Bryce Canyon National Park
Nestled in the heart of southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is a breathtaking wonderland of towering hoodoos, vibrant red rock formations, and endless blue skies. For motorcyclists, the journey through this geological masterpiece is nothing short of exhilarating—imagine cruising along winding roads, the cool mountain air rushing past, as you navigate through a forest that seems to stretch toward the heavens. But Bryce Canyon isn’t just for those on two wheels; it’s a destination that captivates all who visit, offering a wealth of experiences from hiking along the rim to gazing up at the star-studded night sky. Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of the open road or the promise of unparalleled natural beauty, Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-see gem that will leave you in awe at every turn. Join us as we explore the wonders of this iconic park and discover why it’s one of America’s coolest National Parks.
Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park on the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
One of the many incredible views from Rainbow Point in Bryce Canyon National Park
Maps 🗺️
Note that the park maps above are from the NPS website, however they may not be kept up to date my website. For the most accurate, up to date maps - visit the National Park Service website here: NPS Maps
“It’s a hell of a place to lose a cow.”
Red-rock amphitheaters in Bryce Canyon National Park
History and Visitor Information 📜
Bryce Canyon National Park, renowned for its striking hoodoos and colorful geological formations, is deeply intertwined with American history, beginning with the Native American tribes who first inhabited the region. The Paiute people, who lived in the area long before European arrival, incorporated the canyon’s unique landscape into their cultural narratives. They believed the hoodoos—tall, jagged rock spires—were people petrified by the trickster god Coyote as punishment, lending a mystical dimension to the terrain. In the 19th century, European settlers began to explore and settle the region, including Ebenezer Bryce, a Scottish immigrant who arrived in the 1870s. Bryce, for whom the canyon is named, homesteaded near the area and famously remarked that it was “a hell of a place to lose a cow,” highlighting the challenges posed by the rugged landscape. As more settlers and visitors encountered Bryce Canyon, its extraordinary beauty laid the groundwork for its eventual preservation, marking the beginning of its role in America’s broader historical narrative.
As the United States increasingly valued its natural wonders, influenced by figures like John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt, efforts to protect places like Bryce Canyon gained momentum. In 1923, President Warren G. Harding declared it a national monument, and in 1928, Congress designated it a national park, cementing its status as a protected treasure. This period saw the government investing in infrastructure—roads, trails, and visitor centers—to make such parks accessible, fostering tourism and a national appreciation for the wilderness. Bryce Canyon’s showcases the ‘Wild West’ wrapped up into a national park - embodying our country’s enduring spirit of exploration.
Riding the Bryce Canyon Park Road to the summit of Rainbow Point - scenic overlooks are everywhere along this road!
Things To Do in Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is an incredible destination known for its hoodoos and red rock amphitheaters. Here’s a list of 10 must-see attractions and activities in Bryce Canyon National Park, blending iconic viewpoints, scenic hikes, and unique experiences to help you explore its breathtaking landscapes and geological wonders.
1. Bryce Amphitheater
- The park’s most famous feature, this massive natural amphitheater is packed with colorful hoodoos (tall, thin rock spires). Enjoy it from the Rim Trail or take a scenic drive to various overlooks for stunning vistas.
2. Navajo Loop Trail
- A moderate 1.3-mile hike that takes you down into the canyon, offering close-up views of hoodoos, including the iconic Thor’s Hammer. It’s a great way to experience the park’s unique geology in a couple of hours.
3. Queen’s Garden Trail
- This 1.8-mile trail winds through whimsical rock formations, leading to the Queen Victoria hoodoo. It’s a bit longer but less strenuous than other hikes, making it a popular choice for many visitors.
4. Fairyland Loop Trail
- An 8-mile loop for those seeking a longer adventure, this trail offers solitude and sweeping views of hoodoos, canyons, and distant mountains—a perfect full-day hike.
5. Mossy Cave Trail
- A short and easy 0.8-mile hike to a scenic waterfall and mossy cave. It’s an excellent option for families or anyone wanting a quick yet rewarding outing.
6. Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
- This 18-mile road features 13 viewpoints, including Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, and Sunset Point. It’s ideal for exploring the park by car and soaking in its beauty at your own pace.
7. Inspiration Point
- A standout overlook with panoramic views of the Bryce Amphitheater. Visit at sunrise or sunset to see the hoodoos glow in vibrant hues—a must for photographers.
8. Sunrise and Sunset Points
- Two distinct viewpoints offering incredible perspectives of the amphitheater. Sunrise Point is perfect for early mornings, while Sunset Point shines in the evening light.
9. Stargazing
- As an International Dark Sky Park, Bryce Canyon offers exceptional night skies. Check out a ranger-led astronomy program or head to a designated stargazing spot for a stellar experience.
