Tucked away in the heart of Utah’s red rock country, Bryce Canyon National Park is a geological wonderland that beckons visitors with its otherworldly landscape. The park boasts a mesmerizing collection of hoodoos, fins, and natural amphitheaters carved by the forces of nature over millions of years. Bryce Canyon National Park can easily be explored in one day. I was determined to make the most of the single day in this mesmerizing park. I hope this one-day adventure overview of my experience will help you navigate the highlights, making your visit just as unforgettable.
Starting the day at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center
My day started with a visit to the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, the perfect point to get oriented and gather essential information about the park. Even though I had the AllTrails Maps downloaded on my phone, I felt incomplete without picking up a paper map from the visitor center. It was also easier for the park rangers to draw on the maps to guide me better to the trails I wanted to hike for the day.
I never know what my day has in store, so I like to be prepared by grabbing some extra snacks and souvenirs that catch my eye. Whenever I visit a National Park, I always pick up a magnet as a reminder of my trip. They’re easy to pack and make for a great display when I return home.
During my visit, the staff at the park were incredibly helpful in providing me with maps, trail suggestions, and insights into the park’s history and geology. The visitor center also had an educational display illustrating how the Hoodoos were formed and a small movie theater playing a video about the discovery of the park and its unique geological formations. This gave me a better understanding of what I was going to see once I was out on the trail and also a greater appreciation for how different the world can be from region to region. With this knowledge, I was excited to begin my exploration through Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Point: Where the Adventure Begins
My first stop was Bryce Point, a place that offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the Bryce Amphitheater. To reach this point, I took the park’s shuttle bus, which is not only a convenient mode of transportation but also an eco-friendly choice to reduce traffic in the park.
One of the most popular things to do at Bryce Canyon is to start your day at either Sunrise Point or Sunset Point. These Trailheads offer the most famous geological features that attract many visitors annually. Sunrise Point, as the name suggests, is a great place to witness the sun as it spills over the hoodoos. To secure a good spot, arrive early and be prepared to be mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colors that paint the sky. Once the sunrise has faded into clear blue skies, you can access the trailhead for the Queen’s Garden (the most popular hike in the park) from this point.
Sunset Point is situated just south of Sunrise Point and can be reached by taking a short walk along the Rim Trail. Once there, hikers will find the trailhead that leads to the Navajo Loop Trail. The loop comprises of two sides: Two Bridges and Wall Street. The Two Bridges side remains open throughout the year and features Thor’s Hammer, one of the most iconic hoodoos in Bryce Canyon. During summer, visitors can explore the Wall Street side, known for its winding switchbacks that provide an unforgettable experience as one slowly descends into the canyon between the stunning limestone walls.
I started my hike at Bryce Point, which was the last stop for the bus and far away from the large crowds. For the first few hours, I had the trail mostly to myself. The park’s trail system was clearly marked, and I followed it through the Peekaboo Loop Trail. The vastness of the Bryce Amphitheater, with its countless hoodoos, was a sight to behold. Hiking amid these surreal formations made me feel like I had stepped into another world.
Peekaboo Loop Trail: A Unique Encounter
One of the trails I traversed was the Peekaboo Loop Trail. This path introduced me to the wonders of Bryce Canyon up close. What made this hike even more interesting was the presence of horse riders sharing the trail. It was a reminder that Bryce Canyon is not just a haven for hikers but also for equestrian enthusiasts.
If you want a unique way to experience the trails, Canyon Trail Rides provides guided horse and mule rides into the stunning Bryce Amphitheater through a dedicated horse trail and the Peek-a-boo Loop Trail. The company offers two different ride options: a 2-hour ride that costs $75 per person and a 3-hour ride that costs $100 per person. The guided trail rides usually commence in April and continue until October 31, depending on the weather conditions.
