What to see in Bryce Canyon

What to see in Bryce Canyon

What to see in Bryce Canyon: Characterized by its unique shape and shimmering rocks, Bryce Canyon is one of the most popular canyons in the USA after the Grand Canyon.
And with good reason: this impressive amphitheater lies at the heart of the eponymous national park, which covers an area of over 145 km².

You’re probably familiar with it from the many photos of its large stone turrets, topped by a rock cap known as hoodoos.
In the USA, it’s renowned for its colorful geological formations and its arid, semi-arid climate.
Although Bryce Canyon has always been admired by mankind, there is no evidence of human life or occupation, unlike the surrounding regions, which have been inhabited since pre-Columbian times.

It was in the late 18th century that European explorers visited southern Utah and discovered Bryce Canyon. A carpenter by the name of Ebenezer Bryce worked diligently to develop the region and build homes. That’s why Bryce Canyon is called Bryce Canyon.
Want to see Bryce Canyon’s awe-inspiring beauty for yourself? Trace Directe has all the information you need.

The perfect itinerary for a roadtrip to Bryce Canyon:

Many travelers visit Bryce Canyon on a roadtrip. It’s a very popular stopover.
For example, in around 3 weeks you can cover the following itinerary via Bryce Canyon:

Los Angeles

Kingman

Grand Canyon

Monument Valley

Bryce Canyon

Zion

Las Vegas

Death Valley

Yosemite National Park

San Francisco

You can then stop off in San Francisco, or return to Los Angeles along the beautiful Gold Coast.
With such an itinerary, you’ll be able to switch from the seascapes of the California coast to the arid climate of Bryce Canyon, to take in the sights!

All about Bryce Canyon National Park:

Bryce Canyon National Park is located in Utah, and spans Garfield and Kane counties. It is easily accessible via State Route 12, which crosses Utah.
It’s a popular area for roadtrippers, as the scenery is absolutely stunning. On either side of the road, reddish rocks rise up, subjected to erosion.

Bryce Canyon is one of many naturally carved amphitheaters, but it’s undeniably the largest, measuring almost 20 km long and 5 km wide, with a depth of around 250 metres. A natural wonder that you can observe thanks to the presence of the landscaped national park!
First of all, like all national parks, Bryce Canyon National Park is not free. You’ll have to pay around €30 per car, and your ticket will be valid for 7 days.

As with the Grand Canyon, you can also invest in the American the Beautiful Pass, which costs $80 and gives you access to all the national parks. A pass that pays for itself after 2 or 3 parks!
As for the climate, it can be arid or semi-arid. Rainfall is regular but light, and temperatures generally don’t exceed 37°.
True to canyon law, night-time temperatures can drop to -15° in mid-winter, when the sun disappears.

Hotels in Bryce Canyon: where to stay?

If you decide to discover Bryce Canyon on a roadtrip, you don’t need a CamperVan or motorhome.
In fact, you can book a night at one of the nearby hotels, including the Best Western Grand Hotel or the Best Western Ruby’s Inn, which offers an immediate view of the canyon.

For those who have rented a van or motorhome, don’t panic: Bryce Canyon RV Resort and Ruby’s Inn RV Park are designed to accommodate motorhomes in optimum comfort.
So you can stay several nights in the vicinity of Bryce Canyon, and visit it over several days to discover all its intricacies.

What is the climate like in Bryce Canyon, in terms of weather?

The climate in the Bryce Canyon region is fairly semi-arid. The sun shines brightly, and in July and August temperatures can climb to 28°.
In winter and autumn, they can drop to -15°: if you’re planning a walk after sunset during this period, be sure to bring warm clothing.

What to see and do in Bryce Canyon?

Bryce Canyon is famed for its amphitheatrical shape and distinctive rock formations.
In fact, thanks to some impressive natural phenomena, its rocks pile up in the form of large turrets or needles, topped by stone caps.

These are known as fairy trails, and they are striking from near and far. On your way to Bryce Canyon, you’ll be able to hike the various trails and admire the beautiful vistas overlooking them.

Sunrise Point and Sunset Point:

Perfect for admiring the sunrise or sunset, these two viewpoints offer a breathtaking view of Bryce Canyon.
Facing either side of the canyon, you can soak up the warm orange hues reflected in the beauty of the rocks.

Inspiration Point:

Another viewpoint, Inspiration Point, allows you to observe a superb alignment of stone statues, all the way south to Sunset Point.

Bryce Point:

Bryce Point is the southernmost point of the entire amphitheatre, but also the highest, at over 2,500 metres! Here, too, you can enjoy an incredible sunset after a long day’s hiking.

The Queen’s Garden hiking trail:

Speaking of hiking, the Queen’s Garden Trail is just waiting for you! In just 1 or 2 hours, you can hike the 3 km trail through hoodoo forests.
The trail is so named because after just 30 minutes of walking, you’ll come face to face with a rock sculpture that bears an uncanny resemblance to Queen Victoria.

The Rim hiking trail:

The Rim Trail, meanwhile, links up with the 3 viewpoints we’ve mentioned.
This fairly easy walk is perfect for visiting Bryce Canyon with children, as you can walk there and take the bus back: there are numerous shuttles running daily to the various points.

Rodeos:

Last but not least, Bryce Canyon’s most original activity is probably the rodeo! At the entrance to the national park, between late May and mid-August, you can watch cowboy-style rodeos, much to the delight of Wild West enthusiasts.

All our practical tips for discovering Bryce Canyon:

Are you planning a roadtrip to Bryce Canyon?
Here’s all our practical advice to ensure your visit goes smoothly:

Book your accommodation or motorhome in advance: availability is not infinite, and quickly fills up during high season!

Buy the pass you need to access Bryce Canyon.

Bring warm clothing if you leave before sunrise.

Pack light clothes too: the Mercury can climb quickly once the sun is up.

Bring enough water for the day, as there aren’t many refreshment points.

Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun, with sun cream and sunglasses.

If you’re going hiking, check the difficulty and weather conditions before you set off.

If you’ve got your back, you’ll have peace of mind when you set off into the beautiful natural landscape that is Bryce Canyon.

3 good reasons to visit Bryce Canyon:

Need more reasons to visit Bryce Canyon? Trace Directe gives you the 3 best reasons!

See incredible natural formations:

First of all, Bryce Canyon is known for its hoodoos, the famous fairy trails. And there’s something undeniably impressive about seeing such a natural formation in the flesh!
Between the glowing beauty of the rocks and the amphitheater-like shape, Bryce Canyon is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Unforgettable hikes:

Winding your way along fairy trails, stopping at the most beautiful viewpoints… Bryce Canyon’s hikes leave nothing to be desired. They’re designed for young and old alike, and appeal equally to sports enthusiasts and Sunday enthusiasts.

Discover a blazing night sky:

Finally, Bryce Canyon is located in a fairly isolated area, although it is connected to a busy highway. This means that light pollution is almost non-existent.
In other words: if you fancy a candlelit dinner under the stars and some shooting star gazing, this is the place to be!

What kind of climate might one expect in Bryce Canyon?

We advise against visiting Bryce Canyon in winter and autumn, due to the high temperatures and precipitation. But nothing’s forbidden!
However, if you want to see Bryce Canyon at its best, Trace Directe recommends a visit between late May and late August. That’s when the days are longest, and the colors most beautiful.