Planning to visit Bryce Canyon for just one day but not sure how to organize your trip? This one-day Bryce Canyon itinerary will show you everything you need to know for a short visit to Bryce Canyon National Park: the best places, top hiking trails, transportation options, accommodation tips, and more!
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most visited parks in Utah, attracting over 2 million visitors each year. This isn’t surprising since it’s one of the most special and beautiful parks in the USA, and one of our personal favorites.
Whether you’re visiting Utah, live nearby, or are on a road trip across the USA, Bryce Canyon is a must-see. Its unique red rock formations, called hoodoos, make it a truly special destination. You can enjoy fantastic views of these formations from many excellent viewpoints throughout the park.
In this article, we’ll focus on how to make the most of a one-day visit to Bryce Canyon. You’ll find helpful tips on what to expect, the best times to visit, must-visit spots, activities, top hiking trails, photography opportunities, and where to stay. This guide will give you everything you need for a perfect one-day adventure in Bryce Canyon.
Let’s dive into the key details and tips for exploring Bryce Canyon in a single day!
One day in Bryce Canyon itinerary: What to see in Bryce Canyon in 1 day
Let’s jump right in and explore the details of a one-day Bryce Canyon itinerary. We’ll show you what you can fit into a single day at the park, highlight the best spots and hiking trails, and explain the best order to visit them.
Start your day at the Visitor Center
Start your visit at the Visitor Center, located near the park entrance and the ticket gates. Here, you can learn about the park, its unique formations, and the plants and animals that live there.
This is a great place to buy souvenirs, and you can also get an information booklet with a map here or at the entrance point.
First viewpoint: Sunrise Point
After exploring the Visitor Center, continue your journey to the viewpoints, which we think are the highlights of the trip. Along the canyon, you’ll find several different viewpoints, many of which are included in our itinerary.
Start with the first viewpoint, Sunrise Point, one of the most famous spots in Bryce Canyon.
While it’s named for sunrise, it offers stunning views at any time of day.
From Sunrise Point, you’ll get your first view of the Bryce Amphitheater, home to some of the most impressive rock formations in the park.
Several popular hiking trails also start here, such as the Queen’s Garden Trail, the Fairyland Loop Trail, and the Horse Trail.
Along the way to Sunrise Point, you’ll find The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
Rim Trail
The Rim Trail runs along the canyon’s western edge, close to parking areas. This trail is perfect if you want to walk between viewpoints. It offers incredible views of the canyon below from almost every spot along the path.
If you feel like it, take a walk along the Rim Trail between Sunrise Point and the next viewpoint, Sunset Point.
Next stop: Sunset Point
Continue your journey to Sunset Point by car, shuttle, or walking along the Rim Trail.
We highly recommend Sunset Point as our personal favorite viewpoint. It offers the best views of the Bryce Amphitheater, showcasing the most stunning parts of the canyon.
This spot is also the starting point for the Navajo Loop Trail, which we think is the best hiking trail in the area. Its eastern section includes a famous, winding path that’s popular on Instagram.
So if you’re looking to hike, we highly recommend the Navajo Loop Trail. Walking this trail guarantees an unforgettable experience, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take amazing photos along the way.
At Sunset Point and along the Navajo Loop Trail, you’ll see the famous Thor’s Hammer hoodoo, which is known for its unique shape and is a popular photo spot.
After Sunset Point, continue heading south to explore the other famous viewpoints.
These are:
Inspiration Point
It’s also located along the Rim Trail, just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Sunset Point. You can reach it by car, on foot, or using the shuttle.
There are two Inspiration Points: Lower and Upper. The Lower Inspiration Point is closer to the parking lot, while the Upper Inspiration Point offers a wider panoramic view. Choose your favorite, or visit both!
Bryce Point
Bryce Point offers one of the most impressive views of the Bryce Amphitheater, making it a must-visit spot during your trip.
This viewpoint is also the starting point for several key hiking trails, including the Peekaboo Loop Trail and the Under-The-Rim Trail. If you’re an experienced hiker, we highly recommend the Peekaboo Loop Trail for its amazing scenery.
Paria View
If you have extra time, take a short detour to Paria View, located near Bryce Point. While the view isn’t as dramatic as other top spots, it’s still worth a quick visit for its unique perspective.
Lunch at Bryce Canyon
The best option for lunch is to bring your own food, giving you the most flexibility with your schedule.
If you prefer to eat out, there are two places within the park near Sunrise Point: Valhalla Pizza and The Dining Room at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon. Both offer convenient options for a meal during your visit.
