20 Fun Things To Do In Bryce Canyon National Park

1. Visit The Bryce Canyon Visitor Center

The Bryce Canyon Visitor Center is an information center located around 1.5 miles inside the park's main entrance. It is a perfect starting point for someone visiting the Bryce Canyon National Park for the first time.

The center offers you some helpful information that can come in handy inside the park. The ranger help desk is the first thing you will see while entering the center. From these help desks, you can collect maps, brochures, and books related to the area.

Before exiting, don't forget to explore the exhibits showcased inside the center.

2. Visit The Sunset Point

The closest location you can visit from the Visitor Center is the Bryce Canyon National Park Sunset Point. Visit the center in the afternoon and as the sun starts to go down walk to the sunset point to enjoy stunning views.

This point gives some of the best vistas of the Bryce Canyon's hoodoos. During the sunset hour, the view is enhanced with the dim light reflection on the hoodoos. With every passing hour, the color of the sky keeps on changing providing a unique view throughout the sunset.

By any chance, if you are unable to access the place during the sunset, you can simply visit this place during the afternoon. The views seen during the afternoon might not be as good as the ones in the evening, but they are equally mesmerizing.

3. Hike The Navajo Loop Trail

From here on, starts a bit of adventure in your journey. The Navajo Loop Trail, beginning and ending at the sunset point is the first adventurous place on the list. It is a short loop of 3 miles that winds through narrow walls of colorful limestones.

Seen along the route are the views of Douglas-fir trees and the park's most famous hoodoo, Thor's hammer. The loop is divided into two different parts, the Bridges and the Wall Street. If you are visiting during the summer, both of these parts can be accessed. However, during the winter, the Wall Street side remains closed.

4. Explore The Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point is known as the point of great views over stunning landscapes. Nested next to the sunset view in rolling rocks, this place is best for those who want to reconnect with nature. The sweeping views from this point which stands at 8,100 feet are always impressive.

You can observe thousands of weather-tortured limestone formations, called hoodoos, that rise off dramatically from the canyon floor. The morning and late afternoons are the best timeframes when the views are at the most beautiful.

The viewpoint, however, is divided into 3 parts and each gives a different feel of the amphitheater down the valley. Inspiration point is easy to reach by an experienced or casual hiker through a short easy path.

5. Hike The Queens Garden Loop

A hike in the Queens Garden Loop is actually one of the prettiest Bryce Canyon National Park Hikes that takes you through mesmerizing landscapes. This is the least difficult hike in the park that descends into the canyon from Sunrise Point with an easy trail that can be followed by anyone.

Along the way, you will pass under natural rock arches and wander through the park's famous hoodoos. Situated on this loop is the popular hoodoo that resembles a statue of Queen Victoria near the garden-like area at the end of the loop. It is where the trail has got its name from.

6. Drive The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

A drive not to be missed by anyone, the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is what you can do if you like to see incredible landscapes from the car. This 18-mile paved route winds its way through some of the most classic viewpoints of the park, offering breathtaking vistas over Bryce Amphitheater, majestic hoodoos, and a broad plateau.

This drive finally ends at Rainbow Point which is the highest point in the park with grand vistas of surrounding wilderness. Some highlights of the road include views from Sunset Point, Natural Bridge, and Farview Point.

Overall, the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive makes for a very good drive for those on time constraints or those who like to see the beauty of the park in an easily accessible way without much hiking.

7. Observe The Area From Bryce Point

Bryce Point is another best viewpoint that offers some great views of the Bryce Amphitheater in the park. It is preached at an elevation of 8300 feet from where an unforgettable panorama across hoodoos, fins, and spires sprawling out in the landscape can be seen.

At dawn, when you arrive at Bryce Point, you get an incredible view of the sunrise with its tender pink and golden tones spreading across formations, providing a magical atmosphere.

Meanwhile, because of the extremely black skies in the park, Bryce Point is one of the greatest sites for stargazing with an exquisite view of the Milky Way. For those looking for a little more activity, the Rim Trail connects Bryce Point to other nearby vistas, allowing visitors further options to explore the park on their own two feet.

8. Walk The Peak-A-Boo Loop

Of all the thrilling and adventurous hikes you can take within Bryce Canyon National Park, Peek-A-Boo Loop is really close to the famous hoodoos and dramatic rock formations of the park. This 5.5-mile path makes a serpentine route right into the heart of the canyon.

Here you may find steep switchbacks, towering cliffs, and narrow paths that cut through vibrant orange and red rock. Passing through notable formations like the Wall of Windows and the Three Wise Men, you can experience nature's artistry from a close distance. The moderate-to-strenuous difficulty of the Peak-A-Boo Loop makes it a preferable choice for seasoned hikers.

9. Discover The Bryce Amphitheatre

Bryce Amphitheater is definitely the most prominent element of Bryce Canyon National Park, with a spectacular landscape filled with towering hoodoos, spires, and other natural rock formations. It is a large natural amphitheater along the eastern rim of this park.

This area offers you a non-equaled view of the greatest and largest concentration of hoodoos in the world. As light changes during the day, it changes colors to red, orange, and pink in the amphitheater, which makes the view utterly dynamic and sparkling.

Views of the Bryce Amphitheatre from Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration Points are great for photography and looking at the scenery.

10. Watch The Thor's Hammer

Thor's Hammer is located along the Navajo Loop Trail. It is a unique rock formation that resembles the mighty hammer from Norse mythology. The hammer is one of the most recognizable Bryce Canyon National Park hoodoos.

This towering figure of Thor's Hammer remains one of the favorite spots among photographers. A relatively short hike takes you close to this rock which is a unique aspect of the park geology that has been formed over millions of years by wind and water erosion.

