Heres everything it’s crucial that you know to plan a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park.
If you time it right, you might also get a glimpse of elk.
Before your trip, you may also want to read up on the flora that grow within the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park landscape.Credit:Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
The bronze evening primrose is really fun to watch for in the spring.
So when a visitor sees it, it’s usually a one-time wonder, says LeFevre.
Although the hoodoos tend to take the glory, the trees within the park refuse to be outshone.
Highway through a red archway.JacobH/Getty Images
Single-leaf alder, scrub oak, long-leaf sage, and rabbit brush fill in the gaps.
Plus, adds Herron, youll get sunny days, cool nights, and typically low rainfall.
Another reason to plan an autumn trip?
A family admiring Bryce Canyon landscape.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
If you are lucky enough to catch a fall snowstorm, the scenery is also magical.
Dont be afraid to visit Bryce Canyon in the summer, thoughspecifically in July and August.
LeFevre says theyre seeing fewer visitors this time of year, so theres decent parking and more availability.
A hiking trail in Bryce Canyon.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Just check the forecast and have rain gear on hand.
Best Things to Do
Go stargazing.
The ranger-led programs are a must, says Herron.
Bryce Canyon hiking trail.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
you’re able to also choose to stargaze on your own.
Watch the sunriseor the sunset.
There is no more magical time in Bryce Canyon than the beginning and end of the day.
Several people hiking on a trail in Bryce Canyon.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Another good place to watch the sun come up is the Rim Trail.
Bike through the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park has some really great scenic cycling routes, says Herron.
Luxury tent at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon.Courtesy of Under Canvas
Hike among the hoodoos.
Best Hikes
Navajo Loop Trail
TheNavajo Loopis popular for good reason.
It is a three-mile hike, and with the combination, it has about a 550-foot elevation change.
Dining room inside The Lodge at Bryce Canyon.Courtesy of Aramark Destinations
This is the northernmost hike in the park at one of the lowest elevations, says Herron.
They are rustic, but they’re well done.
The location is unbeatable, too.
You don’t have to worry about any other transportation.
Places to Eat
Courtesy of Aramark Destinations
Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. Its perfect for a higher-end dinner.
They also have the perfect location, of course, says LeFevre.
At lunchtime, expect classics like elk chili, burgers, and quesadillas.
Like a number of restaurants and shops in the area, its open seasonally, from mid-May through mid-September.