Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
STEP ONE: Choose a Time of Year
>> When should I go? <<
Your first task is going to be quick — we’re just getting warmed up. Grab a piece of paper, a notebook, a spreadsheet…whatever it is you like to take notes on. You’ll want to keep it handy so that you can keep your research in one place.
Right now, let’s choose a time of year that you want to visit Bryce Canyon.
Each season in this park is unique and can give you a completely different experience depending on when you go. Let’s talk through the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision on the best time of year for you!
Special note: You may already have a pretty good idea of when you will be able to go. For example, traveling during the summer might be the only time of year you can take your family. I totally understand, but keep reading. Let’s make sure you know what to expect while you’re there.
Winter (November – March)
Welcome to the park’s longest season! A visit to Bryce Canyon during the winter is both enchanting and challenging.
During the winter months, the main park road remains open…weather permitting! The Visitor Center is open, the Bryce Canyon Lodge has a small number of rooms available, and the North Campground is open for winter camping.
Snowshoeing is the most popular activity you’ll find available during the winter months, and ranger-led tours are available! Some hiking trails close when conditions become icy and unsafe, but most stay open for snowshoeing or hiking with traction devices.
What You Need to Know
- The snow scares away most travelers, so winter is a fantastic time of year to visit the park if you don’t want to fight through the crowds.
- Winter temperatures in Bryce Canyon are often well below freezing, so be sure to pack your warmest winter clothes.
- Some park facilities stay open during the winter. Check the current conditions and operating hours for more information.
- Due to rockfall, the Wall Street Section of the Navajo Loop Trail is usually closed during the winter.
- Plan on all of Bryce Canyon’s trails to be densely covered in snow.
- More information for planning a winter trip to Bryce Canyon can be found here.
Spring (April – May)
Springtime is a time of transition in the park. As the long winter starts to melt away, the wildlife begins to emerge, and the roads, campgrounds, and hotels begin to wake up and prepare for a busy summer season.
Crowding during the spring is low, mostly because not everything is open yet. If you’re hoping to experience a snow-free park, spring probably isn’t the best time for you! I have been here in April and was able to hike the Queens Garden Trail and part of the Navajo Loop {the Wall Street section is closed this time of year}, but the trails still had a decent amount of ice and snow.
What You Need to Know
- Check the schedule for spring visitor center hours.
- The main park road and most popular activities are accessible this time of year.
- The Bryce Canyon Lodge and both campgrounds in the park are typically open during April.
- Many trails will still have icy patches and may be challenging to hike.
Summer (June – September)
The great thing about Bryce Canyon during the summer is that everything is open! You’ll have numerous lodging and dining options, plus access to all of the main points of interest, tours, programs, and the visitor center.
Your options are endless during the summer, but that comes with a price….crowds. Be prepared to share the fantastic sights of Bryce Canyon with people from all over the world during the popular summer season.
What You Need to Know
- As mentioned above, the crowd level during the summer is high. This will impact your trip in some way, as you will likely not be able to get places as quickly as you’d like or enjoy the sights without distraction. July and August are the busiest months.
- To better avoid the crowds and traffic jams common to Bryce Canyon during the summer, you’ll definitely want to have a solid plan, like this detailed itinerary! Having a plan will minimize wasted time and make your trip much more enjoyable.
- The Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop is typically still closed well into May…plan on it reopening sometime around Memorial Day. If you have your heart set on this hike, plan your trip for June or later.
- Everything is open during this time of the year, including campgrounds, trails, viewpoints, and backcountry sites.
Autumn (October)
A quiet solitude begins to fall over the Bryce Canyon landscape as the busy summer crowds start to die off. A chill settles in as the animals and plants begin to prepare for winter…and it’s magical!
Autumn in Bryce Canyon is fabulous. A few highlights of a trip during this season include fall colors, crisp mountain air, and more elbow room to enjoy the sights.
What You Need to Know
- While September still sees a fair amount of crowds, it is still less than during the summer months. The park clears out even more in October and the weather is usually still gorgeous!
- The campgrounds and lodges within the park are still open for the season during the month of October.
- Autumn weather in Bryce Canyon is completely unpredictable. Be prepared for every kind of weather — rain, snow, hail, sun, wind, biting cold, etc. Come prepared!
- Even though snow may fall during your Autumn trip, most trails stay snow-free throughout October.
Well, there you have it! I know….it’s a lot of information about the seasons of Bryce Canyon. But now you’re ready to make a decision.
Let’s complete Step One. Decide what season is going to be best for your trip to Bryce Canyon and write it down!
Now you’re ready for Step Two.
Click NEXT to find out how long you should plan to stay in the park!
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