Bryce Canyon has dramatic rock formations that are easy to see with a few helpful tips.
Bryce Canyon National Park is a series of canyons and amphitheaters with amazing rock formations that run from north to south along the main park road. There are numerous hiking trails for all levels of activity. At the north end there is the visitor’s center, with great displays on the geology and wildlife of the area. Further south is the Bryce Canyon Lodge, one of the classic National Parks lodges, (built in 1928 and the only original National Park Lodge still standing) with restaurant and gift shop. The main road continues south about 20 miles, along the rim of the canyon
Getting there:
We were coming from Page, Arizona, so we took Hwy 89 west and north. We turned onto Hwy 12 from and drove east. This is a beautiful scenic drive, well worth the time. It passes right by the entrance to Bryce Canyon so the navigation is easy.
Tip #1: Don’t Stay in Bryce.
There are several hotels in the town of Bryce but there are less expensive options in the town of Tropic, about 15 minutes past Bryce on Hwy 12. We stayed at the Bryce Pioneer Village, which has a 1950s motel vibe, but it was fine and the price was right. This allowed us to get away from the “national park sprawl” that seems to develop just outside park entrances. We were also heading east, so it made sense to stay a little east of Bryce.
Tip #2: Sunset Point and Sunrise Point- Not what you think
Just behind the Bryce Canyon Lodge are main parking lots and sidewalks leading to the canyon rim. There are signs directing visitors to Sunset Point and Sunrise Point. Many people think that they need to be at these locations to actually see the sunset and sunrise. This is not true. These are historical names, not geographic names. When you walk to the canyon rim you are facing east, so the sunset actually happens behind you. The light does change the colors of the rocks at different times, but you don’t need to be at these points to see sunrise or sunset.
Tip #3: Drive South First
The main Park road takes you south along the canyon rim. The best sights will be on your left driving down, so it’s easiest to drive to the end of the road (Rainbow Point), turn around, and stop at each scenic pullout on the way north. The pullouts will all be to your right, making the turns easy. The earlier in the day you can get started, the less crowded it will be. We took a couple of hours to take some side hikes (Bristlecone Pine Loop is easy and scenic) and stop at most of the scenic pullouts.
Tip #4: Don’t Hike the First Trail You See.
Remember at Bryce you start at the top of the canyon and hike down into it. We saw many people getting on the Navajo Loop Trail because it starts right off the central Rim Trail at Sunset Point and takes you down into the canyon. This trail starts out paved, and is very steep. Just remember, what you hike down, you have to hike up! Bryce Canyon is at 8000’ so altitude is definitely a factor in hiking. It’s better to get some maps and figure out the best trail for your ability and the time you have. Bring water, proper shoes and clothing and take it easy.
If you want to do about a 3 hour hike, I would suggest starting down Navajo Loop Trail and then joining the Queen’s Garden Trail which ends up near Sunrise Point. The Queen’s Garden Trail is not as steep as the Navajo Loop. You will see amazing hoodoo formations up close.
Those are the main tips I have for seeing Bryce Canyon. Let me know yours.
Good advice! Thanks