The Ultimate Bryce Canyon Winter Guide | Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in Snow

Spending the holidays in Utah and wondering what to do in Bryce Canyon in winter? This Bryce Canyon Winter guide has all the details on how to have a memorable time in this spectacular national park. 

With its towering orange hoodoos and complex of amphitheaters and arches, Bryce Canyon is a memorable sight to behold. In summer, you’ll see the red hoodoos changing hues as the sun crosses the sky. But winter brings a mystical charm and fantasy to this park that makes it all the more alluring. 

Sitting at an elevation of almost 8,000 feet, this park receives nearly 100 feet of snow a year. The contrast between the towering red rocks and the white snow makes for incredible photo opportunities. It’s one of the reasons why Bryce Canyon is one of the best national parks to visit in winter. 

Winter also sees fewer visitors, meaning you’ll practically have the canyon to yourself. So grab your best hiking boots, and let’s get to exploring this impressive canyon.

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How to Get to Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is quite remote and far from major cities. The two major airports nearest to Bryce Canyon are Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Both locations are about a 4-hour drive from Bryce. 

Cedar City Regional Airport has connections to Salt Lake City and is a 1.5-hour drive from Bryce. 

If you’re out on a Utah National Parks road trip (which is highly recommended), Bryce Canyon is also about 1.5 hours away from Zion National Park. 

Once you get to the park, you’ll have to pay a $35 access fee per vehicle entering. This will give you access to the park for seven consecutive days. 

If you’re on the hunt for the best national park in Utah, you may want to consider purchasing an America the Beautiful pass instead. This will give you access to all the US national parks for a year. 

Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon in Winter

Weather conditions can quickly switch up, which may mean you’ll need to postpone your adventures temporarily and retreat to safety and warmth. Consider one of these spots to wait out any hefty storms or rest after a day of adventuring. 

Budget: Bryce Canyon Log Cabins

Cozy up in one of these spacious and clean log cabins situated a short 20-minute drive from the canyon. The Bryce Canyon Log Cabins include air conditioning, a television, a microwave, and a small fridge. It’s the perfect option for short stays and is conveniently located near a grocery store. 

Mid-range: The Inn of Escalante

The cozy, adults-only Inn of Escalante offers mountain views and homely, spacious rooms. There’s also a quaint garden, a nearby restaurant, and free WiFi. Bryce Canyon is just over an hour away, and the drive there is sure to be as scenic as the destination. 

Luxury: Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel

If you’re seeking a luxury stay with all the amenities, the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon is an excellent option. It’s located just outside Bryce Canyon National Park and features a gym, on-site restaurant, and complimentary toiletries. You’ll also find a coffee machine in your room, so you can refuel and warm up whenever necessary. 

Camping: North Campground – Bryce Canyon National Park 

If you’d like to rough it out and give camping in the snow a go, North Campground in Bryce Canyon is open year-round. The campground has 100 campsites, and it’ll cost you about $20 per campsite per night. 

This site doesn’t have any water, sewer, or electrical points to connect to, so you’ll have to come fully prepared. Have a look at this winter backpacking guide for tips on camping in the snow. 

Read More: Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon National Park | 15 Amazing Lodging & Tips

Bryce Canyon Winter Weather

Winter in Bryce Canyon can be absolutely freezing. Because of its higher elevation, this canyon experiences much colder temperatures than you’d find in Zion and other nearby national parks. The park generally experiences colder temperatures from October through to May. 

Bryce Canyon temperatures range around 36°F during the day — with temperatures being their lowest in December. At nighttime, you can expect average temperatures around 15°F. So, it’s safer to pack more warm clothes than you think are necessary. Bryce has seen minimum temperatures as low as -26°F! 

If you’re hoping to see the hoodoos capped in snow, the most snowfall takes place from December to February. The weather can change quite drastically, and the weather in Bryce differs greatly from the surrounding areas. So it’s good practice to check the weather forecast online or call the visitor’s center ahead of time. 

Things to Do in Bryce Canyon in the Winter

Bryce Canyon National Park may not be as vast or have as many activities as Zion National Park, but there is still plenty to do. 

Take a Photo at Red Canyon Arch

This may be the shortest activity on the list, but it’s a must-do. You’ll find the Red Canyon Arch on Highway 12 if you’re coming into Bryce from nearby Panguitch. So the sights actually start before you’ve entered the park. 

This arch is carved out of mountain rock and creates a tunnel for the scenic Highway 12 to pass through. Stop here for a dramatic photo before heading onwards to the main attraction. 

Take in the Views

Once you’re in Bryce Canyon National Park, one of the first things to do is to catch the breathtaking views. Bryce is a beautiful national park to visit in spring or summer, but it takes on a whole new character during winter. 

Marvel at the beauty of the red hoodoos and evergreen trees capped with snow from one of the four main viewing points. These are Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Point, and Inspiration Point. 

All viewing points have parking lots, so they are easily accessible if you only have time for a quick stop and photo op. 

