One Day in Bryce Canyon Itinerary- Best Hikes and Things to Do

Bryce Canyon National Park is possibly the best National Park in Utah, and when its competition includes Zion National Park and Arches National Park that is saying something! This has to be easily one of the most unique places in all of the United States. Where else can you find miles of red rock hoodoos, and walk right among them? If you are planning a Utah National Parks Road Trip, you should add at least one day in Bryce Canyon National Park to your itinerary!

If you can manage it I would absolutely recommend spending more than one day in Bryce. However, if your itinerary is tight, one day is plenty to see the highlights and enjoy the park. See below for a detailed one-day itinerary in Bryce Canyon including the best hikes, a scenic drive, stargazing, and hotel and campground suggestions.

How to Get to Bryce Canyon

The nearest airport to Bryce Canyon National Park is the Cedar City Regional Airport. The drive to the park from the airport is a distance of 92 miles. This will take about an hour and a half. However, this airport is pretty small so you might want to fly into one of the nearby cities such as Salt Lake City International Airport or Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. It is over a 4-hour drive from either of these airports to Bryce Canyon National Park.

The distance from the airport is one of the many reasons it is best to visit Bryce Canyon National Park on a road trip. There are so many great National Parks nearby! Drive from one to the other for the perfect Southwest vacation. Below are directions for how to get to Bryce from some of the more popular National Parks nearby.

How to Get to Bryce from Zion

How to Get to Bryce from Arches and Moab

How to Get to Bryce from the Grand Canyon

Getting Around Bryce Canyon- Shuttle

One of the best things about Bryce is that it has a shuttle service from Bryce City and many of the nearby hotels into and around the park. The shuttle is free for all visitors and runs in peak season from April to October. Check the National Park’s website for the times that the bus runs, as it varies by month.

This is a great way to get around if you plan on hiking in the park! You can hike from one trailhead to the other (a popular hike is to start at Sunrise Point and end at Sunset Point) without having to double back. You also won’t have to worry about fighting for a limited parking spot inside the park. The one drawback to the shuttle is that it does not go past Inspiration Point, so if you plan to drive down the entire park, you will need a car for that portion.

One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary

Below is just one of many options for how to spend one day in Bryce National Park. This itinerary includes hiking one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon, taking a scenic drive, and stargazing in the National Park. Begin at sunrise to maximize your day, and add or remove stops to your plan as you see fit.

Sunrise Point

I’m a strong believer that any National Park day trip should begin at sunrise. I’ve found this especially to be true in Utah where the sun shines off the rock giving it a brilliant red or orange glow. At sunrise, the park is still waking up, and you won’t run into long lines at the entrance gate.

Sunrise Point is a great place to watch the sunrise and get in some panoramic photos of the canyon. Other good spots to watch the sunrise include Sunset Point, Bryce Point, and Inspiration Point. If the actual lookout points are full of photographers, there are several spots with benches on the Rim Trail. These are found between Sunrise and Sunset Points and have nice views overlooking the canyon.

Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon for One Day

Once the sun has fully risen, begin your one-day itinerary with a hike into Bryce Canyon. Below are three of the best trails in Bryce Canyon: Navajo and Queens Garden Loop, Peekaboo Loop, and Fairyland Loop. These trails range from 3 to 8 miles long and vary in difficulty. By starting early you may even have them to yourself for a bit before the crowds arrive!

Navajo and Queens Garden Loop

• Length: 2.9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 646 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Views: 5/5
• Popularity: Very popular
• Time to Hike: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Trailhead Location: Sunrise and Sunset Point

This hike combines two of Bryce Canyon’s best and most popular hikes Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail. You can start this trail from either Sunrise or Sunset Point or anywhere on the Rim Trail that runs between the two points. There is parking near Sunset Point, and also at the nearby Bryce Canyon Lodge and Gift Shop with paths to the point.

This guide assumes you are starting at Sunset Point and hiking counterclockwise. The steepest part of the trail is near Sunset Point, so you will be going down, rather than up. It would also be possible to start at Sunrise Point instead. Both have magnificent panoramic views of Bryce’s hoodoos.

Twin Bridges & Thor’s Hammer

After spending time at Sunset Point start heading down the trail, and it won’t take long to reach a fork in the bath. To the right is Wall Street which is often closed in the winter. To the left, the path leads to Thor’s Hammer and Two Bridges. Both paths are the same length, about 0.6-0.7 miles.

If you head towards Two Bridges you will see Thor’s Hammer to the left. Thor’s Hammer is a unique hoodoo that looks like, well, a hammer rising above the rocks around it.

