Where Is Bryce Canyon?
Bryce Canyon National Park is 24 miles southeast of Panguitch on Utah 63, east of the junction of Utah 12 and US 89.
Bryce sits at an elevation of 7,894 feet/2,406 meters. Because it encompasses 2000 feet of elevation, the park exists in three distinct climatic zones: spruce/fir forest, Ponderosa Pine forest, and Pinyon Pine/juniper forest. This diversity of habitat provides for high biodiversity
When Should I Go & What’s The Weather Like?
Depending on your interests, Bryce offers something for everyone every season of the year.
Spring (March - May) March is usually the month with the most snowfall. April can be a wet and cold or arid and temperate. The month starts off cool, and gradually gets warmer and sunnier. May will begin to bring great spring weather, with cooler mornings and evenings.
Summer (June-August) Summers are hot here, with June reaching the peak. Monsoon season and its storms begins mid to late July, continuing through the middle of August.
Fall (Sept-Nov) Leaves begin to change colors in September. Nights begin to get very cool, but daytime highs can still reach into the low 70's. In October snow may begin to fall. The lodge closes for the season on November 1st, following breakfast. This time of year brings lots of snow, cold temperatures and heavy wind. If there is enough snowfall, snowshoers and cross country skiers can find plenty of places to enjoy the park.
Winter (December-February) Plenty of snowfall, although recent years have shown a decrease. Februart days are cool and overcast, with colder nights, so dress for warmth. When hitting the trails in the canyon you will find lots of ice, snow and/or mud. March is typically the month with the most snowfall. Please exercise caution on the roads and trails during these harsh winter months.
What’s There To Do?
There are over 50 miles of hiking trails in Bryce Canyon National Park. Mountain biking and horseback riding are popular ways to hit the trails during the warm months, while cross country skiing and snow shoeing opportunities abound in the winter. You can also look into many excellent guided tours. The park boasts one of the darkest night skiees in North America. Stargazers can see 7500 stars with the naked eye - that's about 5,500 more than can be seen in most places! Park rangers offer several Star Talks during the new and full moons. June typically holds The Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
The visitor center is open year-round and provides general park information, a slide program and museum.
• Park entrance fee is $25 per vehicle or $12 for people entering by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or as part of a non-commercial group .
• Motel accommodations are available within 1 mile of the park entrance.
• The Sunrise Nature Center is open during the summer months for additional exhibits and information.
• Educational programs are also available. Contact the park for more information.
• Shuttle buses run daily throughout the park during the months of May - September.
Camping in Bryce Canyon
Two developed campgrounds are located inside the park. You can book North and Sunset campgrounds online. The park has two campgrounds located in close proximity to the visitor center, in addition to Bryce Canyon Lodge. Both campgrounds have restrooms with flush toilets, and drinking water. During the summer months laundry and shower facilities are available at the general store. A fee-for-use dump station is available for RV users at the south end of North Campground.
NOTE: Dump-station is closed during winter because of freezing temperatures.
Neither campground has hook-ups, but a fee-for-use sanitary dump station is available seasonally near North Campground. All sites are limited to 10 people (with no more than 6 adults (adult=15 and up)), 3 tents and 2 vehicles and cost $10 per night. Holders of special Park Passes such as the Golden Age and Golden Access get a 50% discount. Sites fill by early afternoon during the summer months. Backcountry Camping is also available at limited sites in the park.
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