5 Must-Do Adventures In Bryce Canyon National Park
Explore the gothic grandeur of Southern Utah.
If you’ve always wanted to travel to Paris to see Notre Dame, we think we can save you a few bucks on airfare and we guarantee you’ll be much more impressed with the arches, columns, and pinnacles of Bryce Canyon National Park. This natural architecture foreshadowed the great cathedrals of Europe by millions of years and the fact that they were forged by the elements is even more unbelievable.
There are endless ways to explore this other-worldly (and stunningly beautiful) scenery, so we’ve picked out five of our favorites to help get you started. Insider tip: don’t wait until spring! Bryce Canyon is just as beautiful and half as crowded during the winter.
1. Winter Camping at Sunset Campground
It doesn’t get much more peaceful than waking up in Bryce Canyon in the winter. Because the park is at about 8500 ft, it gets pretty chilly in the winter which is good news for you if you like winter camping - you’ll have the place to yourself! Learn more.
2. Explore Snowy Hoodoos on Wall Street
See the hoodoos that Bryce Canyon is so famous for with a unique feature - snow! The red rock formations are only more dramatic when contrasted with the fresh white snow and this trail provides one of the best spots to explore them. Learn more.
3. Hike the Rim Trail
If you’re not crunched on time when you’re stopping in Bryce Canyon, spend a day on this 11 mile hike around the canyon. It’s almost completely flat, so don’t let the 11 miles fool you - it’s not too tough. Learn more.
4. Backpack the Under the Rim Trail
Bryce Canyon is super popular, and for good reason, but this can make some of the spots less than tranquil due to the amount of visitors. If you want to really get out there and experience solitude in Bryce’s backcountry, this backpacking trip is just the ticket. Learn more.
5. Catch Sunset in the Park
Head to inspiration point (or just about any other lookout in the park) for an incredible sunset. It’s a great end to the day all year round, but if you come in the summer monsoon season, your sunset might even be accompanied by a rainbow. Learn more.
Taking in this much beauty is exhausting. Find a room and explore Bryce Canyon comfortably.
Cover photo: Kathleen Buenviaje
Don't see your favorite Bryce Canyon adventure on The Outbound? Show us by creating an adventure.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.
