//
National park in Utah, United States
Photo: Ymaup, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park in Utah's Canyon Country. Some 35,835 acres (14,502 ha) or 56 mi² (145 km²) in extent, the designated area around the spectacular Bryce Canyon (not actually a canyon, but rather a giant natural amphitheater created by erosion) became a United States National Monument in 1923 and was designated as a National Park in 1928. The park is one of the most popular in Utah, with nearly one million people visiting each year to take in Bryce's spectacular scenery.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Just past the entrance, the Visitor Center makes a good first stop with park rangers on hand to answer questions, exhibits and a film about the park. Bookstore and gift shop on-site.
Near the Bryce Canyon Lodge, Sunrise Point provides an inspiring view of the canyon amphitheater, with light best at (surprise!) sunrise.
A short hike from Sunrise Point along the Rim Trail, and also accessible by car, Sunset Point offers an alternative view of the canyon amphitheater with best light occurring at sunset.
Another viewpoint accessible by car or from the Rim Trail, Inspiration View's name is well-deserved. Photography from this overlook is best at sunset.
One of the most dramatic overlooks in the park, Bryce Point offers a tremendous panorama of the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape. It is accessible either by car or along the rim trail.
Formed from an eroded hoodoo, the natural bridge is an interesting feature, although it may not impress those expecting an enormous natural arch.
At the end of the park road, Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point provide lookouts onto more hoodoos and also allow access to park trails including the Under the Rim Trail and the Riggs Spring Loop Trail.
(11.0 miles round trip). Leading along the cliff edge from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point, this trail is paved in portions and accessible from numerous overlooks. Most park visitors will hike at least a portion of the trail to enjoy the views.
(0.9 miles / 1.5 km round trip). Accessible from highway 12, this easy trail leads past a waterfall and up to a cave, with views of hoodoos along the way.
(1.0 miles / 1.6 km round trip). This trail starts from Yovimpa Point and leads through a coniferous forest to a nice view on the cliff's edge.
(1.3 miles / 2.2 km round trip). One of the most popular trails in the park, leading through the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater past formations such as Thor's Hammer and Wall Street. The trailhead is at Sunset Point.
(2.9 miles / 4.6 km round trip). A popular loop trail that starts from Sunrise Point and finishes at Sunset Point, passing through much of the Bryce Amphitheater along the way.
(3 miles / 4.8 km round trip). A trailhead north of Sunrise Point follows a portion of the Fairyland trail to a natural arch.
(4 miles / 6.5 km round trip). Departing from Bryce Point, this trail descends 900 feet to some interesting rock formations.
(4.3 miles / 7.2 km round trip). This loop trail starts from the Swamp Canyon overlook and briefly joins with the Under-the-Rim trail before returning.
(5.5 miles / 8.8 km round trip). A trail shared with horses and leading through formations within Bryce Amphitheater. It is accessible from the Queen's Garden trail.
(8 miles / 12.9 km round trip). The Fairyland loop trail starts at Fairyland Point and loops into the Bryce Amphitheater near Sunrise Point before returning.
(8.5 miles / 14.2 km round trip). The Riggs Spring Loop Trail (8.8 miles round trip) from Yovimpa Point has four backcountry sites.
This trail extends 23 miles from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point and has eight backcountry campsites.
2-hour and 4-hour trips are available on either horses or mules into Bryce Amphitheater along the Peekaboo trail.
Half day, full day, and 1 ½ hour rides, including the Thunder Mountain Ride.
Near Sunrise Point, the lodge has 114 rooms, which include motel rooms and cabins. Warm and comfortable beds. On-site restaurant, free WiFi. Open between March and November, with the cabins opening early May and closing mid-October.
Rooms and cabins.
Those looking for a resort-style lodging will probably want to look elsewhere, but during busy times Foster's offers a warm place to spend the night that won't bust the budget.
99 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. North Campground is located across the road to the east of the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and is comprised of 99 sites in 4 loops; A, B, C, D. Loops A & B are for RV campers. Loops C & D are for tent campers. There are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups available. A dump station is available in summer months at the south end of the campground for a $5 use fee. Potable water is available near the dump station.
(April - October) 100 sites, 1 group site. Reservations are available for the summer, but the campground is first-come, first-served in other seasons. Sunset Campground is comprised of 100 sites in 3 loops; A, B, & C. Loop A is for RV campers. Loops B & C are for tent campers. There are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups available. A dump station is available in summer months near North Campground for a $5 use fee. Potable water is available near the dump station. Sunset Campground is close to Sunset Point and has a shuttle stop at its entrance.
Just outside the park entrance. Rates are charged based on the number of people per site and begin at $18 for two people, increasing by $2 for each additional person. Rates for RVs start at $26 for two people, also increasing by $2 for additional individuals.
Open March 15 to November 15, this KOA 12 miles from the park entrance charges $18-24 for a tent site, $21-30 for an RV site, and $36-48 for a cabin.
By air
The small Bryce Canyon Airport, off Utah State Route 12 near the park entrance, only serves general aviation and charter flights.
By shuttle
A park shuttle runs during the peak summer months (May–October), allowing people to park their cars outside of the park and then travel to the overlooks along the road.
By foot
For backpackers there are multi-day trails that run the length of the park. Permits are required for all overnight camping.
By bike
Bikes are not allowed on most of the park trails, but they are useful for avoiding traffic around the sometimes busy viewpoints.
By guided tour
A number of companies provide guided tours of Bryce Canyon that include transportation from the surrounding areas.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Cedar City · Regional · CDC
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Bryce Canyon National Park and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.