How to Spend a Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

My Pride Rock moment on the Navajo Loop Trail

Feeling fabulous!

Thor's Hammer, he'd better retrieve it before the next Avenger's movie!

Cheese!

Let's go on an adventure!

The Road to Bryce: I will say that the drive to Bryce is a long and windy stretch of highway, so please make sure that you're good to go with gas and ensure that there aren't any bathroom emergencies! Also, please drive carefully, as aforementioned, the road is windy and remember that you are going up in escalation, so mind your inner ears. That being said, the road towards Bryce is absolutely stunning, so enjoy that!

Let's Talk Money: The entrance fee into Bryce for one private vehicle is $25.00 and you are good to come in and out as a you please for the next seven days. Make sure you keep the receipt, as the ranger will ask to see it in order to let you back in!

When You Are There: Bryce Canyon's main attraction is the stunning Amphitheater. Of course, the park offers a variety of other attractions, but if you are strapped for time, then your best bet is to find parking at either the visitor's center or one of the outlook points, and then hop on a FREE shuttle that will bring you to each of the different outlook points that offer different but stunning views of the Amphitheater. The outlook points offer truly Instagram worthy shots of Bryce. However, please do try and get on one of the trails, as the views can get even better. We did the 'moderate' Navajo Loop Trail, but do check in at the Visitor's Center, as they'll tell you which ones to take as per your preference.

Getting Around: I will say this, the ranger said that there was no parking at any of the outlook points, but since we opted to just drive around in our rental, we took the chance and had no issues with parking. If you choose to take the shuttle, know that you can hop on at any stop and it'll simply take you to the next stop. I believe the general wait time is roughly fifteen minutes between each shuttle, as there are several that are constantly making the rounds. The outlook points are easy to navigate to, just look out for the handy signs. It took us around four and a half hours to go to all of the major outlook points (Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Point), including our hike down the Navajo Loop Trail at Sunset Point.

Important: The shuttles are only in operation between April 24th and September 30th for 2015. If this is not in you time slot, then go ahead and drive to the outlook points, as you can usually find parking (we had no problem, even with it being peak season). 

ALSO SEE: 

The Red Canyon & Dixie National Forest Photodiary