Bryce Canyon National Park has reopened for visitors this summer 2020 and it’s a great time for a roadtrip. This is your chance to be free to roam once again and go on an adventure after too many months at home!
While many international destinations are not possible for summer travel in 2020 for US residents, there are beautiful gems right here in the United States to uncover such as one of its many National Parks like Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Yosemite and Yellowstone.
Today, let’s explore Bryce Canyon National Park and what makes it a great road trip destination for summer 2020.
Bryce Canyon is one of the “Mighty 5” National Parks in Utah most known for its bizarre rock formations known as “Hoodoos.” Bryce has the largest concentration of Hoodoos in the world ranging in all shades of orange, pinks, and reds sprinkled with some splashes of white.
I made my first visit to Bryce Canyon while on a Roadtrip to Zion National Park which is only 2 hours away from each other. The exciting thing about a Utah Roadtrip is that you can map out your drive to visit multiple national parks and there are beautiful landscapes to see as you make your way from one place to another.
What’s open at Bryce Canyon today?
The Bryce Canyon hiking trails and the main road are open, including the free shuttle that takes you to some of the main vista points from the park entrance. There is parking at the park entrance or near the visitor center where you can venture off and explore the park on foot or bicycle.
Even the visitor center is open, although the museum is currently closed until further notice.
- To check when the museum will reopen and get the latest updates, check the park website here: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/bryce-canyon-national-park-public-health-update.htm
Exploring Bryce Canyon
It’s fairly easy to find your way around Bryce Canyon and a day visit is enough to see the highlights of the park. The main walking trails loop around the rim of the famous Bryce Canyon Amphitheater offering stunning views. Prepare to be memorized by hoodoos!
The free shuttles have several stops along the Bryce amphitheater where you can get off at any stop and head to the nearest vista point or hiking trail. Alternatively, you can also walk or bike the 4 miles trail to the Amphitheater from the park entrance.
Look closely in the picture below on the left hand side and you will see the walking trail that leads around the rim of the amphitheater.
For the brave, venture down into the canyon and hike through the mysterious hoodoos on the Navajo Trail (1.5 miles long). The hike starts at Sunset Point and is more challenging than it seems, so come prepared for that hike with proper shoes, water and snacks. Remember to bring sunscreen too!
Can you see the tiny people on the trail below in the canyon? The trail switchbacks uphill leading to a steep incline back to the top.
One thing to know about Bryce Canyon is that it sits at 8,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation so you may find yourself trying to catch your breath a bit more than normal when hiking.
For those really up for a challenge, try the “Peek-A-Boo” loop that switchbacks through the hoodoos. (5.5 miles)
Driving Through The Park
To explore more of the park beyond the main Amphitheater, you can drive to the southern end on a 18 mile scenic drive. Stop some of the vista points along the way including my favorite, The Natural Bridge. (mile marker 12.5)
At the farthest southern end of the road, you will find Rainbow Point (mile 18). The park’s website suggests to start your journey at Bryce Canyon by driving to the very end of the 18 mile drive and work your way backwards to the park entrance. This way, all the vista points will be on your right hand side as you made your way back.
Last tip, be aware that Bryce Canyon is at 8,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation so the temperature can drop drastically as evening nears. Bring a jacket for the evening.
During your road trip to Bryce Canyon, consider also visiting Zion National Park that is about a 2 hour drive from Bryce. Check out the Zion National Park Guide to help plan your trip!
Courageous enough to hop a flight to travel this summer? Read about visiting Cabo San Lucas Mexico this summer 2020! (Click here to read)