If you’re starting your Bryce adventure early, you’ll want to make your first stop at Sunrise Point. Here, you’ll get to see the hoodoos and snow glow in the soft morning light. Sunset Point and Inspiration point provide excellent late afternoon views, and Bryce Point is perfect at any time of the day. 

Bryce Point is also a popular spot for bird watching. Look out for birds like Western Bluebirds, Peregrine Falcon, American Robins, and various hummingbirds.

There are a few less popular spots worth stopping at, but these tend to be closed during and after snowstorms. These points are Piracy Point, Rainbow Point, Fairview point, and Yovimpa Point. Depending on the weather, you may be able to access the roads leading to these viewpoints. 

Take a Guided Tour of Bryce

Bryce Canyon National Park is not only home to the world’s greatest collection of hoodoos in the world. Archaeologists estimate that Bryce Canyon has been frequented since about 10,000 years ago. 

While planning your Bryce Canyon adventure, why not book a guided tour to learn more about this canyon’s flora, fauna, and vast and interesting history? The guided tour will also take you to some of the top sights in the canyon. This is an excellent option if you’d prefer not to be in the driving seat while sightseeing. 

Go Snowshoeing

Think of snowshoeing as hiking with special attachments. Snowshoes help you walk across snow without sinking by creating a larger surface area to distribute your weight on. Snowshoeing can be quite a workout, but it’s tons of fun. 

The park rangers offer a few guided snowshoe experiences now and then. On these walks, you’ll learn about the geology and winter ecology of this area. You’ll also be able to borrow snowshoes and poles if you manage to sign up in time. 

Sign-ups take place at 8 am on the day of the snowshoe hike and can be done at the visitor’s center. Unfortunately, you can’t book ahead of time. So your best bet is to check the official website to find out which days the hikes are taking place and show up early. 

If you happen to be at Bryce Canyon early, it may also be worth enquiring at the visitor center if they’re hosting a guided walk on that day. These hikes usually last around two hours.

If you’d prefer to go on your own snowshoe adventure, the best routes for flat terrain are Paria View Road, Fairyland Point Road, and the Rim Trail. 

Try Cross Country Skiing

If you’d like a slightly more fast-paced way of getting across the snow, cross-country skiing is an excellent option. 

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on the routes mentioned above, as well as on Bristlecone Loop Trail and Paria Ski Loop. The park specifically leaves certain roads unplowed during the snowy season so you can ski to your heart’s content. 

Do keep in mind that downhill skiing and snowboarding are illegal in this park, so be sure to remain on level terrain. This is not only to keep you safe but to protect the unique environment from damage. 

Attend the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival

The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival offers the perfect opportunity to discover new ways to enjoy adventuring in the snow. The yearly collaborative event between Ruby’s Inn and Bryce Canyon National Park usually spans over President’s Day weekend. It’s a great option to add to your itinerary if you visit Bryce Canyon in February.

Here, you’ll learn all kinds of skills through ski clinics, archery clinics, wildlife tracking, snowshoeing, and astronomy lessons. The festival also hosts crafts and art classes, yoga, pottery-making lessons, and photography workshops. 

If ever there was a place to enrich your mind, this festival is it. Bring your family or adventure crew along, and enjoy a fun weekend of enriching classes and workshops. 

Take a Hike

Bryce Canyon offers some of the best hikes in Utah. The canyon may be small, but its beauty makes for an unforgettable hiking experience. There are plenty of basic trails that are interconnected. So you can tailor your hike to be as short or long as you want it to be. 

One of the best national park hikes is the Navajo Loop trail that kicks off at Sunset Point. Because the Wall Street side of this trail is closed off during winter, you won’t be able to hike the entire loop. This roughly 1-mile route has an elevation of 515 feet and takes around 1-2 hours to complete. 

It’ll take you past attractions like Two Bridges and Thor’s Hammer—the tallest hoodoo in Bryce Canyon National Park, towering 150 feet tall. 

If you’re up for more, you can combine the Navajo Trail with the Queen’s Garden trail. The Queen’s Garden route kicks off at Sunrise Point and is slightly longer, at 1.8 miles, but has a lesser elevation change of 450 feet. The combination of the two trails will take you around 3 hours to complete and stretches for about 3 miles. 

A more challenging option is the Fairyland Loop which starts at Fairyland Point. This less crowded trail is 8 miles long, with an elevation change of 1900 feet. It’ll take you past attractions like Tower Bridge and the Chinese Wall and provides excellent views of the orange hoodoos. 

Walk Along the Rim Trail

While hiking Bryce Canyon in snow can be exhilarating, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking for a less strenuous path that’ll deliver breathtaking views, why not consider the Rim Trail hike? 

This trail follows the canyon’s rim between Sunset and Sunrise Point, so it’s close to parking lots. It’s also fully paved, meaning it’s wheelchair and stroller accessible—and your favorite pooch can join you in admiring the views of the Bryce Amphitheater. 

You will encounter a few changes in elevation on this 1-mile out-and-back trail, but the route is still accessible and walkable. So if you only have an hour or so to see the canyon, this trail should be your first stop. 

