Last Updated on April 10, 2026
Bryce Canyon National Park may be the smallest of Utah’s Mighty 5, but it packs a serious punch. Its unique and otherworldly rock formations are densely concentrated, so you can see an incredible amount of scenery in a short amount of time. That doesn’t mean you should make Bryce Canyon just a day trip, though – it’s too stunning for that. You’ll want at least a full day and night (preferably two full days) to experience dramatic Bryce Canyon hikes and see the hoodoos at different angles and times of day.
Bryce Canyon surprised me in the best possible way, making it one of my favorite national parks. In this article, I detail 6 tips to help you get the most out of your Bryce Canyon experience. Let’s dive in…
(This post may contain affiliate links in which I receive a small commission if you use them at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.)
So, What Exactly are Hoodoos?
Looking out over Bryce Canyon, you’ll see thousands of tall, thin rock spires that look like a forest of stone statues. These unique formations are called hoodoos and were formed as the Earth’s crust shifted and massive amounts of water from the post-Flood era carved through the soft limestone.
Over time, acidic rainwater and ice-wedging (where water freezes and expands in cracks) ate away at the cliffs. Because many of these towers have a harder, larger rock on top that acts like an umbrella, the softer rock underneath was protected from the rain, leaving behind these towering, fragile spires.
These colorful pinnacles painted in red, orange, pink, and white are stunning and make Bryce Canyon a must-see national park.
6 Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon
1. Don’t Skip Sunrise or Sunset. (I’m serious!)
Sunrise and sunset aren’t just nice little extras to tack onto your itinerary in this park. If you ask me, they’re essential. The hoodoos take on a gorgeous glow and offer dramatic depth across the canyon when the sun hits them at different times.
During the middle of the day, the sun is high and the light is flat, which makes the canyon look a bit two-dimensional. But visit at sunrise and you’ll see the sun hit the hoodoos face-on creating a colorful palette of oranges, golds, and whites.
In the evening, the sun sets behind the rim, creating soft, reflected light and long dramatic shadows for a romantic or peaceful mood to end the day.
There are a few different spots where you can catch these beautiful masterpieces. For sunrise or sunset, take your pick from:
- Bryce Point
- Sunrise Point (not only for the sunrise)
- Sunset Point (not only for the sunset)
- Inspiration Point
2. Stay Inside the Park.
To fully experience the dramatic landscape of Bryce Canyon, we highly recommend staying inside the park. Bryce Canyon Lodge is incredibly convenient to the stunning panoramas. While the lodge itself is a bit dated, you can’t beat the location. Being so close makes catching the sunrise and the sunset – and managing your time overall – very easy.
3. Don’t Just Look Down Into Bryce Canyon – Hike the Hoodoos.
While you can admire the colorful hoodoos from above at various rim viewpoints, their scale and detail don’t really hit you until you’re down among them. Hiking below the rim and walking right next to these massive formations gives you a unique perspective you’ll remember forever. One of my favorite experiences is the Bryce Canyon hike that combines portions of the Queens Garden and Navajo Trails.
With views like this, you’ll want to put this hike at the top of your Bryce Canyon bucket list.
4. Trek the Queen’s Garden Navajo Loop in the Opposite Direction That Many People Advise. Here’s why.
The Queen’s Garden Navajo Loop – the most popular hike in Bryce Canyon – is a moderate 2.9-mile trail that can be hiked in either direction.
- Clockwise: Start at Queen’s Garden (a less steep descent) and finish by climbing up the Navajo Trail
- Counterclockwise: Start by descending the steeper Navajo Trail and finish via Queen’s Garden
Many travel guides recommend hiking counterclockwise so you can go down the steepest section (Navajo) instead of climbing up it. And while that sounds logical, going clockwise actually makes a lot more sense.
First of all, going clockwise (and therefore descending on the Queen’s Garden Trail) you’re looking straight into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater – an impressive sight that will be behind you if you walk up this part.
Secondly, the Navajo section of the loop is the most dramatic part of the hike by far. Known as Wall Street, this stretch features towering, massive rock walls and steep switchbacks that literally make you feel like you’re on an Indiana Jones movie set! It’s easily the best scenery in the park and should be saved for last (which it will be if you go clockwise).
Climbing up Wall Street may be steeper, but the switchbacks make it manageable, and it’s actually easier on your knees than descending. Also, parts of this trail offer some shade, too, which you’ll appreciate more as you near the end of your hike.
5. Dress in Layers, It Gets Colder Than You’d Expect.
Even in the warmer months, Bryce Canyon mornings and evenings can feel chilly. That’s because the park sits at a high elevation (between 8,000 and 9,000 feet) which keeps temperatures cooler than you might expect.
If you’re heading out for sunrise, an early hike, or staying for sunset, be sure to bring layers. We visited Utah in the fall and had to dress very warm to enjoy the early mornings and evenings. But even in summer, a light jacket or sweatshirt can make a big difference in staying comfortable before the sun warms things up.
6. Don’t Rush. Immerse yourself in this park – it’s worth it!
Bryce Canyon might seem like a park you can visit in just a few hours, but treating it like a quick day trip means missing what makes it so special. Experiencing the park at different times of day creates a completely different kind of experience than simply stopping in for a few overlooks. Slow down, spend a night or two, and fully immerse yourself taking in the landscape without feeling rushed.
Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park: A Perfect Pair
If you’re planning a Southwest road trip, many visitors pair Bryce Canyon with Zion National Park – and for good reason. The drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and offers a dramatic change in scenery along the way.
While Bryce is known for its cool temperatures, high elevation, and unique hoodoos, Zion delivers towering canyon walls, river hikes, and a completely different landscape. Visiting both parks on the same trip gives you two very distinct experiences in a relatively short distance.
Bryce Canyon is Worth Your Time
Bryce Canyon may not be the biggest national park, but it’s one of the most memorable. Whether you’re visiting Bryce on its own or as part of a Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park itinerary, a little planning and the right approach can make your visit truly unforgettable.
Leave a Reply