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.

Landscape of red rock formations

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.

Red archway

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 on a cliff looking at the landscape

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.

People hiking

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.

Hiking trail

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.

People hiking up a mountain

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.

Guest tent

Luxury tent at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon.Courtesy of Under Canvas

Hike among the hoodoos.

Best Hikes

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

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.