Bryce Canyon Travel Guide (15 Amazing Things to Do)

Use this Bryce Canyon Travel Guide to plan your epic national park vacation getaway in Utah!

Then… start planning the rest of your Utah canyon vacation with these travel tested Zion National Park Travel Tips!

Bryce Canyon Travel Guide

So are you dreaming of heading to Bryce Canyon National Park to explore the world famous 150 foot tall Hoodoos found in this spectacular Utah canyon? This Bryce Canyon Travel Guide has everything you need to know BEFORE you go!

After visiting Bryce Canyon more than 10 different times, I put together these Bryce Canyon Travel Tips to help you plan your own amazing adventure!

I don’t want you to miss the very best Bryce Canyon Things to Do! So I’ve included details for the best trails and viewpoints to take in the Hoodoos. I’ve also included tips to help you spot some of the most iconic natural features in the park, including the natural bridges!

There really are so many fun things to see and do in Bryce Canyon!

Here’s what you need to know before you visit Bryce…

Related: Zion National Park Travel Tips

How Many Days Should I Spend In Bryce Canyon?

It is possible to see Bryce Canyon in just one day… if you only stop at the view points located along the top of the canyon for some quick photos. But I really don’t recommend this.

The view points alone will not allow you to capture the very best that Bryce Canyon has to offer.

I highly recommend that you give yourself at least two days to see this national park.

That will give you enough time to head down a trail or two, and allow you to get up close to the magnificent beauty of this spectacular canyon.

Bryce Canyon Things to Do

Bryce Canyon Rim Trail

Trail Length: 11 miles total (5.5 miles each way)

Fee: FREE

(Just before you reach the main park entrance station, take a left and head east down the Fairyland Road to the Fairyland Parking Lot located at the end of the road, and you actually won’t need to pay at all. This tip comes straight from a Bryce Canyon Park Ranger, and is a simple way to save BIG!)

The rim trail at the Bryce Canyon is an easy trail that meanders for over 5 miles along the rim of the canyon. Be prepared for a little bit of climbing and some elevation changes. But don’t worry… it’s all worth it. You’ll be rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views all along the way!

The trail extends 5.5 miles each way, but you can easily customize it and go as short or far as you’d like.

Bryce Canyon Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Hike

Trail Length: 3.2 miles (loop trail)

Fee: FREE or Entrance Fee

(If you park at the Fairyland Overlook parking lot and walk a few miles along the rim trail first, you can then hike Wall Street for free. If you’d like to park closer, simply pay the entrance fee for access to closer parking lots.)

This is by far my favorite hike at Bryce Canyon. I make a point of doing this hike every time I possibly can. I’m not the only one that finds this hike super appealing, it is likely the most popular hike down into Bryce Canyon.

So expect to see a lot of people everywhere along this hike.

I recommend starting your hike at Sunset Point and walking the trail counterclockwise down through Wall Street. Then continue on the trail and climb back to the top of the canyon on the Queens Garden trail.

Just below the canyon rim on the Queens Garden Trail…

Bryce Canyon Navajo Loop Trail

Trail Length: 1.3 miles (loop trail)

Fee: Park Entrance Fee Required

This popular trail begins at Sunset Point and will give you a huge payoff in just a short distance. Beginning your hike clockwise, the trail will take you down past the iconic Thor’s Hammer.

The trail will then lead you back up to the top of the canyon, but not before traveling through the magnificent walls of Wall Street.

Bryce Canyon Mossy Cave Trail & Waterfall Hike

Trail Length: 0.8 miles (out and back)

Fee: FREE

Another spot you don’t want to miss is the Mossy Cave Trail and Waterfall Hike. The parking lot is located just outside of the main park, and there is no fee required at the parking lot.

You’ll find the parking lot right on scenic highway 12, just a few miles east of the round-about turnoff for the main park entrance road.

The cave is interesting, but the waterfall truly is the star of the show on this hike. You can even hike up to the rushing creek that runs along the waterfall. Y

ou will also be able to enjoy epic views of Hoodoos from the bottom of the canyon, without any of the steep climbs up or down required in the rest of the canyon.

This is an easy hike with a BIG payoff. Be sure to pack some snacks and water and stay awhile… it’s such a beautiful spot to spend some time at!

Bryce Canyon Fairyland Loop Trail

Trail Length: 8 miles (loop trail)

Fee: FREE

(Just before you reach the main park entrance station, take a left and head east down the Fairyland Road to the Fairyland Parking Lot located at the end of the road, and you actually won’t need to pay at all. This tip comes straight from a Bryce Canyon Park Ranger, and is a simple way to save BIG!)

This moderately difficult hike begins at the Fairyland Overlook and travels down through the canyon, before bringing you back up to the top of the canyon near Sunrise Point.

To finish the hike, simply hike back along the rim trail back to the Fairyland Overlook.

