Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park

Dave and I took a road trip through the American Southwest desert in October 2017, visiting six national parks and one national monument. Bryce Canyon National Park was formed over millions of years. Wind, water and time have eroded its sandstone cliffs into thousands of spire-shaped hoodoos. Its landscape was unlike anything we’ve ever seen; it felt more like a Star Wars movie set than a national park. And while Bryce Canyon may be on the smaller side, there’s a lot to see and do. We put together our favorite hiking trails, and where we ate/slept inside the park. 




QUEEN’S GARDEN TRAIL | An easy 1.8-mile roundtrip hike that drops down into the amphitheater and meanders through brightly colored hoodoos and Bristlecone Pines, ending at a rock that looks like Queen Victoria. At the end of the trail, you can either turn around or continue to the canyon floor like we did on the Navajo Trail for another 1.3-miles. 

NAVAJO TRAIL | A steep but spectacular 1.3-mile hike that travels deeper into the canyon. We walked among giant Ponderosa Pine trees, and crossed large debris-ridden washes created by flash floods. To get back up to the rim, we had to climb some 30 switchbacks through a narrow slot canyon with massive hoodoos towering overhead. We were dreading this steep incline back out of the amphitheater, but it was actually the best part of the hike.

BRYCE AMPHITHEATER | The reason why this national park exists; it’s the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. Bryce Point Overlook offers sweeping views of the entire amphitheater. It’s incredible that wind and water can create such beautiful shapes and formations. And the different shades of orange almost made the canyon appear like it was on fire. 

NATURAL BRIDGE | There are several beautiful overlooks along Bryce Canyon’s scenic road. Our favorite was the Natural Bridge; peaking through the massive 85ft arch is the deep green color of a Ponderosa forest covering the valley floor. 

STAR GAZING/SUNRISE | With very little light pollution and the wide open unobstructed amphitheater, Bryce Canyon is a perfect spot for star gazing. It’s also well worth the early wake up call to watch the sun peak above the horizon, and slowly illuminate layers upon layers of colorful hoodoos and rock cliffs. 






THE LODGE AT BRYCE CANYON | Because we were staying at the lodge, we had most of our meals in its dining room. There are more restaurants in the town of Bryce, and a general store filled with snacks down the street.

THE LODGE AT BRYCE CANYON  
A quintessential national park lodge. The rooms offer just what you need to be comfortable, the lobby was small but cozy, and it’s a short walk to the park’s iconic Bryce Amphitheater.