Go Stargazing 

The clear wintery nights provide the perfect conditions for admiring the stars while huddled up with some blankets and hot chocolate. Bryce Canyon is a certified International Dark Sky Park, which means it’s one of the few places still free of light pollution. 

Put on your best down jacket and head to your favorite lookout point to admire the Milky Way. The sun sets around 5-6 pm. So you can end your day in the park with a mesmerizing view of the sun setting, and the sky lit up by stars. 

If you’re not too clued up on the night sky but want to learn more, the park rangers host occasional winter astronomy programs. As the weather can be unpredictable, these programs are sometimes canceled. So it’s best to call the call center ahead of time and find out whether one will be hosted on the day you’re there. 

Tips for Visiting Bryce in Winter

Visiting Bryce Canyon in winter is a spectacular experience. Not only because of its smaller crowds but also because of its many opportunities for fun in the snow. But, the snow brings its own set of challenges. Below are a few things to remember when heading out on your winter adventure. 

• The Bryce Canyon visitor’s center operates at limited hours (8 am – 4:30 pm) during winter. The visitor’s center can be a great help in cases of emergency. So try to keep your adventuring limited to these hours if it’s your first time in the park. 
• Although Bryce Canyon National Park is relatively small compared to other national parks, it still spans a whopping 56.2 square miles. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you fuelled while exploring and in case you get lost. 
• Certain roads and hiking trails are closed during winter for your safety. If you’re familiar with Bryce Canyon, your favorite hiking trail or road may be closed off during winter. Always call ahead to double-check that your planned route is open for foot or vehicle traffic. 
• Pets are only allowed on paved areas in the park. You’ll also have to keep your pet on a leash no longer than six feet. 
• The park rules are in place to keep you safe and protect this incredible natural attraction. Be sure to follow all park rules and signs and practice the seven principles of leave no trace to play your part in preserving the park. 

What to Pack For Visiting Bryce National Park in Winter

Reaching an elevation of almost 8,000 feet, this park can get extremely cold. You also won’t encounter the same weather here as in other national parks in Utah. Below are a few winter hiking gear and clothing essentials to pack for your visit to Bryce. 

• Layering is essential. Be sure to pack tons of base layers like thermal shirts and leggings. You’ll also want mid-layers like fleece jackets and sweaters. 
• Moisture-wicking outer layers, like waterproof jackets and pants. 
• When hiking, bring an extra set of clothes in case your outfit gets wet. 
• Waterproof winter hiking boots. The last thing you want is icy cold and wet socks and shoes. You also won’t be able to join any ranger-led hikes if you’re not wearing suitable shoes.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses. The snow can reflect tons of sunlight, putting you at risk of sunburn and damage to your eyes. 
• Snowshoes or skis (or both). If you don’t have your own, you can rent or purchase them in Bryce Canyon City.
• Shoe traction devices like microspikes or crampons. These can be absolute life savers as they help you keep your footing on slippery ice and snow. 
• National Park Pass: If you are an avid hiker like me, it’s worth getting the year-long America The Beautiful Pass. >Get It Here
• Bryce Canyon National Park map in case you get lost while hiking. >Get One Here

Bryce Canyon Snow Hiking Tips

You can enjoy the many benefits of hiking any time of the year, but hiking in the snow requires extra preparation. Below are a few tips for hiking in Bryce Canyon in winter.

• As mentioned above, traction devices are your best friend in snowy conditions. Bring over-the-shoe traction devices and make sure your vehicle has winter tires to prevent slipping or getting stuck. 
• The visitor center usually sells traction devices if you have forgotten yours. 
• As the weather conditions at Bryce Canyon can be quite different from what you might encounter in nearby towns, always check the forecast. You may also want to call the visitor center ahead of time to ask what the weather is like. 
• Part of the Rim Trail (between Bryce Point and Inspiration Point) closes during winter. So you’ll only be able to walk the path between Sunset and Sunrise Points. 
• At such a high elevation, you may experience altitude sickness. This can present as shortness of breath, tiredness, dizziness, headaches, and feeling sick. This can be prevented or treated with lots of water and rest and moving to a lower altitude if needed. 
• Always bring along a complete emergency kit.  

Bryce Canyon National Park Winter Driving Tips

Besides needing winter tires or wheels fitted with chains, there are a few other things to consider for driving in Bryce Canyon in Winter. 

There are a few roads that are closed off during winter. These include the road to Fairyland Point and the road leading to Paria View. They’re usually left unplowed so that you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on them.

The scenic Southern Drive is also usually closed off for a day or more after a snow storm. The park is quite fast with plowing roads after snow storms, but this road tends to be one of the last few to be opened up. So, if you know that the park recently experienced snow, it may be good to consider alternative routes. 

Final Thoughts on Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in Winter

Hopefully, this guide has you excited and ready to plan your trip to Bryce Canyon in winter. The warm-hued hoodoos amidst the icy winter wonderland are a must-see, so be sure to bring along your best camera gear for hiking. 

You’ll also love these hiking photography tips and tricks if you’re looking to take the best photos for your feed. 

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