Is a day trip to Bryce Canyon doable? Definitely. Would it be better to have a couple of days to spend there? Probably.
On our most recent trip to Utah, we decided to make a quick day trip to Bryce Canyon on our way back home to San Diego. We had missed visiting Bryce Canyon a few years ago when we were nearby at Zion National Park. So we didn’t want to miss this opportunity when we were again back in Utah. A day trip it was. Okay, so maybe it was only a “half-day trip.” But as the saying goes – it’s quality over quantity that matters, and in this situation, what we experienced in that short amount of time was just what my family needed.
Bryce Canyon, located in the southwest corner of Utah, is known for its spectacular hoodoos.
Hoodoos, one of the most impressive natural formations on earth, are formed from erosion. Over the years, rain and ice have slowly sculpted these unusual formations. When the water from the rain or snow seeps into the cracks of the rocks, when met with freezing temperatures, it will freeze. When the water turns to ice, it expands, causing pressure on the rock formations, forcing them to break apart. And what is left standing are these unique hoodoos.
I had always seen photos of these spectacular formations. Still, nothing can quite prepare you for standing on the rim overlooking thousands of these natural creations. Not to mention it had recently snowed, so the sun-kissed hoodoos with a light dusting of snow gave them a magical feeling.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Bryce Canyon is lovely any time of the year you choose to visit. While I had always hoped to visit in the summer, experiencing Bryce Canyon in the winter took my breath away. Luckily for us, it had just snowed two days prior. The sun was shining, even though it was still a brisk 20°F. Fresh snow kissed the tops of the Hoodoos, and the trails were covered in the beautiful white powder.
Summer
Temperatures are quite pleasant but can reach upwards of 98°F, so you will want to plan accordingly. Make sure you bring lots of water and sunscreen. It’s also the most popular time of the year to visit so there will be crowds. I would recommend hiking early in the day to escape the heat and the masses.
Spring/Fall
It will be cooler to mildly warm during these two seasons, but don’t forget your jacket for any unexpected rain showers.
Winter
It can be quite chilly, and typically, there will be snow on the ground. You will want to check the weather forecast before you head out for the day, as you probably wouldn’t want to be stuck hiking in a snowstorm.
Altitude
At almost 8,000 feet in elevation, visitors to Bryce Canyon may experience some sort of altitude sickness. Make sure you drink plenty of water before visiting and once there. And don’t forget to get adequate rest.
Some of the towns nearby are located at a lower elevation, so if you are susceptible to altitude sickness, I would recommend staying a bit outside of the park. We stayed in a nearby town called Panguitch (elevation of 6,600 feet) and did not experience altitude sickness.
How to Get There
Bryce Canyon is located about a 4-5 hour drive from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas (closest cities with major airports). In the winter, the roads leading into Bryce can be heavily impacted by the snow, so check the road conditions before venturing out.
Where to Hike
Some of the trails are inaccessible in the winter due to the snow, so make sure you go to the Visitor Center upon arrival to confirm what is open.
Queens Garden/Navajo Loop Combo Trail (2.9 mile / 4.6 km)
This is the trail we hiked. It’s a portion of each trail combined into one, so you get the best of both! Starting at the entrance to Queens Garden, you will walk down a path with unobstructed views of the majestic hoodoos surrounding you. Once you enter the canyon, you will meet up with the Navajo Loop Trail (the Two Bridges portion). This trail will continue through the canyon, and then you will ascend a series of switchbacks that lead back to the overlook rim.
There are two parking lots near this trail: The Sunset Parking Lot (closest access to Queen Garden trail entrance) and the Sunrise parking lot (closest access to the Navajo Loop Trail). Please note that the Sunset parking lot does NOT have bathrooms. But Sunset Parking Lot does so plan accordingly. Even though we traveled in the winter, by the time we arrived around 10 am, it was almost packed.
I would recommend parking at the Sunset Parking Lot and walking along the overlook rim trail towards the Sunrise Parking lot where Queen’s Ann Trail begins.
It took us about 2 hours to hike the entire trail. The trail at the end was a steep uphill climb, so if you are traveling with little kids, be prepared to take breaks along the way. I would plan for 2-3 hours for this hike.
If you go this direction (clockwise), make sure that you turn around and look back when you are hiking up. The views are extraordinary!
