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Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon, UT

At Bryce Canyon National Park, erosion has shaped colorful Claron limestones, sandstones, and mudstones into thousands of spires, fins, pinnacles, and mazes. Collectively called "hoodoos," these colorful and whimsical formations stand in horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters along the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in Southern Utah.

CONTACTS

Email - brca_reception_area@nps.gov

Write to
PO Box 170001
Bryce Canyon, UT 84717-0001

Phone
Headquarters - (435)834-5322

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
The park is open 24 hours per day through out the year. There may be temporary road closures during and shortly after winter snow storms until plowing is completed and conditions are safe for visitor traffic. Road maintenance may require brief closures of individual areas at other times.

Getting There
PLANE - Regular commercial flights serve Cedar City (87 miles), St. George (150 miles), Salt Lake City (270 miles), as well as Las Vegas, Nevada (270 miles).

The Bryce Canyon Airport (4 miles), operated by Garfield Country, has commercial flights from Las Vegas. Phone: (435)834-5239 for current carriers and schedules Private planes are welcome at this uncontrolled airport.

CAR - From the north or south on US Hwy 89: Turn east on Utah Hwy 12 (seven miles south of Panguitch, Utah) and travel to the junction of Utah 12 and 63. Turn south (right) onto Utah 63 and travel three miles to reach the park entrance.

From the east: Travel west on Utah 12 to the intersection with Utah 63. Turn south (left) to reach the park entrance.

Weather & Climate
At 8,000 to 9,100 feet, summer days are pleasant (80's) and nights are cool (40's). Afternoon thundershowers are common during mid- to late summer.

Spring and Fall weather is highly variable with days of snow or days with strong sun and 70 degrees.

Cold winter days are offset by high altitude sun and dry climate. Winter nights are sub-freezing. March is our snowiest month, but snow can occur October through April. Average snowfall is 95 inches, providing crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.

The high altitude sun can burn in any season. We recommend hats and sunscreen all year. Layered clothing is also good preparation for the plateau's temperature extremes and frequent strong winds.

Accessibility
Most park facilities were constructed between 1930 and 1960. Some have been upgraded for accssibility, while others could be used with assistance. Because of the park's natural terrain, only a 1/2 mile section of the Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points is wheelchair accessable. The one-mile Bristlecone Loop at Rainbow Point has a hard surface and could be used with assistance, but several grades do not meet standards. Parking is marked at all overlooks and public facilities. Accessable campsites are available in Sunset Campground.

Getting Around
New this season at Bryce Canyon National Park...

The Bryce Canyon Shuttle is designed to leave the hassles of parking a car outside the park. Leave your car at the Shuttle Parking area and hop on the bus into the park. Our three different shuttle lines ensure smooth travel to each of the view points every 10 to 15 minutes.

You can hit all the northern view points, then hike from Bryce Point to Sunrise Point and catch the shuttle back to your car, back to the lodge, or back to your campground.

There are also cars available for rent outside the park. Horseback rides available inside the park. Biking is allowed on paved roads only. There are no mountain biking trails within the park.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
PRIVATE VEHICLE
$20.00 for 7 Days
This fee is for one private vehicle and its occupants.

SHUTTLE RIDERS
$15.00 for 7 Days
This fee is for those who ride the shuttle into the park, and saves $5.00 from the standard entrance fee.

Permits
BACKCOUNTRY
$5.00 for 14 Days
This permit is required for anyone planning to stay overnight in the Backcountry.

Local Passport
BRYCE CANYON ANNUAL PASS
$30.00 for Annual
This pass allows one private vehicle and its occupants into the park for one full year. This pass can also be used on the Bryce Canyon Shuttle.

CAMPING

North Campground
Open All Year
Tent and trailer sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Some pull-through motorhome sites are available. Restrooms are provided. Showers are available at the General Store near Sunrise point. There are no hookups at the sites and generator hours are restricted. There is a dump station available during the summer months.

Sunset Campground
Tent and trailer sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Restrooms are provided. Showers are available at the General Store near Sunrise Point. There are no hookups in the park, and generator hours are restricted. There is a dump station available for use in the summer months near North Campground.

Sunset Group Campsite
One group site is available in Sunset Campground by reservation only.
For More Information on this campground please call 435/834-4801

LODGING

Bryce Canyon Lodge
AmFac Parks and Resorts, Inc. operates the Bryce Canyon Lodge, with 114 rooms including lodge suites, motel rooms and cabins. The season begins April 1 and runs through October 31. Make lodging reservations on-line at www.amfac.com. Or you can write to: AmFac Parks and Resorts, Inc., 14001 East Iliff Ave., Suite 600, Aurora, CO 80014, or call 303/297-2757 or fax 303/237-3175 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time. The dining room at Bryce Canyon Lodge is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations are required. A gift shop and post office are also available at the Lodge. Additional lodging is available throughout the area. Reservations are recommended.
For More Information on this lodging please call 435/834-5361

FACILITIES

Visitor Centers
VISITOR CENTER
Open All Year 8am - 8pm (seasonally variable)
Phone - 435/834-5322
Closures - Only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Special Programs - Short informational Video shown on the 1/2 hour and on the hour. Short Geology talks are also available in the Visitor Center Museum during the winter months.
Exhibits - A museum with displays on local Geology, Wildlife, Star Gazing, Historic and Prehistoric Culture.
Available Facilities - Restrooms, Bookstore, and a Ranger staffed Information Desk. Obtain Backcountry Permits at this desk.

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