Continuing on you will reach a series of steep switchbacks that descend into Bryce Canyon, surrounded by the orange canyon walls. This is an iconic photo spot, and one of the best spots in Bryce! You will be glad you are hiking down this, as it is a leg killer on the way up!

At the bottom of switchbacks, there is a small side trail that views Twin Bridges. You cannot and should not climb on the bridges, but it is cool to see these dual bridges that formed in the canyon. If you continue on you will reach a junction with Peekaboo Loop Trail, Wall Street, and a connection to Queen’s Garden

Wall Street

If you take the right path instead of left after Sunset Point you will descend into the Wall Street Section of the Navajo Loop. This also has a series of steep switchbacks that descend into Bryce Canyon. This leads through a short slot canyon and ultimately to the same trail junction as the Twin Bridges Trail.

Queen’s Garden

Whether you take Wall Street or Twin Bridges, the path will lead you to a junction that can be taken to the Queen’s Garden. You will venture further down into the canyon and reach the Queen Victoria Hoodoo, another icon of Bryce Canyon National Park. This section of the trail was my favorite and takes you right between and beneath the towering rock. You can even hike through some manmade holes in the canyon walls.

The path continues up to Sunrise Point where you can take the Rim Trail back to your car or a shuttle stop if needed.

Peekaboo Loop

• Length: 5.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,453 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Views: 5/5
• Popularity: Popular
• Time to Hike: approximately 3 hours
• Trailhead Location: Bryce Point or Sunset Point

A good alternative to Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail is Peekaboo Loop. This trail is longer and has more elevation gain but equally or more stunning views. I also found this trail to be slightly less crowded which only adds to the experience!

This trail can be started at Bryce Point. If Bryce Point trailhead is closed due to weather, you can begin the trail at Sunset Point instead which is at a lower elevation. However, the guide below assumes you are starting at Bryce Point.

Bryce Point

Bryce Point itself is a panoramic overlook of the canyon and hoodoos, only a quarter a mile from the parking lot. Even if you do not hike Peekaboo Loop, this is a great stop on a road trip through the park.

However, while the views from the top are spectacular, hiking down into the hoodoos is the real draw to this trail. You will immediately descend over 600 feet in a mile. Make sure to conserve your energy, as you will have to hike back up this on your way out!

From there the trail is a loop. While Navajo Loop takes you straight down and back up, Peekaboo Loop goes up and back down several times. This really gives you a workout! However, the views make all the effort worth it, as the trail zigzags around. When hiking I quickly understood the name “Peekaboo”. Every few hundred feet you will round another bend and have a spectacular view peek out at you.

This was my favorite hike in Bryce, and I highly recommend it if you only have one day and want to hike one of the best trails in Bryce Canyon.

Fairyland Loop

• Length: 7.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,545 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Views: 5/5
• Popularity: Popular
• Time to Hike: approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
• Trailhead Location: Fairyland Point or Sunrise Point

For an even longer hike to tackle in Bryce, Fairyland Loop descends into the canyon and travels along the Rim for almost 8 miles. It can be started at either Fairyland Point or Sunrise Point. Starting at Sunrise Point adds a quarter of a mile each way along the rim. This may be necessary if Fairyland Point is closed due to weather.

Fairyland Loop descends into and out of Bryce Canyon for 5.4 miles, similar to Peekaboo in that it bounces up and down in elevation. The rest of the hike is along the rim.

If you are looking for a long hike, this may be the one for you, but if you only have one day in Bryce and are a slow hiker, I would recommend a shorter hike. This will give you more energy and time to fully explore the rest of Bryce in one day.

Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive Must-See Spots for One Day

After a morning spent hiking, the next activity on your Bryce Canyon itinerary is a scenic drive. Spend the afternoon in Bryce stopping by the other famous viewpoints with a scenic drive. From the entrance station to Rainbow Point, the entire road through Bryce is only 18 miles long. The shuttle ferries to some of the more popular trailheads and viewpoints, but to see the whole road you need to have or rent a car.

Inspiration Point

If you hiked one of the trails above or visited for sunrise, you most likely already saw Sunrise or Sunset Point. The next major attraction will be Inspiration Point.

Inspiration Point actually consists of 3 lookout points- Upper, Mid, and Lower Inspiration Points, each at a slightly higher elevation than the last. You might as well see all three, as it is only half a mile to Upper Inspiration Point. These paths are a gradual slope, that should be doable for most but can get icy in the winter.

If you have not already seen Bryce Point, you can easily see it now. It is a 2-mile drive to either Bryce Point to the North or fork and drive to Paria Point to the South from Inspiration Point. Bryce Point is as far as the shuttles go if you are not bringing your own car.