Queens Garden Trail (1.8 mile/2.9km)
This trail starts at Sunrise Point and leads you down past the hoodoos into the canyon below. This is considered the least difficult trail to descend into the canyon. Then you will hike back up the way you came. Expect the hike to take between 1-2 hours.
Navajo Trail (1.3 mile / 2.2 km)
Similar to Queens Garden, this trail will take you down past the hoodoos into the canyon below. However, the beginning of the trail takes you down switchbacks as you descend to the canyon. This trail is commonly known as the Navajo Loop Trail, but as part of the loop (Wall Street) is closed during winter, it’s an out-and-back hike. Plan to spend 1-2 hours hiking this trail.
Sunset Point to Sunrise Point (1.0 mile/1.6km)
For those who don’t want to hike down into the canyon below but still want to see Bryce Canyon, this is the way to go. This overlook trail extends 1 mile along a paved path from the Sunrise overlook to the Sunset Overlook.
It follows the rim and showcases all the stunning hoodoos and views you can imagine. There are also two different lookout areas at each area to give you that 180-degree viewpoint.
What to Pack if you are Traveling in the Winter
- Waterproof Hiking boots or Snowshoes – we had only brought our snow boots on the trip, and they worked just fine. But we noticed many people on the trails had microspikes that you could attach to your hiking boots for the snow. Many local shops will rent this equipment.
- Jacket
- Hat
- Gloves (though find some that allow you to take pictures without having to remove them)
- Mask (during Covid times – but it keeps you warm too)
- Water and Snacks
- Sunglasses
Where to Stay
As this was an extremely last-minute planned trip, we stayed in a little town just about 20 minutes away from Bryce Canyon called Panguitch. We found this little gem of a hotel CountrySide Cabins. I was unsure what to expect. For $80 a night, this was the most expensive room in the town that night. Like a little log cabin on the outside, the inside was just as cute. And the quaint town itself was quite charming.
If you want to stay as close to Bryce Canyon as possible, I would recommend staying at Ruby’s Inn or Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel (both Best Westerns). Both are located just minutes from the entrance.
Fees and Passes
All park visitors are required to purchase a recreational use pass. The fee is normally $35 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. If you have a 4th grader, make sure you pick up the Annual 4th Grade Pass for complimentary access to the park. If you plan to visit other US National parks within the year, check out the American the Beautiful Pass, which gives access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.
Visitor Center
Upon entering Bryce Canyon, the Visitor Center will be on your right. Here you can confirm which trails are open and current weather conditions. You can also sign up here for the Park Ranger guided activities (such as snowshoeing), and your kids can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet.
Other Things to Do in Bryce
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is allowed on all trails throughout the park. If you don’t have your own equipment, check out the guided snowshoe activity. Every day, weather permitting, the park ranger will lead complimentary snowshoe excursions at 1 p.m. Space is limited, though, so be sure to sign up at the Visitor’s Center beginning at 8 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Snowshoes are provided, but you must have boots, water, and appropriate clothing. Children must be 8 years or older.
If you happen to be visiting during a full moon, make sure you sign up for the full moon snowshoe hike.
Definitely one of the rarest ranger programs out there. Click HERE for more info and to check the schedule.
Cross-country Skiing
There are a variety of trails off the rim to cross-country ski. Do note that cross-country skiing off the rim into the canyon below is illegal. There are also abundant opportunities just outside the park and in nearby Bryce Canyon City.
Additional Activities near Bryce Canyon
Brian Head
Brian Head Resort is slightly over a one hour drive from Bryce. It has skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling adventures for the entire family. We actually stopped here for 2 days before heading to Bryce.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is about a 1.5-hour drive from Bryce Canyon. While one of our favorite adventures has been hiking the Narrows Trail at Zion, attempting the Narrows in the winter will be quite cold. Make sure you prepare with dry suits and appropriate footwear. Besides the Narrows, Zion offers many other spectacular hikes.
***
Standing on the rim of Bryce Canyon, surrounded by the colorful spires of the hoodoos, left me mesmerized. While I had never intended to visit in the winter, it has become a destination I think everyone should try to see at least once in the wintertime. It’s magical, peaceful, beautiful, and adventurous. Exploring Bryce Canyon with the kids will leave the parents inspired and the kids feeling accomplished.
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