What is the best time of year to hike Bryce Canyon?

May through September is considered “peak season” at Bryce Canyon National Park. The weather stays consistent in the 60s and 70s, which means conditions are practically ideal for hiking, stargazing, and exploring.



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Bryce Canyon National Park in Spring and Fall: April and October. These are probably the best months to visit the park if you're looking for a quiet, reflective experience with mild weather.

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Best Time of Year to Visit Zion and Bryce Canyon From April to October, the weather is warm, perfect for hiking. But crowds flock to these parks in the summer. To avoid crowds, it's best to visit in either spring or fall. The best months in Zion and Bryce Canyon are April, May, September, and October.

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That depends on the type of experience you are looking for. If you're interested in exploring the unique hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park is the better option, as it offers a variety of trails and viewpoints. On the other hand, Zion National Park has more adventurous hikes and back-country opportunities.

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Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park are approximately 80 miles apart and one can be reached from the other in under 2 hours by car, about 1 hour and 40 minutes without traffic. The fastest route between the two parks starts on Route 12, takes you south on Interstate 89 and then west on Route 9.

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The great thing about Bryce is there's something for everyone: from easy flat trails along the rim to epic adventures inside the canyon itself. If you're fanatical about hiking like us then you'll be happy to know that with just a few days you can actually hike virtually every single one of them!

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No matter your age, ability, or skill level, there is a fabulous hike in Bryce Canyon for you. The best easy hikes in Bryce Canyon are Mossy Cave, the Bristlecone Loop, and the Rim Trail.

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The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is one of the park's most iconic historic structures. The Lodge and its surrounding motel structures are located a short walk from the park's iconic Bryce Amphitheater, and offer 114 rooms including lodge suites, motel rooms, and cabins. Reservations are highly recommended.

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No reservations are required to enter the park. Reservations for lodging within the park are highly recommended.

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The rainy season occurs in July and August with frequent, usually brief, afternoon thunderstorms which produce heavy rain and frequent lightning. If visiting during these months remember that lightning kills and when thunder roars go indoors!

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Known for its glowing orange rock hoodoos and otherworldly landscape, Bryce Canyon National Park is a must see. While the nearby town of Bryce, Utah offers many lodging options, spending a night inside the park at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon is an unforgettable experience.

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There is no minimum recommended timeframe for a visit to Bryce Canyon. Even in just one morning you can see the most interesting areas and admire the incredible rock formations from the viewpoints. However, I would suggest spending at least 1 full day in Bryce Canyon if you would like to hike the main trails.

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Start hikes, like the Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop trail, in the morning to avoid crowds. I recommend watching the sunrise and starting the hike shortly after. Wait to do the scenic drive until the afternoon after you've explored the area around Bryce Canyon Lodge. Sunrise is the best time for photography.

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The terrain of Bryce Canyon is not the place for sandals or tennis shoes. Footwear, either boots or shoes, that are specifically made for hiking are required for hikes in Bryce Canyon. These special boots and shoes will grip rock, protect the bones in feet and ankles, and will stay comfortable during the entire hike.

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Discover the 10 best hikes in Bryce Canyon
  • the rim trail. If you only have time for one trail, the Rim Trail should be your pick. ...
  • Queens Garden/navajo loop. Hands down this is the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon National Park. ...
  • fairyland loop. ...
  • peek-a-boo loop. ...
  • bristlecone loop. ...
  • tower bridge. ...
  • hat shop. ...
  • mossy cave.


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Discover the 10 best hikes in Bryce Canyon
  1. the rim trail. If you only have time for one trail, the Rim Trail should be your pick. ...
  2. Queens Garden/navajo loop. Hands down this is the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon National Park. ...
  3. fairyland loop. ...
  4. peek-a-boo loop. ...
  5. bristlecone loop. ...
  6. tower bridge.


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With elevations ranging from 3,000 to 9,000 feet in Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, altitude sickness is a very real possibility.

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Crowds and wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park Crowds are common at most scenic overlooks and a number of trails, especially in summer, but the atmosphere is quieter than at Zion.

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Should I Spend More Time in Zion or Bryce Canyon? Chances are, if you're heading to Bryce Canyon, you're probably also wanting to visit Zion National Park at the same time. These parks are only two hours apart, making it easy to see both! Zion definitely needs more time than Bryce Canyon.

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The Direct Route is safe - that said, you'll face sharp turns in the form of switchbacks. Switchbacks are roads with sharp ascents and descents cutting back one on another, so it's good to be prepared for this before you set off on your trip. If you're scared of heights, there's no need to be concerned.

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