Just past Inspiration Point is also where the road may be closed in the winter, depending on the weather and road conditions. You can check online or ask a park ranger the day of your visit if the road is open. Even if the road is open, be aware of weather conditions in the Fall through Spring, as they can change in an instant at this elevation.

Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is located just over 12 miles into Bryce National Park and is just one of the many unique rock formations to stop and see. You cannot walk on the bridge, so it is really more of an arch. No matter the name it is a cool stop-off to see! Bryce is a great place for anyone interested in geology. There are many examples such as this of how erosion and natural forces have slowly shaped these features over time.

Rainbow Point

At the far end of the park is Rainbow and Yovimpa Viewpoints. Rainbow Point looks out over the entire National Park for quite a view. South of Rainbow Point is Yovimpa Point which overlooks the many cliffs to the South. Although you cannot see it, at the far end of the horizon is the Grand Canyon, where just the hills along the North Rim are visible.

Other Spots to See for One Day in Bryce Canyon

The above points are, of course, not a complete list of all there is to see on a day’s drive through Bryce. Below are a few other interesting stops. Each has a different view of the canyon, a particular hoodoo of interest, or another nearby attraction.

• Swamp Canyon
• Farview Point
• Piracy Point
• Agua Canyon
• Ponderosa Canyon
• Black Birch Canyon

Sunset Point

After a day full of hiking and driving, head back to Sunset Point to watch the sunset over Bryce Canyon National Park. This may be more crowded than sunrise, but it is a great way to end your one day in Bryce. Sunrise and sunsets really can’t be beaten in the desert. If conditions are good, this should absolutely be on your Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary.

Stargazing in Bryce Canyon National Park

A bonus thing to do if the skies are clear is to go stargazing in the park. Bryce is an International Dark Sky Park which means it has been recognized as one of the best places in the world to see the night sky! Gaze in wonder at the thousands upon thousands of stars that can be seen on a clear night in Bryce National Park. If you are at all interested in astrophotography, this is a great place to do it!

Things to Do Near Bryce

If you have more than one day in Bryce or want to explore more of Southern Utah, below are some other great National Parks and outdoor activities in the area!

• Visit Zion National Park– Zion is only 71 miles from Bryce, a drive that should take about an hour and a half in good traffic. If you are visiting one National Park, it would be a shame to not take a few days to see the other. You can hit the highlights of Bryce in one day. However, Zion is a bit bigger and you should plan to spend at least 2 days in Zion National Park.
• Visit Moab– Moab is a bit further from Bryce, 273 miles away, but it is an absolute must-see if you are road tripping through Southern Utah’s National Parks. Both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are near Moab, so visit Arches, Canyonlands, or both in one day or more.
• Bike Rentals– If you have more time to visit Bryce, experience Bryce in a different way and rent an electric bike. You can bike the trail from Bryce to Red Canyon, or just ride to some of the scenic overlooks in the park. Bryce Canyon EZ Riders and Outta Here eBikes are two rental places close to Bryce with rentals in a variety of time options.
• Red Canyon– Similar in the scenery, but smaller in size, Red Canyon is located just 15 minutes West of Bryce on Highway 12’s Scenic Byway. This is a great spot for hiking and biking with similar views, but smaller crowds than Bryce National Park.

Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon in One Day

Below are a few tips and things to know before visiting Bryce National Park. Following these will help your visit go smoother and ensure you have the best time in Bryce while respecting the landscape.

• Stay up to date on closings and conditions in the park. Each National Park has a website where they will post any trail or road closings. Landslides and weather events can change these conditions in an instant. Make sure to check your desired routes and trails are open!
• Leave No Trace! This applies to any hiking or camping in the outdoors, but review the leave no trace principles to protect these wild and natural places! Wandering off-trail can harm delicate desert landscapes that can take many years to grow back. Carving or vandalizing rock is becoming increasingly common, and should not be done under any circumstance. Behavior like this leads to increasing restrictions of national land and damages the landscape in ways that cannot be undone, destroying centuries-old formations.
• Bring lots of water! In normal conditions for moderate hiking one recommendation is to drink half a liter of water for every hour of hiking, and even more in harsher conditions. Bryce may have limited facilities depending on the time of year, so do not count on getting water once to the park! Always keep some extra water in the car.
• Make your reservations early! National Parks, especially ones in the West, are extremely popular tourist destinations and campsites can fill months in advance. Most campsites inside the National Parks are available for registration 6 months in advance, so plan early and check when sites open for your dates.

When to Visit Bryce Canyon

When you visit Bryce Canyon will primarily depend on whether you want to prioritize good weather or crowds. On average 2.6 million people visit Bryce Canyon National Park every year. The majority of those visits are between May and September. This is also when Bryce has the warmest weather and the least amount of snow.