Afternoon: Drive along the Scenic Drive to visit more viewpoints
Spend your afternoon driving along the Scenic Drive to explore the remaining viewpoints. This route offers stunning stops where you can take in the beauty of Bryce Canyon’s unique landscapes.
The park’s main road stretches 18 miles (29 km) from the entrance in the north to its end at Rainbow and Yovimpa Points in the south. The first 3 miles (4.8 km) cover the Bryce Amphitheater area, while the remaining 15 miles (24 km) make up the Southern Scenic Drive.
If time allows, we recommend stopping at these viewpoints along the drive:
- Swamp Canyon Overlook
- Farview Point
- Bryce Natural Bridge
- Pink Cliffs
- Agua Canyon Overlook
- Ponderosa Canyon
- Black Birch Canyon
- Rainbow Point
- Yovimpa Point
Each of these stops offers unique views and is worth visiting to fully experience the beauty of Bryce Canyon.
Visiting these 9 viewpoints may take a few hours, but overall, it makes for a pleasant and flexible afternoon activity.
Even if your hike takes longer than planned, you can easily visit these spots in the afternoon. Each stop only requires about 5–15 minutes, with minimal walking since most viewpoints are just off the road.
You can also choose to start at the southernmost viewpoints (Yovimpa Point and Rainbow Point) and go back toward the park entrance in the north. This might be easier since most parking areas and viewpoints are on the eastern side of the road. However, it’s completely up to you, and you can visit them in any order!
Since we’ve covered all the important viewpoints along the Bryce Amphitheater and the Scenic Drive, as well as included options for hikes, this wraps up everything you can do in one day at Bryce Canyon.
While it might not seem like a lot at first, visiting the Visitor Center, 14 viewpoints, and 1–2 hiking trails is more than enough for a full day of exploring. By the end of your visit, you’ll likely leave pleasantly tired, with plenty of great photos and memories to take home.
Now that we’ve introduced the best spots and trails in Bryce Canyon, let’s answer some common questions about a one-day visit to the park!
FAQ: About a one-day trip to Bryce Canyon
Is it worth visiting Bryce Canyon?
Absolutely yes! Bryce Canyon is definitely worth a visit. Not only is it one of our personal favorite national parks in the USA, but we also think it offers some of the most unique views and best hiking experiences.
Is one day enough in Bryce Canyon?
If you plan your trip well, yes, one day is enough for Bryce Canyon.
The key is to arrive as early as possible!
Pay attention to the sunset time, as it’s not worth staying in the park after dark. During fall or winter months, sunset can be as early as 5 PM, so make sure to start your visit early. In the summer, arriving early helps you avoid large crowds and parking issues.
However, if you’d like to do more hiking or enjoy the park at a slower, more relaxed pace, we recommend staying for 2 days.
Entry to Bryce Canyon
In the photo, you can see the available pass types and the 2024 prices, which may change at any time.
We mostly recommend purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass (listed as Interagency Annual on signs). It offers great value, providing access to most U.S. national parks for one year without needing to pay additional entry fees.
One America the Beautiful Pass covers a car and its passengers, up to four adults.
You can buy the America the Beautiful Pass at the Entrance Point, online in advance, or at many designated locations.
If you don’t choose this option, you can also buy a regular entry ticket or an annual pass just for Bryce Canyon. These are worth considering if you don’t plan to visit other U.S. national parks within the year that are included with the America the Beautiful Pass.
Where to stay near the Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon City, located right next to Bryce Canyon, offers the closest accommodation options. However, you can also find excellent places to stay in nearby small communities.
Here are our recommendations for staying close to Bryce Canyon:
- Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel: Our personal choice. This three-star hotel in Bryce Canyon City is close to the national park and typically available at a good price. It’s a great option for a short stay.
- Bryce Glamp And Camp: If you’re looking for something more unique, consider glamping near Cannonville. This one-of-a-kind glamping experience is just a short drive from the park. While it’s a bit pricier, it’s worth it if you want a special place to stay.
North Campground: If you’re arriving by RV, we recommend the North Campground, located inside the park and very close to the viewpoints.
Best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park
Fall (September to October) and late spring (May) are ideal times to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. These months offer mild weather and smaller crowds, making it easier to enjoy the park’s trails and viewpoints.
Summer (June to August) brings long daylight hours, perfect for outdoor activities, but the intense heat can make hiking more challenging. Additionally, it’s the busiest time of year, so you may encounter larger crowds and parking difficulties.
Winter (December to February) offers a peaceful and magical experience, with the chance to see the hoodoos covered in snow. However, you need to prepare for cold temperatures and snowy conditions, which can lead to road or trail closures.
