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Planet Earth is full of spectacular wonders created by the power of nature. One of these places is Bryce Canyon National Park. With its intricate rock formations, colored with shades of pink, orange, red, and white, the park delivers a sculpture and a vibrant painting in one. Bright green juniper trees add to the image with their contrasting accents. Would you like to visit this amazing place? If yes, follow Credit Card SheBuysTravel’s tips on planning a trip to the one and only – Bryce Canyon!
Planning a trip to Bryce Canyon
I took my first trip to Bryce Canyon almost 25 years ago. I did all my arrangements through the mail and phone calls. A lot of work but it was so worth the effort! My first look at the canyon literally swept me off my feet. This remains one of the most moving experiences in my years of travel. Since then, I visited Bryce Canyon National Park another two times and most likely will visit it again.
Planning a trip to Bryce Canyon by the Seasons
Bryce Canyon Weather
Summer days in Bryce Canyon are pleasant and nights cool. July is the warmest month, with an average daytime high temperature of 83 F and a nighttime low of 47 F. Much of the area’s precipitation arrives as afternoon thundershowers during mid to late summer. Spring and fall weather is highly variable.
Cold winter days are offset by high altitude sun and dry climate. Winter nights are subfreezing. On occasion, cold fronts bringing temperatures as low as 30 F below zero! Although March is the snowiest month, the area can have snowstorms from October through April.
The high altitude sun can burn in any season– hats and sunscreen are recommended all year! Layered clothing is good preparation for the plateau’s temperature extremes and frequent strong winds. Boots with good tread and ankle support are strongly recommended when you seek an adventure on Bryce Canyon’s hiking trails.
Planning a Trip to Bryce Canyon: Best Time to Visit
Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24/7. Visitor Center and fee booths are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The park receives close to 1.75 million visitors annually. Most visitors arrive in May through September.
July and August will be crowded, so try to avoid this time of year. Parking lots at most viewpoints will be extremely congested. Your best chance of finding a parking space at Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, Bryce, and Paria Viewpoints is before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.
Best months to visit are June, September, and October. You will find pleasant temperatures good for hiking into the canyon. Do not cross out winter when planning a trip to Bryce Canyon. It will be chilly but with a coat of snow, the park will show its amazing frozen beauty.
Annual snowfall averages 95 inches, providing opportunities for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Be prepared for mountain winter driving conditions and for the weather to change without notice. Chains, snow-tires, and 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended during the winter season.
Bryce Canyon Hotels:
Lodging inside Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon Lodge is the only accommodation available in the park. Reserve well in advance, as soon as the dates open. To preserve The Lodge’s rustic feel, there are no televisions on the property. No air conditioning is needed as the mild climate in Bryce Canyon boasts summer highs that rarely reach the 80’s. The lodge closes for winter!
Amenities include WiFi in the main lodge; however, coverage does not reach guest rooms. All rooms have mini-fridges, microwaves, telephones, hair dryers, coffee-makers, and thermostat-controlled heat.
Lodging outside Bryce Canyon National Park
Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn
Rustic but very charming, it is the closest accommodation to Bryce Canyon National Park. Each room comes with a TV and air-conditioning and a private bathroom. Certain units have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. Superior rooms feature a spa bath or a hot tub. Interior pool is also available.
Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn has a feel of a small western village. On the site, you will find a gift shop and general store boasting an impressive selection of Native American arts and crafts. Guests can also buy food, camping gear, clothing and more.
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
Nestled among the red rock cliffs of , this hotel offers exceptional amenities, including a , air conditioning and flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms. The hotel also features an on-site fitness center along with an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub open during summer months.
Additional amenities at the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel Best Western include free wireless internet access and on-site laundry facilities. Guests will also enjoy dining at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill. I stayed at this hotel and liked it a lot. It delivers modern conveniences with a lot of old western charm.
What to do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Visitors won’t lack for activities in Bryce Canyon National Park. Things to do include hiking, camping, backpacking, photography, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and bird watching.
Camping at Bryce Canyon National Park
Campgrounds within the park deliver outstanding scenery and the best location for exploring hiking trails. Bryce Canyon has two campgrounds, North and Sunset, located in close proximity to the Visitor Center, Bryce Canyon Lodge, and the main Bryce Amphitheater.
All sites are first-come-first-serve. Sites fill by early afternoon during the summer months. There are no hook-ups in the campgrounds, but a fee-for-use dump station is available for RV users at the south end of North Campground.
Hiking
With many easily accessible viewpoints, you can enjoy Bryce Canyon National Park without breaking a sweat. But to truly get a feel of the park, step into its wonderland. Choose from several hiking trails. Because many of them connect with each other, the most popular hikes are combinations of two or more. It really does not matter which one you take, they are all spectacular in their own way.
Junior Ranger Program
At Bryce Canyon National Park, Junior Rangers must successfully complete three tasks:
- Attend a presentation or hike given by a Park Ranger.
- Work through an activity booklet completing an age-appropriate number of activities.
- Pick up some litter in an overlook parking lot or while hiking a trail.
Winter Activities
In winter, Bryce Canyon is providing opportunities for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing.
Learn Why Utah is the Best State for Nature Lovers
What other spectacular attractions can you find nearby?
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Tuweep Area – the Best Kept Secret of the Grand Canyon
Moab Utah – For the Love of Adventure
Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area
The Wave – a Hike of a Lifetime in Arizona
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