Bryce Canyon National Park is named for one of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsagunt Plateau in southern Utah. Erosion has shaped colorful Claron limestones, sandstones and mudstones into thousands of spires, fins, pinnacles and mazes. The park is characterized by an enormous array of oddly shaped "hoodoos," unique erosional formations whimsically arranged and tinted with a variety of subtle colors.
General Information
Rates & Fees
Permits $12.00 Single Person Entry
Entry into Bryce Canyon National Park by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle for 7 days.
$25.00 Single Vehicle Entry
Valid at Bryce Canyon National Park for 7 days.
$30.00 Bryce Canyon National Park Annual Pass
Valid at Bryce Canyon National Park for 1 year from month of purchase.
America the Beautiful -- National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass replaces Golden Eagle, Golden Age, Golden Access Passport and National Parks Pass. Click here for more information.
Where to stay.
Things to See
Seasons / Hours
The park is open 24 hours a day all year. There may be temporary road closures during and shortly after winter snow storms until plowing is completed and conditions are safe for visitor traffic. Road maintenance may require brief closures of individual areas at other times.
Visitor Center
The park visitor center is open year round except Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and New Years Day. The visitor center is open the following hours:
- 8 AM to 4:30 PM (MST) Winter hours October until April
- 8 AM to 6:00 PM (MDT) Spring & Fall hours, April & October
- 8 AM to 8:00 PM (MDT) Summer hours beginning end of May
Facilities/Features
Stores/Museums
Amfac Parks and Resorts, Inc. operates a general store at Sunrise Point which includes souveniuers and gift shop.
Programs & Events
A slide show, exhibits, restrooms, information, publications sales, and backcountry permits are available at the visitor center. Check for a current schedule upon arrival. Also check with Garfield Travel Council for Utah Centennial events.
Ranger Nature Tours
Park rangers and volunteers conduct interpretive activities, including hikes, walks, geology talks and evening slide programs, throughout summer months. Star talks are conducted during the new moon and moonlight walks when the moon is full. Check at the park visitor center or Bryce Canyon Lodge for daily schedules.
Food/Supplies
Amfac Parks and Resorts, Inc. operates a general store at Sunrise Point. Groceries, souvenirs, camping supplies, quick meals, restrooms, coin-operated shower and laundry facilities are available from April through October. Amfac Parks and Resorts, Inc. also operates a gift shop and dining room in the lodge and a snack bar at the General Store.
Private stores in the immediate area just 3 miles north of the Park Entrance are open year-round for food, supplies and other services.
Accessibility
Most park facilities were constructed between 1930 and 1960. Some have been upgraded for accessibility, while others could be used with assistance.
Because of the park's natural terrain, only a half-mile section of Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points is wheelchair accessible. The one-mile Bristlecone Loop trail at Rainbow Point has a hard surface and could be used with assistance, but several grades do not meet standards.
Parking is marked at all overlooks and public facilities. Accessible campsites are available in Sunset Campground.
Precautions, Rules, Regulations
It is the visitor's responsibility to know and obey park rules. Regulations are designed for visitors' protection and to protect natural resources.
General Regulations
- Wildlife feeding, disturbing wildlife in any way, collecting of any historical or natural objects (including gathering dead wood or picking wildflowers) are prohibited.
- Camp only in designated campgrounds; build fires only in grills, picnic only at designated picnic areas.
- Firearms, hunting, trapping\and feeding wildlife are illegal.
- Pets must be on a leash and physically restrained at all times. They are not allowed on trails or or unleashed.
Vehicles
- Marked bus parking spaces are available at all sites where parking lots can accommodate buses. Bus engines should be turned off while parked. Motor homes and trailers are not permitted in spaces designated for buses.
- Due to steep grades and limited parking, trailers are not allowed beyond Sunset Campground. Campers should leave trailers at their campsite. Day visitors should leave trailers at their overnight campground, at Ruby's Inn free shuttle parking area just outside the park, at the park visitor center or at the trailer turn-around south of Sunset Campground.
- No vehicles over 25 feet in length are allowed at Paria View where the parking area is too small for large vehicles to turn around.
- Unless otherwise posted, the Park speed limit is 35 mph on all roads.
Each year at Bryce Canyon, volunteers (VIPs) donate more than 10,000 hours of service, more than 10% of the park's workforce. VIPs help staff information desks, serve as campground hosts, patrol trails, build fences, work with computers, conduct wildlife surveys, take photographs and more.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Bryce Canyon, ask for an information packet at the visitor center or write to:
Superintendent,
Bryce Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 170001
Bryce Canyon, UT 84717-0001.
435-834-5322 (v) | 435-834-4102 (f)
