This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is famous for its colorful hoodoos, dramatic amphitheaters, and family-friendly trails that showcase one of the most unique landscapes in the United States.

Wide view of Bryce Canyon National Park, featuring its iconic orange and red rock formations, hoodoos, and green pine trees under a partly cloudy sky.

First Impressions of Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon left us in awe. The tall orange spires and sweeping canyon views looked almost unreal, like a fantasy landscape brought to life. On our family’s spring break road trip through Utah and Arizona, it quickly became one of the highlights.

We spent our day exploring scenic overlooks, hiking part of the Navajo Loop, and even trying elk chili at the historic lodge. Here’s what captured our attention most and how to make the most of a first visit.

Travel Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon

View of Bryce Canyon’s striking orange and pink hoodoos, with scattered green trees and a distant valley visible under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Start early. Parking fills up quickly at popular viewpoints. Aim to enter before 9 AM.
  • Dress in layers. Even in spring, temperatures can be cold and windy. The park sits at 8,000 feet (2,400 m) and there will be snow at the top.
  • Wear sturdy shoes. Trails are steep and sandy. Hiking boots are best.
  • Bring water. We used CamelBaks for hands-free hydration, which was especially helpful with kids.

Scenic Drive from Rainbow Point to Bryce Amphitheater

Hikers walk along a winding trail through the orange and red rock formations of Bryce Canyon, surrounded by spire-like hoodoos and scattered greenery under a cloudy sky.

We began at Rainbow Point, the southernmost and highest viewpoint at 9,115 feet (2,778 m). From there, we drove north along the 18-mile scenic route, stopping at overlooks along the way.

  • Rainbow Point & Yovimpa Point – Panoramic views in both directions, plus a short walk on the Bristlecone Loop Trail.
  • Black Birch Canyon – A small overlook with dramatic views of narrow formations.
  • Ponderosa Canyon – Contrasting views of forest and stone.
  • Agua Canyon – Two hoodoos known as “The Hunter” and “The Rabbit,” easy for kids to spot.
  • Natural Bridge – A striking arch carved by erosion, one of the park’s most photogenic stops.
  • Farview Point – Clear-day views stretching nearly 100 miles.
  • Swamp Canyon – Despite the name, it’s dry and full of fascinating fins and formations.

Bryce Amphitheater and the Navajo Loop

Two people walk along winding orange sandstone trails surrounded by steep canyon walls, likely in Bryce Canyon National Park. The landscape features dramatic textures and curves typical of this iconic desert destination.

The Bryce Amphitheater holds the densest concentration of hoodoos. Even with limited time, this is the area to prioritize.

  • Bryce Point – A breathtaking view over the amphitheater with tightly packed hoodoos.
  • Inspiration Point – Offers a higher vantage point where the formations look like rippling waves.
  • Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge – A rustic spot with hearty meals. We tried the elk chili and club sandwich. Both were better than we expected for a park restaurant.
  • Sunset Point & Navajo Loop Trail – One of the most popular spots in the park. We hiked part of the Navajo Loop down to Two Bridges. The switchbacks were steep but exciting for the kids.
  • Sunrise Point – Great views and access to Queens Garden Trail. You can also spot “The Sinking Ship” formation in the distance.

How to Get to Bryce Canyon National Park

By Car

Bryce Canyon is easily accessed by car and is a popular stop on many Southwest road trips. Here are some approximate drive times:

  • From Las Vegas: About 4 hours.
  • From Salt Lake City: About 4 hours.
  • From Zion National Park (East Entrance): About 1.5 hours.
  • From Kanab, Utah: About 1.5 hours.

The park is open year-round, with spring and fall offering the best balance of mild weather and fewer crowds. During the winter, some roads may be temporarily closed due to snow, but the main park road is usually plowed and remains open.

Our Thoughts on Bryce Canyon National Park

A family of four stands smiling in front of a scenic overlook at Bryce Canyon, with orange rock formations and a vast, mountainous landscape behind them. They are wearing jackets and hats on this bright, partly cloudy day.

Bryce Canyon is unlike any other U.S. national park. The hoodoos create a dreamlike landscape, and the viewpoints are easy to reach. Families will appreciate the mix of short trails, scenic drives, and memorable photo spots.

With one day, you can cover the main drive and hike into the amphitheater. It’s a memorable experience and we highly recommend visiting.

More to Explore Nearby

Bryce Canyon is part of Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks, so you don’t have to travel far for more incredible landscapes:

  • Zion National Park – Just 1.5 hours away, famous for towering cliffs and hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows.
  • Kodachrome Basin State Park – A smaller park with colorful sandstone spires and family-friendly trails, only 30 minutes from Bryce.
  • Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument – Explore slot canyons, waterfalls, and scenic drives in this vast protected area east of Bryce.
  • Capitol Reef National Park – About 2.5 hours away, known for orchards, petroglyphs, and the stunning Waterpocket Fold.

Related Posts: