Resting upon the northernmost reaches of the Colorado Plateau, Bryce Canyon is a landscape that's changing quickly due to erosion. Luckily this is a completely natural process and creates an artistic scene for visitors, especially during sunrise and sunset. Two million people visit this small park annually, which is home to the largest concentration of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) in the entire world.
Bryce Canyon National Park Attractions
All of Bryce Canyon's attractions, including the remarkable Amphitheater, are accessed via the 18-mile long Bryce Scenic Drive. Lookout points are numerous, as are chances to spot wildlife in the forested environment.
Bryce Amphitheater
The eroded slopes of the Bryce Amphitheater reveal the park's most famous features: hoodoos. These tall, craggy spires of rock form when liquid water seeps into cracks and then freezes, busting off piles of rock in the process. The Rim Trail gives visitors multiple view points of this incredible bowl-shaped area.
Stargazing
Not only is Bryce certified as an International Dark Sky Park, but there are activities and programs literally focused on viewing the night sky. Light pollution is common in the US but Bryce is blessed to be sheltered from most of it. This provides an awe-inspiring star show for visitors who can't see more than a few dozen stars at home.
Hiking Trails
We feel strongly that the Bryce Amphitheater can't be properly appreciated unless you're down amongst the hoodoos. And Bryce happens to have beautifully designed trails like the Queen's Garden and Fairyland Loop, reminding you of an otherworldly landscape like the surface of Mars.
Bryce Canyon National Park Lodging
Compared to other parks with millions of annual visitors, Bryce is rather small in size. So take our advice and think about your lodging well in advance - space is limited. It will save you the headache of needlessly driving and competing for parking.
Gateway Towns
Less than 5-minutes outside the gates of the park are plenty of reliable lodging options in the outpost town of Bryce. You'll find everything you need here, from gasoline and groceries to wine and firewood! Head further east to our favorite little town of Tropic for a quieter, relaxed vibe.
Lodges
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the only true hotel inside the gates of the park, and it sells out far in advance. It's a lovely historic structure with other detached motel-style buildings, but don't expect luxury. None of the rooms have air conditioning, and WiFi is only available at the main lodge.
Camping
Two campgrounds exist inside the gates of Bryce, and neither of them have electric or water hookups. Some say this preserves the serenity of the area. If you need hookups, we’ll help you find a nearby campground or RV park to accommodate your camper.
