Bryce Canyon national park is one of the smallest of the five national parks in Utah, covering just 36,000 acres (14,570 hectares) of land. Bryce is an underrated treasure of a park, overshadowed by the larger and more famous Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks. Its small size, great views, and the accessibility of its trails make it one of the most comfortable parks to get around in.
About the Park and Why It’s My #8 Choice
The Bryce Canyon is worth a day trip for the view alone. It stands out as a breathtaking sight when the sun rises on the horizon and shines onto the red rock hoodoos standing tall within the amphitheater-like walls of the Utah landscape.
Bryce Canyon is a popular destination for hiking, as it includes a variety of unique angles where hikers can view the canyon as well as more hidden scenic areas you wouldn’t want to miss.
History of the Park
Water and wind have graced endless fields of distinguished red rock columns, called hoodoos, into a plateau containing the Park’s natural amphitheaters over millions of years of freezes and thaws. Bryce Canyon National Park stands out in history as a mountainous forest containing as many rock hoodoos as trees. In the morning and the evening, mule deer wander along the woody plateau into the Bryce Canyon. Dozens of mammalian and avian species are all aware of a spectacular truth: This is no ordinary forest—they are living in an alpine environment. Because Bryce Canyon National Park is eight thousand to nine thousand feet high, winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are still possible even in warmer months.
Where Is the National Park?
It is located in southern Utah near the city of Bryce. It is accessible from Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, St. George, and even the nearby Zion National Park.
Best Time to Visit
Bryce National Park is best to visit from May to September. This time of year not only brings the warmest weather of the year, but it also brings a plethora of ranger activities such as fire discovery, walk and talk, and environmental games. The months of October to April also have their charms.
Trails are available across the Bryce Canyon Park for hikers of all skill levels. You can take on trails that are short and view the canyon from the upper areas, or you can go deep into the canyon for a more adventurous challenge. So, depending on what your preference is, you can find your favorite hiking trail here.
Best Day Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park – The Rim Trail
One of the easiest hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park is the Rim Trail. Therefore, if you are going to visit Bryce Canyon anytime soon, try out the hiker’s favorite: The Rim Trail. This wonderful trail overlooks the national park as it covers the landscape with breathtaking trails to explore.
QUICK FACTS
- Location: South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park
- Distance: 5.5 miles (9.16 km)
- Time: About 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy Route: Out & back
- Track Quality: Paved trail
- Hazards: Slippery and icy surfaces
- Elevation: 484 m
- Wet Feet: Yes
- Toilets: Available at Hermits rest and Hopi point
- Mobile Coverage: No
- Updates on trail conditions and closures
HIKE DETAILS
This is a popular trail right above the Bryce Canyon that connects all the scenic views from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point. The half mile distance between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point is paved and accessible to those with wheelchairs.
Full Track Description
Rim Trail is a great way to experience the Bryce Canyon without getting into the canyon itself. You will start at Fairyland Point or Bryce Point and walk alongside Bryce Canyon’s amphitheaters. You may even dare to peer over the edge into the Silent City gorges. Walk between the stoic, ponderous pines and old bristlecone on the way to the well-named Inspiration Point from Bryce Point. Watch walkers from Sunset Point wind up the steep reverse routes of Wall Street. Hear how the Sunrise Point and the Fairyland Points whistle the quaking aspen. All along, you have a view of the largest hoodoo collection in the world.
I started the trail from Inspiration Point and went to Bryce Point and back. It offers incredible views of the amphitheater without severe elevation gain or going down into the canyon. It was short, easy, and suitable for a day. I liked this trail! It was effortless and well maintained, making it easy to follow. I went to Fairyland, where I walked to the end of the Bryce Point trail. I took a free shuttle from there to the lodge and rode my bike back to Fairyland to take my car, as I did not want to walk down to my car for about 5.5 miles.
You can see many of the important points of view on this trail, and you can shorten the distance depending on how much you love walking.
Things to Note
Bring a sufficient amount of water in case of emergency, and also carry layers of clothing with you.
