Bryce Canyon

Overview

Bryce Canyon is one of Utah's most beautiful and exciting National Parks. One of the reasons for this is that it is very easily accessed by car. The park is open all year long and the drive on Scenic Byway U-63 is absolutely stunning. Along the drive you will see a series of giant amphitheaters with a myriad of pinkish and reddish rock pinnacles called “hoodoos”.

There is no place on earth like Bryce Canyon and you can see so much of it from the many turnoffs located throughout the park. In fact there are at least 13 viewpoints where you can pullover to the side of the road on your way to Rainbow Point. On this drive you can also stop and do some leisurely hiking around the beautiful formations. And if you have some extra time feel free to take one of the guided horse expeditions into the parks amphitheater.

For best results on an auto tour, we suggest that you being your auto tour at the southern end of the park.

Let Rainbow Point be your starting place and your experience at Bryce Canyon will be one to remember for a long time to come. The reason that we suggest you start at Rainbow Point is that from here you won't miss any of the park's 13 awesome viewpoints as you make your way north through the park. We also suggest that on your way back to Rainbow Point that you make some time to stop at the Yovimpa Point. From here you will have a great view of the famous Grand Staircase. There is so much you won't want to miss because Bryce Canyon has so much to offer!

Another option would be to stop at the park's visitor center where you can access the new shuttle system. There are many benefits to using the park's shuttle system. It makes the roads less congested and therefore safer for park visitors. The shuttle system also allows for you to give full attention to the parks many natural wonders. Of course it is also healthier for the environment as well.

Map & Directions

Distances to Bryce Canyon National Park from...

• Grand Junction, CO - 219 miles
• Green River, Utah - 144 miles
• Moab, Utah - 156 miles
• Las Vegas, NV - 192 miles
• St George, Utah - 85.4 miles
• Salt Lake City, Utah - 217 miles

• Automobile

If you are coming from Grand Junction Take I-70 west to US-89 (exit 23), then go south to UT-12 (Scenic Byway, then go east to UT-63.

If you are coming from Salt Lake City Take I-15 south to UT-20 (exit 95). Travel east on UT-20 to US-89. Follow US-89 south to UT-12. Travel east on UT-12 to UT-63. Take UT-63 south to Bryce Canyon National Park.

If you are coming by automobile from Las Vegas Take I-15 north to UT-9 (exit 16) east which takes you through scenic Zion National Park (or you can take UT-14 (exit 59) east as an alternate) to US-89, then go north to UT-12 (Scenic Byway) then go east to UT-63 which is in entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park.

• Airplane

The closest major airports to Bryce Canyon National Park are Salt Lake City (SLC), Utah and Las Vegas (LAS), Nevada. They are both about 275 miles from the national park. If you don't need to use one of the major airports then Cedar City (CDC), Utah and St. George (SGU), Utah also have some great smaller airports.

Passes & Fees

The most economical pass if you're going to visit more than one park a year, is the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This pass gets you into any national park or federal recreational land, and costs only $80. You can [purchase it online].

If you walk in, use a motorcycle, or a bicycle to enter Bryce Canyon, the fee is $12.00 per person for a 7 day pass, which may not exceed $25.00 per family. However if you enter in a vehicle, all of the vehicles occupants get in for $25.00 and can stay for up to 7 days. Each entrance includes unlimited use of the park shuttle system during its normal operating hours.

For more information feel free to contact Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon 84717, 435-834-5322.