10. Horseback Riding
- Explore the park’s trails on a guided horseback tour. Rides range from short trips to full-day adventures, giving you a unique way to see the canyon’s hidden corners.
Deep red-rock spires of Bryce Canyon National Park
Staying in Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, just a couple of hours from Zion, offers a handful of in-park lodging options that let you wake up surrounded by its otherworldly hoodoos and expansive vistas. Staying inside the park keeps you close to trails and sunrise points, maximizing your time in this geological wonderland. Here are the top places to stay within Bryce Canyon National Park, each with distinct highlights:
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon: This historic lodge, designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in the 1920s, is the only full-service accommodation inside the park. Located near Sunset Point, it offers a mix of motel rooms, cabins, and suites with a rustic yet comfortable vibe.
Highlights: Cozy cabins with gas fireplaces, walking distance to the Rim Trail and iconic viewpoints, and a nostalgic National Park Service atmosphere with no TVs to keep you connected to nature.
North Campground: A favorite for tent and RV campers, this campground sits near the park’s visitor center and provides easy access to the amphitheater’s edge. It’s open year-round, though some loops are seasonal.
Highlights: Scenic sites among ponderosa pines, proximity to the Fairyland Loop Trail, and a general store nearby for basic supplies.
Sunset Campground: Located closer to Sunset Point, this campground offers a quieter, more primitive camping experience with stunning views just steps away. It’s ideal for those wanting to catch sunrise or sunset without a long trek.
Highlights: First-come, first-served tent sites (with some reservable in peak season), quick access to the Navajo Loop Trail, and a peaceful setting perfect for stargazing.
Staying inside Bryce Canyon National Park means you’re immersed in its surreal landscape of spires and pink cliffs, with the added perk of beating the crowds from nearby towns like Bryce Canyon City. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon requires advance booking due to its popularity, while the campgrounds offer flexibility—North has more amenities, and Sunset prioritizes proximity to key sights. Whether you choose the charm of a cabin or the simplicity of a tent, these options make your Bryce adventure seamless and memorable.
Other Options
There are far more options for lodging outside of the park immediately adjacent to the park entrance in town. Many of these hotel options also have dining rooms/restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Dining
Dining options within Bryce Canyon National Park are limited and centralized at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, the only facility offering food services inside the park boundaries. This keeps things simple for visitors, with choices that cater to both sit-down meals and quick bites, all while surrounded by the park’s iconic hoodoo-filled landscape. Here are the dining options available:
Bryce Canyon Lodge Dining Room: This is the park’s main restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a rustic yet elegant setting. The menu highlights Southwestern-inspired American fare, such as elk chili, Utah trout, and hearty salads, with a focus on local flavors. Large windows provide stunning views of the surrounding pines and distant cliffs, making it a memorable spot to refuel after a day of hiking.
Highlights: Cozy ambiance with stone fireplaces, seasonal dishes featuring regional ingredients, and a full breakfast buffet to kickstart your adventures.
Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop: Located next to the Lodge, this casual spot offers a laid-back alternative with artisan pizzas, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. It’s perfect for a quick meal or snack to-go, especially if you’re heading out to trails like the Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden.
Highlights: Outdoor seating with views of the forest, specialty pizzas with creative toppings, and a convenient grab-and-go option for hikers.
Beyond these two options at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, there are no other dining establishments within the park. The North and Sunset Campgrounds have small general stores where you can purchase basic snacks, drinks, and camping supplies, but they don’t offer prepared meals or qualify as full dining experiences. For more variety, you’d need to venture outside the park to nearby Bryce Canyon City, which has additional restaurants. Staying in-park, however, means relying on the Lodge’s offerings—both of which provide a taste of the region alongside the convenience of being steps from Bryce’s breathtaking vistas. Reservations are recommended for the Dining Room, especially during peak seasons.
In Bryce Canyon City
Ruby's Inn Cowboy's Buffet & Steak Room: Located at Ruby's Inn just outside the park entrance, this family-style restaurant features a buffet and full-service menu with steak, ribs, chicken, and seafood in a Western setting.
Ebenezer's Barn & Grill: Also at Ruby's Inn, this unique venue pairs a chuck wagon-style dinner with live country music and cowboy entertainment.
Water
One thing that caught me off guard with all of the National Parks on my trip - a lack of water bottles. Meaning you cannot walk into the general store in the park and buy a bottle of water. Sodas, juices, other beverages in plastic containers - they have them in spades, so it’s not as if they are trying to reduce plastic use. Bottled water is just a no-go at the main stores and restaurants within the national parks, so bring your own! (There is a trick - IF there’s a gas station within the park - those are not run by the NPS and THEY have bottled water like a normal convenience store).
Resource Links
“The Pink Cliffs are a series of highly colored, ragged, and fantastic cliffs, which are as bizarre as they are beautiful.”
