This sprawling reserve nestled in southern Utah attracts throngs of visitors keen on seeing the outstanding geological formations known as hoodoos. With a crimson hue, these giant columns make for a unique landscape that you can only find here in Bryce Canyon National Park.
About Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is a four-hour drive from the northeast side of Las Vegas. Despite this, many locals and tourists brave the long trip to catch a glimpse of the famous hoodoos. Besides, the journey to the park is worth the hours as the park is also Cedar Breaks National Monument, Zion National Park, and Brian Head Resort, so the route is pretty packed with impressive stops.
Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
One of the highlights of visiting Bryce Canyon is its hiking trails, which bring guests to explore the forests within. Here are some of the hikes you should experience when you visit the park:
The Navajo Loop
This hiking trail offers one of the sweeping views of the whole park. Hikers can hike the Sunset Point and proceed to the Silent City – a conglomeration of spires and rock columns. The trail ends into a narrow canyon with impressive sandstone walls.
Sunset Point
Hikers who want to take in all the beauty of Bryce Canyon can directly trek Sunset Point, where they can see the most outstanding view of Thor’s Hammer – an isolated hoodoo. It is also the perfect spot for bird watchers.
Fairyland Loop
This 8-mile trail is called fairyland for a reason. The vistas of the area and you would see your fairy fantasies come to life. The hike takes guests to explore the Fairyland Point and down to the labyrinths, amphitheaters, and amid stone canyons that seem to look like little fairies with its pink and tan-hued stone canyons. Hikers can explore the Boat Mesa, Tower Bridge, and China Wall from the Fairyland Point.
Bristlecone Loop
Occupying the southwest area of the Bryce Canyon National Park is the Bristlecone Loop Trail. This forested trail is one of the easiest to trek. It is above the plateau that surrounds the canyons where park visitors can see the astonishing vistas of Bryce Canyon.
Mossy Cave
On the northern side of the Bryce Canyon is the Mossy Cave hiking trail. Mossy Cave is the trail of choice for guests who want to see the spires and hoodoos without the need to go a thousand feet to the amphitheaters. The trail features a stream that brings guests t a shelter cave and a natural grotto.
Apart from hiking, there are tons of other activities that you can enjoy when you visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Here are some of them:
- Driving an ATV
- Backpacking (Note: If you plan to do overnight backing, you need to secure a permit beforehand.)
- Riding your Mountain Bike
- Overnight Camping
- Guided Horseback Riding
- Cross-Country Skiing
Know Before You Go
- Bryce Canyon National Park is open daily, 24 hours a day.
- The visitor center closes during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Anyone can visit the park. There are no age restrictions.
- Weekly and annual passes are available.
