When you have five national parks, how can you choose only one to visit in the state of Utah? Normally I’d like to road trip though and experience as much as I can. But this trip to the Beehive State was for work and a conference. Wanderful and Visit Utah graciously hosted my return trip to Bryce (20 years later!) for a short trip before the conference in Salt Lake.
Here’s a rough guide to get a taste for Bryce Canyon National Park if your time is limited to a couple days. And if interested in the other four parks in Utah, my travel writing friends have contributed tips at the end for their favorite parks (and beyond!). Just in case you hope to hit all of them on your trip.
How do you get to Bryce Canyon from Salt Lake City?
It’s about a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon National Park. For those from the East Coast, it takes less time toget there than from Boston to New York City. You can certainly rent a car or drive your own to reach the park. Or, there’s plenty of options for tour operators who will take care of your entire experience. We were guided by Southwest Adventure Tours who had a roomy van that drove us to see the famed Bryce Canyon sunset and other beautiful wonders of nature. While you can drive into the area with your national parks pass, they are encouraging others modes of transport, like biking, especially in peak season.
What’s the best time of year to visit Bryce Canyon National Park?
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the park twice: once in the summertime and recently at the end of winter. Summertime is hazy, hot, and makes the ombre colors fo beige and white hoodoos blur and dance. Of course, crowds are more prevalent then due to school breaks, but there’s still space to move around.
If your travel time in flexible though, I recommend Bryce Canyon National Park in the winter and early spring. This April, there was still crystal white snow on the ground, beautifull framing the orange viewpoints. However, some of our hiking trails were closed due to the snow – and obviously it was cold too! But visitors were minimal. I always found a spot on the trail or rail to watch the Bryce Canyon sunset with ease.
Is there viewpoints you can see without hiking?
Just drive right in, park, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful National Park views in the country. Bryce Canyon’s main draw is the hoodoo formations (not to be confused with Hoodoo spirital practices). These pinnacles of rock are often ombre colored in orange and white, jutting out from the earth in clusters from interesting erosion activities.
Sunset Viewpoint (8,000ft)
This is one of the simpliest viewpoints to reach with the most dramatic result. There is a large parking lot, but it can get quite busy during the peak times of day. Take some time to soak up the Bryce Canyon sunset and the hoodoo views. Then, enjoy an easy hike along the rim or the Navajo loop from this spot as well.
Rainbow Point (9,115ft)
As a high point in Bryce National Park, this outlook area is about 20-30minutes from the park enterance. It might not be as iconic as the ampitether, but it was less populated and had some wonderful arches.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out the Visitor Center. They have a great exhibit on indigenous voices and facts about Bryce well worth experiencing. If you have a little one in tow and it’s your first (or 50th!) national park, you’ll want to stop in for their Junior Ranger program.
Where can you stay near Bryce Canyon National Park?
You can stick to the classic and cozy up at Ruby’s Inn, the closest option to the park’s entrance. A step back in time, this hotel has grown through generations of this family-owned business to now include multiple buildings, restaurants, entertainment options and outdoor activities. I was fully satisfied after a day of hiking with their cowboy buffet dinner and large, comfortable room. It only takes 15 minutes to reach Bryce from Ruby’s Inn so you can maximize your time as well. Lots of familys had figuratively set up camp there and seemed happy with the space and location.
This summer, there will be a brand-new option for accommodations under the stars. Clear Sky is opening a 62-dome glamping property just outside Bryce Canyon National Park that promises to be wonderfully luxurious and one with nature. One-site, all the amenities are mind-blowingly indgulent, from an expansive restaurant open to the public and sprawling lobby dome to a top tier spa and stargazing platforms. It might be the perfect environment for an outdoorsy girl’s trip.
What are some good beginner trails in Bryce?
I know there’s lot of incredible, challenging routes to take in and out of the canyon. But I just like to dabble. Double check your routes on the National Park website before you embark though, as sometimes there’s closures.
Navajo Loop Trail
Super popular and scenic, you can follow this loop down some switchbacks right into the canyon. If you’re feeling strong, you can combine this trail with others (such as the Queen’s or Peekaboo trails) for a longer route.
Bryce Rim Trail
Can’t get enough of Rainbow Point? You can walk along the rim of the ampitheater from Bryce Point to Fiaryland Point. It’s about 5.5 miles long but you can do various spots between outlooks for a shorter option.
Mossy Cave Trail
Technically, you can reach this short trail outside the main park enterance. It’s less than a half-mile long and perfect for small children, families, and certain people with limited mobility. There’s some great hoodoo formations to enjoy along the way, as well as a small waterfall in-season at the end. Don’t miss the namesake mossy cave either!
Is there wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park?
The large animal population is limited, but there was some interesting foiliage to witness. For instance, the quaking aspen can be found throughout the park and is the largest living organism on earth. There roots can reach undergound for dozens of acres, technically all part of the same plant.
There’s also a tree called Ponderosa pines. Rumor has it that it smells like butterscotch. I don’t know if I can confirm or deny that, but our group did spend an usually long time sniffing trees to see if the heresy was true.
How can I prepare for my trip to Bryce?
A cautionary tale: Although I’ve traveled to mountains countless times, I fell victim to a little bit of alitiude sickness. It could have been triggered by anything: a direct flight snd quick drive to 8,000 feet from sea level, or not drinking nearly enough water. Regardless, protect yourself against a similar situation and be ready for the changes in oxygen and pressure. If your prone to altitude sickness, you can get prescriptions from your doctor to help alleviate symptoms.
Packing can be a little tricky as well. You’ll want layers if traveling to Utah’s mountains in the winter. While there was plenty of snow on the ground, I still got a sunburn on the top of my hands! My Unbound Merino wool tank and long sleeve worked great for hiking, and subsequent skiing I did back in Park City.
What else should I see between Salt Lake City and Bryce Canyon?
If you road trip through Utah from Salt Lake City to Bryce, Canyon, it’ll take about four hours. Here’s a couple of fun stops along the way for treats!
Wanderlust Coffee
Just a good old coffee join with drive up and walk up options. They had every flavor under the sun, some tasty baked goods and a theme us travelers couldn’t resist!
The Creamery Utah
Part dairy farm, part shop and part restaurant, it’s a nice halfway point on your road trip for a meal and a souviner. Time was spent devouring cheese curds with thier classic fry sauce, washed down with some homemade ice cream.
What other national parks can you visit in Utah?
“The Mighty Five” refer to the five national parks in the state of Utah: all beautiful in their own right. Most are less than two hours from Bryce National Park as well.
Zion National Park
“Zion National Park is one of the most-visited national parks in the US for good reason. It’s known for its towering canyon walls and an incredible place for hiking, biking, canyoneering and other adventures.
One thing not to miss is hiking The Narrows, where you’ll make your way through the Virgin River as the canyon walls get more and more narrow. Other great things to do in Zion include hiking Angel’s Landing (a permit is required), renting an ebike to explore the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and hiking the short but epic Observation Point Trail.
Whether you’re visiting Zion on its own or going on a Utah Mighty Five road trip, Zion needs to be on your Utah bucket list. “
- Contributed by Lydia from Lost with Lydia
Canyonlands National Park
“Canyonlands National Park, located in the East Central area of Utah, is a fascinating destination for exploration. The park’s four distinct regions cater to a variety of interests and skill levels. Island in the Sky, the most popular and easily accessible part, ensures an enjoyable visit.
My personal highlight was Mesa Arch, where I was enthralled by the arch, canyons, and mesas all in one view. The hike to the arch is short (0.6 miles), which is great, especially if visiting on a hot day.
Whether you choose to arrive early for a breathtaking sunrise or stay late for some stellar star gazing, the park promises an unforgettable experience.”
- Contributed by Teresa of An Acre in the City
Arches National Park
“I love Arches National Park for its breathtaking red rock formations. It feels like stepping into another world! The Windows area of the park was a favorite for the opportunity to see several arches within a short distance.”
- Contributed by Genni of the Traveling Franklins
Capitol Reef National Park
My favorite Utah National Park is Capitol Reef National Park because it’s the least crowded of all the parks. It has the perfect mix of history and scenery, and it’s the closest National Park to Salt Lake City.
Hickman Bridge is one of the most popular hikes in Capitol Reef. It’s less than two miles round-trip to see the natural stone bridge. Afterwards, treat yourself to a slice of pie in the gift shop; they’re made from fruit grown in the park!
I’ve also done some great tours in Capitol Reef. Sleeping Rainbow has a great Jeep tour if you want to leave the backcountry driving to someone else. Horseback riding is another fun way to see the Capitol Reef backcountry.
- Contributed by Leigh of the Campfires And Concierges
Are there other places not to miss in Utah?
“Although Utah is known for the ‘Mighty 5’ National Parks, there are some spectacular public land sites that warrant a side trip. If you are visiting Canyonlands, you should visit Dead Horse Point State Park, located off the same entrance road as the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands and near Arches. This State park features a gorgeous canyon with views of river goosenecks.
If you are driving towards Capitol Reef from Moab, don’t miss Goblin Valley State Park, a short drive off Highway 24. This magical park is filled with unique rock formations that inspired the park’s name. Drive the incredibly scenic Highway 12 Between Capitol Reef and Bryce and spend a day in Escalante along the way. I highly recommend hiking Lower Calf Creek Falls! If your travels take you south of Moab towards Arizona, consider taking a detour through Bears Ears to Natural Bridges National Monument and then drive the Moki Dugway – a fun, twisting road carved into the side of a cliff! You are rewarded with a view of the Valley of the Gods and then a drive through Monument Valley.”
- Contributed by Robin from 360 Travel Tips
“When you are hunting for the majesty of Arches National Park without the crowds and expense, you’ll get the same redrock glory from the hundreds of miles of BLM land surrounding Moab and Arches. The secluded roads and trails in the Manti La-Sal National Forest offer majestic views, their own redstone arches and developed campsites. There’s also free dispersed car camping and, because BLM land is pet friendly, you won’t have to worry about Fido roasting in the car while you check out Delicate Arch. Look to Lone Mesa, Potash Road, Yellow Circle Road, Willow Springs Road, and BLM 143 for the most accessible scenic pullouts.”
- Contributed by Jill Adler of Skip Play Live
Thanks so so much to the team at Wanderful who organizes the annual Women in Travel Summit: I was a speaker this year and had an incredible experience! And thanks to Visit Utah for the wonderful hosted trips and tours. All opinions are my own.
