Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most unique destinations in the U.S. A photographer’s paradise, its beauty attracts over 1.5 million people each year. Because Bryce has become such a popular spot to visit, it’s important to plan ahead before arriving in order to have the best trip possible. Is a trip to Bryce Canyon in your future?
Here are 6 amazing tips to help you make the most of your trip to Bryce!
Stock Up On Essentials Before You Arrive
Although there a few small general stores and gift shops in the area, Bryce Canyon is pretty remote. Ruby’s Inn General Store, just outside the park entrance, is a decent option but the selection is pretty limited. I’d recommend bringing any essentials you might need with you if possible because the closest big box store is about a two and a half hour drive away.
Bring Weather Appropriate Clothing
I can’t emphasize enough just how important this tip is, and I hope that I can prevent you from making the same mistake I made. Even though I checked the weather repeatedly before my trip and thought I’d packed accordingly, it turns out that I underestimated just how cold Bryce can get at night in the fall. It was gorgeous during the day, with temperatures in the high 50s, but the nights and early mornings were a different story. It went down into the 20s overnight and felt even colder. If you’re planning on doing any stargazing or early morning hiking it can be absolutely freezing. Unfortunately, there aren’t any clothing stores nearby, so I had to make do with adding a sweatshirt from the Visitor Center Gift Shop as an additional layer for added warmth.
Know That Hotel And Dining Options Are Limited
Bryce Canyon City is a very small town, so there aren’t many choices for accommodation and meals in the area. It’s important to book your hotel or camp site as early as possible, especially if you’re visiting during the high season. I stayed at the Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn, which is a clean and convenient option about one mile from the park entrance. The hotel offers free breakfast, free parking, and is pet friendly.
Because there aren’t many restaurant options in the area, I used this as an opportunity to save money, and simply grab a to-go sandwich, salad, and fruit cup from the Ruby’s Inn General Store during my two night stay. Along with the free hotel breakfast and snacks I’d brought with me, this worked out great for me. However, if you’d prefer a more substantial meal, i.d.k Barbecue in Tropic, Utah comes highly recommended.
Take Advantage Of The Bryce Canyon Shuttle System
Running April through mid-October, the Bryce Canyon Shuttle helps reduce congestion in the park. Visitors can park at the Shuttle Station in Bryce Canyon City (outside the park entrance) or in the parking lot across from the Visitor Center, and ride the shuttle to any stop in the Bryce Amphitheater portion of the park. It’s free with park admission, so all you have to do is show your park entrance receipt or America the Beautiful National Park Pass and hop on.
Take A Tour
One of the easiest ways to learn about a destination is to take a tour. I think this is especially true at Bryce Canyon. Sure, you can stop at the Visitor Center and read about the area’s history and geology, but it’s often easier to gain a true understanding through the stories and lessons of a knowledgable guide. I’d recommend taking a horseback riding tour with Canyon Trail Rides. It’s a fun and easy way to explore the park, while discovering interesting facts about Bryce’s history.
Combine Your Visit With A Trip To Other Utah National Parks
Utah is famous for its “Mighty 5” National Parks – Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park. Because Bryce is located in a fairly remote part of Utah, chances are you’ll already be passing by one of the others on your drive. For instance, if you’re coming from Las Vegas, as I did, Zion is the perfect first stop before heading to Bryce. You could then either continue on to Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches or go south toward Arizona. I chose to do the later and continued on to Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ and then to Grand Canyon National Park for an epic southwest U.S. road trip!
Have you explored Utah’s Mighty 5? Leave a comment below!
