time & ready to go home. 
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 close to your car, get out, look around & get back in the comfort of your car
- Visiting the park in the winter & want to stay warm
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
Depending on your capabilities, & goals for visiting the park, will how you experience the park. Whatever you choose, have fun! enjoy it! This is a beautiful & wonderful place to visit.
Hikes in the Park
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)
Elevation & Weather :
Bryce Canyon is a high elevation park. Most of the park is 8,000 ft or above, sea level. When we went in May 2022, it was extremely windy, which made it chilly & a little less enjoyable. Be prepared for varying temperatures & dress in layers.
This park is popular all times of the year, it is just as beautiful, or even more so, in the winter. So make sure you look ahead at the weather conditions & dress appropriately.
UV radiation is also much higher at this level, so bring extra sunscreen. Yes, even in the winter.
When hiking at higher elevations, take your time, take it easy & don't push yourself.
Before you go, check the National Park official website to check for any weather problems, trail closures, safety tips & more https://www.nps.gov
Fees & Passes
Those are my top tips for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park!
Was this helpful for you? What questions do you still have? What is your favorite hike in the park?
0 Comments