Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round, drawing over two-million visitors yearly from all around the globe. The majority arrive in the summer months, but Bryce Canyon is truly a park of all seasons. Although the numbers passing through Bryce Canyon's gates do not compare to those of nearby Zion, it's still a bustling place due to the size of the park. Bryce Canyon is only 38,385 acres and tucked in that small space is fifty-miles of hiking trails. This phenomenal Utah national park is home to the most unusual erosional forms on the planet.
Where is Bryce Canyon located?
Directions to Bryce Canyon: From the junction of Hwy 9 & 89 at Mt. Carmel Junction, it's 60 miles to Bryce Canyon. Follow Hwy 89 north and turn east when arriving at Hwy 12. Follow Hwy 12 through Red Canyon. (Bryce Canyon is located 9 miles from Red Canyon.) Pass through Red Canyon and continue on Hwy 12 to Hwy 63, turning south on Hwy 63.
Planning your Bryce Canyon Vacation Explore "Route 89," an incredible vacation in Bryce Canyon and the nearby parks and monuments.
Bryce Canyon Winter Vacation
If winter travel is on the agenda, the reward is a magnificent cragged desert landscape iced with a subtle white layer of snow. Few places on earth can boast of the stark first impression made by Bryce Canyon or the bizarre uniqueness of the land. Bryce Canyon is much cooler than Zion National Park due to it's elevation and in the winter the level of snow in Bryce Canyon makes this evident. Most of the time spent in Bryce Canyon is near 8000'. On the other hand, when in Zion National Park, most of the time spent is between 4000' and 6000'.
Clean Air and Clear Skies From Zion to Bryce Canyon there is some of the world's best air quality and unequaled stargazing.
Directions to Bryce Canyon
From Salt Lake City: Travel south on Interstate 15 past Beaver to UT 20. Exit on UT 20. Turn south on UT 89 and travel past Panguitch. Follow UT 89 to UT 12. Travel along UT 12 through Red Canyon to Bryce Canyon. Turn south on UT 63 to enter the park. From Las Vegas: Travel Interstate 15 past St. George to Exit 16. Drive through Hurricane, Utah. Follow Utah Highway 9 through Hurricane and to the only stop light in LaVerkin. Turn right at the stop light. Continue on Highway 9 to the south entrance of Zion National Park. Drive through Zion to the junction of UT 9 and US 89 at Mt. Carmel Jct. Turn north on UT 89, then exit on UT 12. Follow UT 12 through Red Canyon, turning south on UT 63 to enter Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon is a paradise of odd shaped rock towers, fins and oddly shaped and photographic windows. The twisted rocks, which are a hue of red, pink and orange, are called hoodoos.
Lodging and services are available on the gorgeous east side of Zion National Park, where guests are close to Zion National Park (12 miles), Bryce Canyon National Park (60 miles), Cedar Breaks National Monument (45 miles), Coral Pink Sand Dunes (12 miles), and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (85 miles). It's where city traffic is absent and the skies are bright and clean.
Bryce Canyon View Points and Hiking Trails
The shuttle system in Bryce Canyon is voluntary and only runs during the summer months. A must do in Bryce Canyon is the eighteen-mile long scenic drive. There are many pull-outs and short walks at the view points. Sunrise, Sunset, Rainbow, Farview, Yovimpa and Inspiration point are all easily accessed from the scenic drive. The hiking trails showcase a unique brand of beauty and nature. Unlike Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon is best seen from above the rim looking down into the coral colored hoodoos.
Bryce Canyon Landmarks
Bryce Canyon is filled with miracles of nature that have the honor of names such as Queen's Court and the Great Cathedral. Surrounding the arid stone grandeur carved by natures ancient mayhem, is a wonderful forest. At the higher elevations, near the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, the forest of ponderosa pines, fir, spruce trees and meadows of wildflowers fill the senses.
Mileage from
Mt. Carmel Jct.
Zion National Park 12
Bryce Canyon 60
Grand Canyon 85
Cedar Breaks 45
Grand Staircase 9
Dixie Forest 22
Sand Dunes 11
Coyote Butte 57
Red Canyon 47
Tuweep 90
Stay in the heart of the parks, Mount Carmel Junction, and visit the treasures of the Southwest and Utah.
This is my new favorite quote:
"I don't know who Mary Cisneros is, but I mean zionnational-park.com
It's a better site than the NPS's anyway."
Written by the authors of the book: Favorite Hikes in and around Zion National Park
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