What I like most about this hike is the solitude. You will pass through some of the most beautiful parts of the canyon, including Tower Bridge. All while avoiding the larger crowds located at the top of the canyon or along the shorter, busier trails in the canyon.

Bryce Canyon Bird Watching

While hiking around Bryce, don’t forget to keep an eye out for some incredible birds, too!

Some small binoculars or a zoom lens will really come in handy. We spotted this sweet little Western Tanager along the rim trail.

What a cutie!

Then keep a lookout for the stunning blue and black Steller’s Jay.

There are many around Bryce Canyon, but they move around FAST!

Bryce Canyon Natural Bridge Overlook

This natural bridge or arch overlook is located right on the park road, about halfway between the main park entrance and the South end of the park road.

The overlook will give you a view of possibly the most iconic of all the arches located within the park.

I was excited to be able to capture a photo of this arch in the late spring when there was still some snow on the ground, making the scene even more breathtaking!

Bryce Canyon Rainbow Point Overlook and Yovimpa Point Overlook

Located at the very south end of the park road, these two viewpoints sit at a whopping 9100 foot elevation, making these overlooks some of the highest points you can visit while inside the park.

These viewpoints are also a great place to enjoy some of the most epic and sweeping views of the entire canyon.

Besides, you haven’t really seen all of Bryce Canyon until you’ve driven to the end of the road!

What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About Bryce Canyon

Karen writes: “One of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I liked it better than the Grand Canyon.”

7 Best Day Trips From Bryce Canyon

If you’re planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, there is so much you can do within a 1 – 3 hour drive from Bryce.

So make the most of your trip to Bryce when you combine the above Bryce Canyon Travel Guide tips with these travel tips.  Visiting more amazing places on the same trip is just smart!

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Drive Time: 1 hour

The Escalante Petrified Forest is located right off scenic highway 12 and 1 hour East of Bryce Canyon. This State Park features a nice variety of petrified wood, and is a less crowded alternative to the Petrified Forest National Park found in northern Arizona.

A visit to this Utah state park is a low key and relaxing way to spend a few hours.  

It will also provide you with the added bonus of being able to enjoy the beautiful scenery all along highway 12 on your drive from Bryce Canyon!

Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike

Drive Time: 1.5 hours

The 126 foot Lower Calf Creek Falls are located just off highway 12, east of Bryce and the Escalante Petrified Forest.

The BLM managed parking lot and trailhead are located at the campground of the Calf Creek Recreation Area. Plan ahead and have $5 handy for the parking fee.

The 5.5 mile out and back hike to the waterfall is well worth the effort. The waterfall is a spectacular site to behold and ranks as one of my top 5 favorite waterfalls to visit.

Capitol Reef National Park

Driving Time: 2.5 hours

I recommend that you take the scenic highway 12 to travel from Bryce to Capitol Reef. This road will also take you right past the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and the parking lot for the Lower Calf Creek Falls hike.

This is honestly one of the most beautiful roads I have ever driven. The drive alone will make your trip to Capitol Reef worth while.

While visiting Capitol Reef, I highly recommend that you hike the 1.7 mile out-and-back Hickman Natural Bridge trail, either early in the morning or right before sunset.  The trail is located just 2 miles east of the park visitor center.

All along the hike you will be rewarded with stunning and varied landscape, including black igneous rock and the sandstone Hickman Natural Bridge at the end of the trail.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Driving Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

When you visit Cedar Breaks, it will be like exploring a much smaller, less crowded version of Bryce Canyon.  Cedar Breaks is located about halfway between Bryce and Zion National Park.  

At around 10,000 feet in elevation, this is a great place to stay cool on a hot summer day!

The vibrant colors of this bowl shaped national monument are a spectacular site worth seeing!

Zion Canyon National Park

Driving Time: 1.5 hours to the East park entrance

With Bryce and Zion located so close to each other, I usually try to visit both on the same trip.  

Zion National Park is a place I never get tired of.  There is always something new to explore, a fun new season to experience, and wild animals to spot.  

It’s truly one of my favorite destinations that I love to visit again and again. 

Grand Canyon National Park

Driving Time: 3 hours to the North Rim

Living in Arizona, I try to visit the Grand Canyon every year, and let me tell you… it never disappoints!  

Read my Grand Canyon Travel Tips to learn about the best hidden gems and things you don’t want to miss!

Horseshoe Bend

Driving Time: 2.5 hours to Horseshoe Bend

The epic views and convenient location right off Highway 89 outside of Page, AZ make this stop a Must!!  The trail from the parking lot is a fairly easy 1.5 miles round trip.  

If you plan to visit during the warmer months, I do recommend visiting earlier in the day, or closer to sunset to avoid the heat.

Horseshoe Bend has become incredibly popular the past few years, so there is now a $10 parking fee.

Best Camping in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon has two campgrounds located inside the park.  

If you plan on camping on your trip to Bryce, I highly recommend staying at one of these campgrounds, as you will be within only a short walking distance to the top rim of the canyon from both locations.

