Bryce Canyon in 24 hours
Welcome to the land of Hoodoos*. Pictures don’t do the unique windswept canyon justice, so just see it for yourself. It’s well worth a stop from Zion, the Grand Canyon, or Capitol Reef on your Utah trip. Even a day in this park is enough to take in all the beauty.
*A quick geology lesson: a hoodoo is a tall skinny spire of soft rock topped by harder, less easily eroded rock, formed from the wind and elements over time.
STAY
The Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel is a relatively new hotel super close to the park.
There were not a ton of hotel options near Bryce, so I liked that this one was clean, new and a trusted name. It had a cute western-chic theme through out the property.
The hotel has a pool to help battle the blazing summer temperatures, but more importantly reservations include breakfast. Even if you want to catch the sunrise in the park, the front desk will arrange a “to go” box early in the morning, so this is a win win and maximizes your site seeing time.
DO
Mossy Cave
This 0.8 mile hike right outside the park is a nice intro into the hoodoos. On the right day, you can see a small waterfall or two. I stopped here on the way into the park before checking into the hotel.
Navajo Loop to Queen’s Garden
The good stuff, and the main attraction of Bryce! This hike will take you down, through the canyon and back up. I recommend starting at Sunset Point and ending at Sunrise Point. Queen’s Garden is a very different feel than the Navajo Loop, so be sure to see them both.
There may be the option to do a longer hike using the Peekaboo Connector and making a figure 8 loop through the canyon, but check the National Park Service website (or as a park ranger at the entrance) before going, to double check what is open that day.
Either way, you’ll see some hoodoos as you walk through the canyon that Bryce is named after.
VIEWS
Inspiration Point
This is the highest point in the park, so ideal for a sunset and view of the hoodoos. It’s the perfect view of the canyon.
Sunset Point
Pro tip: catch the sunrise here* to start your canyon hike through Navajo Loop and Queens Garden.
*Sunrise Point and Sunset Point are on opposites sides of the same canyon, so you’re getting a similar view of the hoodoos, but less crowds when the sun comes up.
Natural Bridge
If you want to see more of the park without another hike, drive to see the Natural Bridge. It’s a quick pitstop along the main road of Bryce Canyon.
Rainbow Point
Drive another 10-15 minutes from Natural Bridge to the southern point on the main road in Bryce (you can’t get lost, its one road), and get a view from one of the highest points in the park.
Sunrise Point
If you don’t want to hike or are running low on time, this is still a great viewing deck to see a part of the canyon. It is easily accessible from the parking lot and has a flat, paved walking path along the canyon back to Sunset Point.
EAT & DRINK
The Pizza Place
Hiking and pizza go hand in hand. This spot came highly recommended by my foodie friends. You’re not in Bryce for the meals, you’re there for the hikes, so tamper your expectations and don’t go looking for any fancy dining establishments. I still loved this pizza place.
Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.
This charming coffee shop is another necessary pre-road trip stop. The cold brew is top notch and the staff is extremely friendly. They close the store from 11-1 on most days to clean the espresso machine, but if you knock and smile they may let you in, and you can still get cold brew or drip coffee (if you ask nicely!)