Watching this rock formation is one of the main things you absolutely have to do when visiting the Bryce Canyon National Park.

11. Explore The Fairyland Loop

The Fairyland Loop is again a scenic trail that you can explore if you are not satisfied with the adventure yet. Along with helping you get done with your fitness goals, it gives great sights and scenery of unique rock formations over an 8 mile hike.

As you go through the path, you will notice the well-known hoodoos that appear as if they came directly from a fairy tale. This trail also winds through forests of pines and alongside ridges of canyons.

It is just that sometimes the Fairyland Loop is a little tough, still the scenes you come across make this hike well worth it. Wildlife like birds and deer may also appear walking beside you.

12. Enjoy The View From Rainbow Point

At the southernmost part of Bryce Canyon National Park, Rainbow Point provides some of the park's most spectacular views. You can, from 9,115 feet above, see miles upon miles of colorful cliffs, valleys, and forests.

The view arcs broadly across Bryce Canyon's famous hoodoos and even the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on clear days. This point provides another perspective, which allows you to see the vast landforms within the park.

Rainbow Point is also an excellent starting point for hikes, with trails such as the Bristlecone Loop, that winds through ancient Bristlecone Pines. Nested off of the main path, it often is quieter if you want to take a peaceful moment.

13. Look Down The Park From Yovimpa Point

Yovimpa Point is another awesome viewpoint in Bryce Canyon National Park. It is located near Rainbow Point, with stunning vistas across the surrounding landscapes. This viewpoint exposes you to natural beauty, sweeping over canyons and forests out to the horizon.

All the layered cliffs seen from here reveal millions of years of geological history in hues ranging from deep red to soft pink. The Yovimpa Point is rather tranquil and less crowded. Therefore, this place is a perfect viewpoint for enjoying the quiet beauty of the park.

Yovimpa Point also offers a view of the Grand Staircase which is a vast sequence of cliffs that extends into nearby national parks.

14. Go Hiking At The Mossy Cave Trail

The Mossy Cave Trail is less than a mile round trip. It is perfect for families or anyone looking for a relaxing walk. This trail offers a short and easy hike with unique sights of the park. While following the path, you will pass a flowing stream and see beautiful rock formations.

The trail leads to a small waterfall and a cave covered with moss, which stays cool even in the warmer months. In the winter, the cave sometimes from impressive ice crystals, creating a magical scene.

The Mossy Cave Trail gives you a chance to experience Bryce Canyon’s natural beauty without the longer hikes.

15. See Local Wildlife At Rim Trail

The Rim Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park serves as a great place to view local wildlife. The trial runs along the edge of the canyon and passes through famous rock formations that are home to various wild animals.

Animals like deer, chipmunks, and different bird species are the ones that are seen more often. You may also see a golden eagle flying over your head far above the canyon. Exploring the path in early mornings or late afternoons is the perfect time to spot a large number of animals.

The trail itself is easy to walk and has sections that are suitable for all skill levels. It stretches for approximately 11 miles but there are shorter parts you can hike for more flexibility.

16. Visit The Sunrise Point

Among many viewpoints, Sunrise Point is another one that is similar to Sunset Point. From here, it offers a great view at sunrise when the sun lights up the canyon's rock formations in shades of red, orange, and pink.

This viewpoint is easy to reach with only a short walk from the nearby parking area. Views from Sunrise Point include famous rock formations such as the Silent City and Sinking Ship. It is also the beginning point of the Queens Garden Trail that we talked about earlier.

The early morning lights reflecting on the canyon let the visitors take great photos.

17. Discover Queen Victoria

The Queen Victoria is probably the most famous of all rock formations within Bryce Canyon National Park. This hoodoo, resembling a statue of Queen Victoria, a former British monarch lies along the Queens Garden Trail.

The unique shape of this rock has resulted from the effect of natural forces like wind and water over millions of years. The Queens Garden Trail that takes you to this hoodoo is one of the easiest hikes and certainly a great choice for families.

Meanwhile, Queen Victoria is a very famous photography viewpoint, and the hike to this place allows tourists the opportunity to see some of Bryce Canyon's most fabulous formations. It is a must-see for anyone coming into the park.

18. See The Wall Street

Wall Street is one of the impressive parts of the Navajo Loop Trail. This section of trail is covered with towering rock faces on either side which seems similar to a city street lined with tall buildings.

Colored in red and orange, all these formations seen in this area let you feel the massiveness of the canyon. Wall Street also has towering Douglas fir trees growing out of the rocks that make the place more vibrant.

With dramatic lighting differences from one moment to another throughout the day, the view of Wall Street also continues to change accordingly.

19. See The Three Wiseman

Another one on the list of famous rock formations at Bryce Canyon National Park is the Three Wisemen. These are three tall hoodoos standing next to each other with a similar structure.

You can see them from Sunset Point, which is right in front of the park. It took millions of years for wind and water to shape these rocks into their unique shapes. This is a very easy location to visit and take pictures in.

If you're interested in the well-known rock formations of Bryce Canyon, then the Three Wisemen is where you really need to go. They offer great views of the natural beauty of the park to the visitors.

20. Shop At The Ruby's Inn Canyon Rock Shop

Shopping at Ruby's Inn Canyon Rock Shop is a fun way to end your visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. This shop is located just outside the park and features an enormous collection of unique souvenirs and gifts.

Beautiful rocks and minerals including colorful crystals and sparkling geodes are available here. There are also handmade jewelry items made with stones from the area. They would definitely help you remember this trip even after a few years.

The Ruby's Inn Canyon Rock Shop has a very warm atmosphere. The people inside are always ready to share information on the different rocks and where they come from. Apart from rocks, you can buy local crafts and souvenirs like books and postcards.