Since I was sharing the road with the horse trail, I unfortunately had to keep an eye out for horse poop. I didn’t mind occasionally watching where I was stepping; it was a small price to pay for the remarkable scenery. However, for some, this may take away from their hiking experience, and I would suggest focusing on trails to the north of the park.
Navajo Loop Trail: Wall Street Hoodoos
The Navajo Loop Trail was next on my list, famous for its Wall Street section. As I mentioned, this is one of the most popular hiking spots. Since I was hiking south to north, I had to climb the steep switchbacks while others raced down the trail, narrowly avoiding me as I stopped to catch my breath. Climbing the switchback may be the more strenuous way to hike this trail, but it did force me to stop and take in the sights of the other hikers spiraling towards the canyon floor.
As I made my way up the narrow canyon, I couldn’t help but notice the fellow hikers below, who looked like tiny ants returning to their anthill after a long day’s journey. The towering hoodoos surrounded me, some reaching astonishing heights that left me awestruck. The unique interplay of light and shadow in this section created an ethereal atmosphere that left me completely mesmerized.
Bryce Canyon Lodge & General Store: Snack Time
After hiking for a few hours, I decided to take a break and headed towards the Bryce Canyon Lodge. The lodge is a rustic and charming building that takes you back in time. Built in 1925, it was one of the original lodges constructed for the historic “Grand Circle Tour” of Grand Canyon’s North Rim, Zion, Bryce, and Cedar Breaks. The Grand Circle Loop was a railroad loop that would bring visitors to Bryce Canyon and other national parks before roads were readily available for the public to travel by car.
The Bryce Canyon Lodge has a variety of accommodations for guests to choose from. You can opt for comfortable lodge rooms with private balconies or choose from a range of private cabin selections. If you need a break from exploring, head to the General Store located near Sunrise Point and the North Campground. Here, you can sit on the front porch or use the available picnic tables to enjoy a snack or grab-and-go food, like pizza, sandwiches, and salads, made fresh daily. If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, The Lodge at Bryce Canyon Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Inside, I explored the lodge’s history, learning about its significance in the park’s development. Then, it was time for a snack break at the General Store, where I enjoyed a warm cup of coffee and a chocolate chip cookie. It was the perfect way to refuel for more adventures.
Rainbow Point: Drive the Southern Scenic Drive
As the day was coming to an end, I decided to travel towards the southern part of the park and visit Rainbow Point, the southernmost point in the park that provided an awe-inspiring view of the landscape. The main park road spans 18 miles from the park entrance in the north to the end of the road at Rainbow Point. While the first 3 miles of the park road leads to the Bryce Amphitheater area, the remaining 15 miles leading to the road’s end are referred to as the Southern Scenic Drive. This section of the road features nine scenic overlooks and vehicle pullouts that provide opportunities to see the lesser-seen geology and wildlife of Bryce Canyon. The views from Rainbow Point were breathtaking, with vistas that seemed to stretch endlessly. It was a perfect way to end a day filled with exploration and wonder.
Bryce Canyon National Park is a stunning and geologically significant destination that has left a lasting impression on me. I have recommended it to anyone who would listen because of how underrated it is. This park has a unique ability to captivate the soul and leave you with a deep appreciation for the wonders of our planet. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or an adventurer seeking a connection with the natural world, Bryce Canyon should undoubtedly be on your bucket list. Although my trip was just a taste of the park’s offerings, I am already looking forward to my next visit to explore even more of its beauty and mysteries.
To fully explore all the activities available in Utah and the surrounding area, I highly recommend taking a look at the posts listed below. They offer valuable information and insights that can help you make the most of your time in the area. Don’t miss out on any of the amazing experiences the Western United States has to offer.
The information in this article was accurate when published but can change without notice. Please confirm rates and details when planning your trip by following the links in this article. If you find out-of-date or inaccurate information, I’d love to hear about it to update the article. Use the comments section below. Thanks!
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Looks like a fun time in an amazing park – such a beautiful an unique place to visit!