Each season has its own unique beauty, so the best time to visit depends on your preferences and how you plan to experience the park!
How to get to Bryce Canyon
There are two main ways to get to Bryce Canyon: by car or private transfer.
The closest town is Bryce Canyon City, which mostly consists of hotels and other accommodations.
Moreover, shuttle buses depart from Bryce Canyon City, allowing you to explore the Bryce Amphitheater area within the park.
To reach Bryce Canyon City, take UT-12. From there, Road 63 leads to the park’s Entrance Point and Visitor Center.
After the entrance, the same road continues as Bryce Canyon Road, Main Park Road, or N Bryce Canyon NP Road. This road runs through the park and ends at the parking area for Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point, which is the southernmost point of the park accessible by car.
How to get around Bryce Canyon
Within Bryce Canyon, you can use the shuttle buses, which tipically run every 15 minutes from morning until evening and are free, as they are included in the park entrance fee. This is a convenient option if you don’t want to drive or deal with parking.
The downside is that the shuttle does not operate in winter (from late October to April), and it completely skips the Scenic Drive.
We recommend using car instead, as we think it’s worth visiting all the viewpoints along the Scenic Drive.
For viewpoints that are closer together, like those along the Rim Trail, walking might be a good option.
In summary, here are the recommended transportation options:
- Drive all the way: Both to the national park and within the park. This is the most convenient option, but parking can be difficult during busier times.
- Drive to Bryce Canyon City and take the shuttle: However, keep in mind that the shuttle does not go to the Scenic Drive!
- Take a private transfer: Experienced tour guides will handle your entire trip. The downside is that it can be more expensive and slightly less flexible.
Day trip destinations from Bryce Canyon National Park
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is just a 2-hour drive from Bryce Canyon, which makes it a perfect addition to your trip.
This huge park features unique red rock formations and deep canyons, and it’s definitely worth a day or multi-day visit. The America the Beautiful Pass provides access to Zion as well.
Compared to Bryce Canyon, Zion is larger and more accessible from major cities like Las Vegas. It also offers a wider variety of activities, including hiking and canyoneering.
However, Zion is very popular, attracting over 4 million visitors each year. This can make transportation and parking challenging. Some areas of the park are only accessible by shuttle, which can be time-consuming.
Additionally, popular hikes, such as Angels Landing, require a permit, which you can obtain through a lottery system.
So be sure to plan your visit well in advance.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef, another popular national park in Utah, is about a 2.5-hour drive from Bryce Canyon.
Known for its stunning rock formations and the historic Fruita district, it offers a more relaxed experience than some of the more crowded parks.
If you enjoy scenic drives and unique geological features, Capitol Reef is definitely worth a visit.
Bentonite Hills or Painted Hills
If you’re in the area, consider a trip to the Bentonite Hills or Painted Hills, which gained popularity on social media.
These striking, striped hills resemble a Martian landscape. They are about a 3-hour drive from Bryce Canyon.
There are several places in the area with these colorful hills, but the Painted Hills near UT-24 are the easiest to access. You can park in a dusty lot at coordinates 38°22’05.2″N 110°47’21.0″W.
For the best photos, don’t forget to bring your drone!
Antelope Canyon
Located about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Bryce Canyon in Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a great choice for a day trip.
This famous slot canyon has two sections: the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Our favorite is the Lower Antelope Canyon, but both are extremely popular and worth visiting.
Both sections require a guided tour, so it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance.
Horseshoe Bend
Also near Page, Arizona, is the world-famous Horseshoe Bend.
This iconic, horseshoe-shaped canyon is easy to reach with a one-time parking fee and a short walk along a dusty path to the viewpoint.
It’s one of the most photographed natural formations in the USA, making it a must-see if you’re in the area.
These are some of the closest and most popular attractions near Bryce Canyon, perfect for a day trip to expand your travel experience.
In conclusion, Bryce Canyon is a must-see destination that offers breathtaking views and amazing hiking trails, even if you only have one day to visit.
With careful planning, you can explore the park’s most famous viewpoints, enjoy its unique rock formations, and take in the stunning landscapes. Whether you’re hiking the Navajo Loop Trail, taking photos at Sunrise or Sunset Point, or driving along the Scenic Drive, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
If you have more time, consider staying for two days to explore the park at a slower pace and enjoy even more trails and viewpoints.
Remember to plan your visit in advance, especially if you’re visiting during busy seasons, and always check the weather for a safe and comfortable experience.
No matter how much time you have, Bryce Canyon is sure to leave you with amazing memories and beautiful photos. Enjoy your visit!
