One of the Big 5 Parks in Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is a photographers dream and a hikers paradise. Located near the historic western town of Panguich, Utah the park is truly a crossroads of the world park. You will meet people from all over the world most of whom are sporting multiple cameras and tripods. People watching in the park is a great pastime.
HISTORY: Bryce Canyon National Park
The Bryce Canyon area was settled by hearty pioneers in the 1850s. The canyon was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded in the area in 1874. The area around Bryce Canyon was designated as a national monument by President Warren G. Harding in 1923 and was redesignated as a national park by Congress in 1924. The Union Pacific Railroad and the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) did most of the modern day development people see what they visit the Park
RUBY’S INN
At the main entrance to the park is Ruby’s Inn. This is definitely a interesting commercial spectacle so be prepared. Numerous commercial enterprises abut the entrance to the Park. The largest of which appears to be Rubys’ Inn. They offer everything from lodging to camping to horse back riding – not to mention famous for their pie. If you are a Park purist bypass the circus and head into the park. If you like a great tourist trip stop in and enjoy the show.
STARGAZING
Bryce Canyon is sometimes called “the last grand sanctuary of natural darkness,” by the National Park Service, due to its lack of light pollution. Beginning in 1969, the park has hosted regular nighttime viewing sessions led by rangers well-versed in astronomy. Also known as “The Astronomy Rangers,” these guides curate stargazing sessions for visitors who want to learn more about the night sky.
SHUTTLE BUS
The shuttle is voluntary. It’s a convenient way to tour the park, without adding to traffic congestion and impacting park resources. You are, however, welcome to bring your own vehicle into the park. Parking is the biggest problem when driving in your own vehicle.
HIKING
Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best way to get into the amazing geography. Day hikes range from easy 1-mile loops to challenging 11-mile round-trip adventures. Check out the bristlecone pine trees on your hike – this is what Bryce is known for. Bristlecone pines are the oldest trees in the world, even reaching 5,000-years-old in some places.
CAMPING
Bryce Canyon National Park has two campgrounds, North and Sunset, located in close proximity to the Visitor Center, Bryce Canyon Lodge and the main Bryce Amphitheater. Sites fill by early afternoon during the summer months. There are no hook-ups in the campgrounds, but a fee-for-use dump station is available for RV users at the south end of North Campground.
Commercial camping site are available at Ruby’s Inn.
Boondocking: Fire Road 090 is just north of the Bryce Canyon sign on Highway 63, about a mile north of the actual entry gate. The road will be on the west side of the Highway – there is a cattleguard about 100yds down this road. The Fire Road has several campsites all up and down it, as well as on the other Fire Roads that branch off of it.
Red Canyon: Favorite place to stay in the area. Red Canyon campground is located near Bryce Canyon National Park and has access to an extensive trail system. The campground is just off of Scenic Byway Utah State Highway 12, and is surrounded by limestone formations similar to those found in Bryce Canyon National Park. The area around the campground is close to hiking and mountain biking trails. The Buckhorn Trailhead is located inside the campground.
Operating Hours & Seasons
The park is open all year (Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). Some facilities and services are closed or operate under reduced hours.
Permits & Reservations
For activities that may require a permit or links to information on camping and lodging reservations, please visit the permits and reservations page Here.
Pets
Pets are permitted with some restrictions – basically they must stay on paved walkways.
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