North Campground

The North Campground is located almost right next to the canyon rim and the rim trail.  It’s also very close to both the visitor center and general store.  

Campsites are only available on a first-come-first-serve basis, making it harder to get a campsite during the busier Summer months.

There are 99 total sites available at the North Campground, including both RV sites and Tent sites.  There is a central location for potable water, and a dump station is available for a small fee.

Sunset Campground

The Sunset Campground is located close to the iconic Sunset Point and a shuttle stop is located at the entrance to the campground.  

Online reservations are available, beginning in mid May and running through mid October.  There are 100 camp sites total, including both RV’s and tent camping sites.

My hubby and boys have actually stayed at this campground multiple times in the past.  He loved the peace of mind knowing he had a camp site reserved ahead of time.  My two boys really enjoyed all of the amazing wildlife.  

They actually spent hours one evening following deer around the campsite, and just had a wonderful time in the great outdoors!

Now… make sure your camping trip to Bryce is as epic as the magnificent canyon hoodoos with some help from these tried and true tips:

201 Camping Tips and Tricks

61 Easy Camping Menu Tips

125 Easy RV Recipes

Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next vacation?  

It’s so much easier than you think!  Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…

75 Hotel Hacks Everyone Should Know

In addition to camping and hotels, be sure to also check out VRBO for lodging on your trip to Bryce.  There are so many vacation rentals listed by owner in the small towns all around the park.

I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO rentals, and loved every one.  Not only were they significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came with a full kitchen.  One even had in-room laundry!

Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO?  These little known hacks will save you SO much money!  Check this out…

How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO

How To Visit Bryce Canyon On A Budget

So You’re Planning a Trip to Bryce?

To keep your vacation budget-friendly, you’ll need to plan ahead.  One of the first things you’ll want to do is start stashing cash away for your  ‘Bryce Canyon Trip Fund’.  

Need to increase your travel fund stash?  One of the easiest ways is to make extra money on the side in your free time!  Here are my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…

27 Side Hustles Ideas

Discounted and FREE Bryce Canyon National Park Passes

The Bryce Canyon National Park entrance fees can really add up, so be sure to take advantage of these easy ways to save on your Park Entrance Fees.

So make sure you know these 6 ways to score yourself Discounted and Free National Park Passes to your favorite national parks.  

I’ve even included tips for how you can score FREE National Park Passes for 4th Graders, Veterans and Disabled!

#1. Visit Bryce Canyon on Free National Park Entrance Days

The easiest way to save money on national park entrance fees is to simply visit when it’s FREE!  

Did you know that the National Park Service offers up to 6 Free Entrance Days each year?

#2. Buy the American The Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass

If you plan on visiting any national park (or parks) for 3 days or more in the same year, it will almost always save you money when you buy the America The Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass for $80.  

This pass will give you unlimited access to most national parks for 1 year.

I buy the annual pass for my family almost every year.  In addition to using the pass to explore new parks for the first time. We also love to use it to visit the Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and Saguaro National Park as often as possible.

#3. Get The Lifetime Senior Pass

If you are 62 years or older, the savings get even better.  You can buy a Lifetime Senior Pass for just $80!

#4. Your 4th Graders Can Visit National Parks, including Bryce Canyon National Park, for FREE!

Don’t forget about your 4th grader!

If you have a 4th grader or know someone that does, make sure to have them sign up to receive their Free National Park Pass for 4th Graders! (valid for school or homeschool)

#5. Score a Free Military Pass for Active Duty, Reserve, Veterans and Gold Star Families

If you are a Veteran or a member of a Gold Star Family, you can sign up to receive a Free Interagency Annual Military Pass.

This pass will give you and up to 3 more occupants in your same car Free National Park Access!

Related: Military Discounts for Travel

#6. Get The Free National Park Access Pass!

If you have a permanent disability, or you know someone that does, be sure to take advantage of the Free Lifetime Access Pass!

More Ways To Save Money When Visiting Bryce Canyon

21 Ways To Save Money On Rental Cars

How To Save On Gas (Genius Hacks)

35 Southwest Airlines Hacks (What To Know Before You Fly)

25 American Airlines Flight Hacks (Tricks To Know Before You Fly)

23 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks

How to Travel for Free or Cheap (20 Brilliant Budget Hacks)

More Fun and Frugal Vacation Ideas

Want to make the most of your trip to Bryce Canyon National Park?  Then try visiting some of the other amazing locations nearby.

You can never visit enough of the beautiful National Parks…

30 Zion National Park Travel Tips (what to know before you go)

50 Grand Canyon Travel Tips

65 Sedona Travel Tips

32 Yosemite Travel Tips You Need to Try!

101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets

So… do you have any favorite Bryce Canyon Travel Guide Tips to share?

What are some of your favorite places to see, things to do, etc?

Leave a comment and share…