If you want to experience Bryce in the best weather and reduce your chance of having your plans change due to snow or inclement weather Summer is the best time to visit Bryce. Between June and September, the highs can reach the 70s and 80s and the lows are usually above freezing. The rest of the year, warm weather is much less a given. The park is often below freezing or with a chance of snow, in winter from November through February.

However, if you want to visit without the crazy crowds of the Summer, Spring and Fall will be your best time to visit Bryce. In March through May, the park starts to warm up, but Summer crowds are not yet in full swing. Similarly, visitation starts to fall off in October and November in the Fall. There is a chance of snow and bad weather during these times, but if you come prepared, you can still have a great time in the park!

Places to Stay Near Bryce

If you are only spending one day in Bryce Canyon, stay close to the park the night before and after. This way you can get to the best hikes in Bryce early, and stay late to enjoy the park to the fullest. See below for some of the best campgrounds, hotels, and Airbnbs near Bryce Canyon.

Camping Near Bryce

There are only two campgrounds within Bryce National Park, but there are several other campgrounds and glamping retreats nearby. You can also stay at free dispersed camping in nearby National Forests and BLM land.

• North Campground– North Campground is the only year-round campground in Bryce. It has reservations in the summer and is first-come, first-served the rest of the year.
• Sunset Campground– Sunset Campground is the other campground in Bryce. It is open first-come, first-served in the summer, and has tent and RV sites.
• Under Canvas Bryce Canyon– Experience glamping in a canvas tent complete with a private bathroom, less than 6 miles from Bryce National Park.

Hotels Near Bryce

The town of Bryce, Utah sits just outside the park and is the closest town to Bryce Canyon National Park. However, Bryce is not very large. Tropic, Utah is another place to stay near Bryce, only 15 minutes away.

• Stone Canyon Inn– This cute inn in Tropic, Utah has private cabins with hot tubs and overlooks Bryce Canyon.
• Ruby’s Inn– This is a Best Western Plus in the town of Bryce. It has the advantage of a shuttle stop nearby, as well as a general store, campground, and RV park.
• Bryce Canyon Lodge– If you can afford to and plan well in advance it is always worth staying in a National Park if possible. Bryce Canyon Lodge is the only lodge inside the park. It is within walking distance of Sunrise and Sunset Point and many trails. It has both traditional lodge rooms as well as cabins to stay in.

Airbnbs Near Bryce

For more privacy, stay at one of the many Airbnbs near Bryce! Then you can have the whole house or rental unit to yourself!

• Family Home Near Bryce– If you are looking for a more luxurious stay, or have a whole family, this house is not far from Bryce
• Apartment in Tropic– This is a simple but equipped apartment in Tropic, Utah!

Packing List for Bryce

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

• Water- Water is your best friend in the desert! Make sure to bring enough and then some for your group, especially if you are visiting in the summer.
• Snacks– If you will be hiking all day and burning a lot of calories, make sure to bring some protein-packed snacks and lunch as well.
• Sunscreen– Whether you are visiting in summer or winter, it is a good idea to use sunscreen to block the harsh sun and snow reflections!
• Sun Shielding Hat– My hat is my favorite hiking gear. A wide-brimmed hat will help keep the sun off you.
• Winter Hat- Morning can be cold in the desert at any time of year. A knit hat is great to have in your bag for early mornings or windy days.
• Moisture-Wicking Shirts– Any shirt will do, but the best hiking shirts are made of natural or synthetic moisture-wicking material that is breathable and dries quickly.
• Athletic Shorts/Pants– I personally tend to wear hiking leggings more than shorts. If you are hiking in the winter, Carhartt makes great thick women’s leggings.
• Lighter Jacket or Wind Jacket– Layering is always a good idea when hiking, and I put a spare windbreaker or light jacket in my backpack in case the wind picks up.
• Winter Coat– Bryce is at a high elevation, so expect it to be cold Fall through Spring. I was glad to have my puffy coat, even in late March.
• Hiking Boots or Trail Runner– I would highly recommend hiking boots on Bryce’s trails. All of the trails above have at least some elevation gain. Boots will help you to keep your footing and have better control hiking down.
• Hiking Socks– When wearing boots, make sure to bring good socks to reduce the risk of blisters!
• Backpack– A good daypack can make your hike so much more enjoyable. Properly distributing weight and can ease your trip and allow you to bring all the essentials above!
• Headlamp– If you are going to be stargazing or hiking for sunrise or sunset, be sure to bring a headlamp and batteries.

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