Should You Visit Bryce Canyon National Park?

Are you thinking about visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Bryce Canyon National Park worth visiting?

Bryce Canyon National Park is worth visiting for two to five days so that you can explore everything that the park has to offer. Bryce Canyon National Park is an impressively beautiful park in southern Utah. Many people pass through, stopping for just a day or two to snap a picture and take a stroll through the hoodoos, but for those who want to experience the park more in depth, there are many backcountry trails that can take days to weeks to complete. The park is at its best during sunrise and sunset. During our first trip to Bryce Canyon National Park in 2006, we fell in love with its unique landscapes and breathtaking views. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more.

The Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park The Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park

Reasons to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

Hiking
Hiking through the iconic hoodoos is a truly magical experience. There are shorter hikes such as the Mossy Cave Trail or the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail. There are also more intense hikes and even a number of backcountry trails that will let you experience the park on a more personal level.




Things to Consider Before Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park

Museums
Bryce Canyon National Park isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. While information is available at the visitor center, there are no real museums within the park.

Nightlife
Most people don't associate Bryce Canyon National Park with a lively nightlife scene. There's no full service bar in town, so plan ahead if you want to have drinks.

Food: Bryce Canyon National Park doesn't top the list for most foodies. There are a couple of restaurants within the park. Just outside the park there are a number of options as well, including large buffets that cater to large tour groups and the tourist crowds. It's best to arrive early for these buffets.

Shopping: Bryce Canyon National Park isn't exactly a shopper's destination. There are shops and markets where you can pick up necessities. There are also a couple of gift shops.

Lots of Tourists
Bryce Canyon National Park sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Bryce Canyon National Park might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Bryce Canyon National Park here or see if Bryce Canyon National Park is expensive here.

Related

What is Bryce Canyon National Park most famous for?

Bryce Canyon National Park is most famous for its striking hoodoos and grand natural amphitheaters. People visit this impressive park for its great hiking. It is often described as spectacular, other-worldly, and breathtaking.

How touristy is Bryce Canyon National Park? Is it a popular park to visit?

Bryce Canyon National Park is a very touristy park that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Peekaboo, Spooky and Dry Fork Slot Canyon Tour: $139
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures Utah Thunder Mt. 4 Hour Ride: $120
  • Zebra Slot Canyon Hiking Tour in Escalante: $139
  • Half Day Canyoneering Tour in Egypt Slot Canyon: $159
  • 8 Hours Cosmic Ashtray Experience in Escalante: $249
  • Ruby's Horseback Adventures All Day Ride: $150
  • Hiking Experience in Bryce Canyon National Park: $120
  • Horseback Riding Experience through Red Canyon with a Guide: $105

How long should I spend in Bryce Canyon National Park?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park is two to five days. Since Bryce Canyon National Park has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Bryce Canyon National Park?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Bryce Canyon National Park?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Bryce Canyon National Park?.