One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

I wasn’t expecting much of Bryce Canyon, but it blew me away. One day in Bryce Canyon National Park is a perfect amount of time to see the best of what this incredible national park has to offer.

Even with limited time, I loved my visit to Bryce Canyon National Park, and I hope this post will convince you to visit one day, too.

Table of Contents Show

Can You Do Bryce Canyon in One Day?

Bryce Canyon National Park is only about 56 square miles. It’s not a large park, and you can see most of it within a day.

You’ll probably have time for most, if not all, of the viewpoints and at least 1-2 hikes. I’ll help you decide which ones to prioritize in this post!

Overall, how much time do you need at Bryce Canyon? A half day is the minimum amount of time to see Bryce Canyon. You can see all or most of the viewpoints in that time and you can also do at least one hike.

What Not to Miss at Bryce Canyon National Park

Can’t miss hike: Don’t miss the hike to Wall Street (Navajo Loop), which is less than 2 miles and can easily be done in a day. It also offers the most stunning views from inside the canyon. It can’t be missed!

Can’t miss viewpoints: The best viewpoints are definitely Sunset Point and Bryce Point. Just magnificent!

Wide shot of Bryce Canyon with Thor's Hammer in the middle — Thor’s Hammer, Bryce Canyon National Park

Is Bryce or Zion Better?

Bryce Canyon and Zion are both part of the Grand Staircase. Three canyons make up the Grand Staircase — Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is the bottom step on the staircase, and the earth goes up in layers from there to Zion and then to Bryce Canyon.

They’re all incredible national parks and natural wonders.

But if I had to choose … personally, I liked Bryce Canyon better. The views were more stunning.

What to Do: Itinerary for One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

The best things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park, especially if you only have a day, are view the canyon, see the hoodoos, and hike.

That will allow you to do and see the best of what Bryce Canyon has to offer.

See the Hoodoos

Have you heard of the word “hoodoos” before? I hadn’t either until I visited Bryce Canyon National Park. Suddenly I was a hoodoo expert, pointing out all the different hoodoos as if I knew what I was talking about.

Hoodoos are irregular rock formations, and Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration of hoodoos anywhere in the world. It’s incredible.

Where can you see them? All over! At all of the viewpoints and on many hikes at Bryce Canyon.

Hike the Most Popular Trail: Navajo Loop Trail Down Wall Street

Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 515 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Sunset Point

What is the best hike to do with limited time?

There are a lot of awesome trails in Bryce Canyon, but if you only have energy for one hike in a day, I suggest hiking the best — Navajo Loop Trail down Wall Street (which is what we did).

Getting to walk down into the canyon with the canyon walls looming above you — amazing. Simply put, this trail offers the most stunning views from inside the canyon.

It is an incredible hike, but the uphill portion can be quite steep. Just take your time, it’s worth it.

The Wall Street side of this hike is often closed in winter, but it wasn’t closed yet when we visited (in early November). Check current conditions ahead of time so you won’t be disappointed.

I can’t recommend this hike enough.

Trail going down Wall Street on Navajo Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park — Wall Street, Bryce Canyon National Park

Author on Navajo Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park — Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Author's mom going down Wall Street on Navajo Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park — Wall Street, Bryce Canyon National Park

Author at Wall Street on Navajo Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park — Wall Street, Bryce Canyon National Park

Visit the Best Viewpoints of Bryce Canyon

We drove to all the viewpoints that were open in winter, and the best two by far were Bryce Point and Sunset Point.

It’s pretty easy to view all the viewpoints, so let me know if you agree with me on which one is best.

At the end of the day, though, there’s no ugly side to Bryce Canyon National Park — any way you view it is going to be incredible.

Bryce Point

This may be a controversial opinion, but I really think you can skip Inspiration Point, and go straight to Bryce Point instead for incredible 360-degree views.

Sunset Point (at Sunset)

Sunset Point is a gorgeous view any time of day but really magical at sunset. Don’t miss it!

Thor's Hammer at Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon — Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park

Map of Best Trails and Viewpoints in Bryce Canyon

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Don’t Stay in Bryce Lodge

I’d usually suggest staying in the park, but for Bryce Canyon National Park, do not stay in Bryce Lodge, the in-park lodge.

The rooms don’t have televisions (and my grandma was very disappointed about this), the restaurants and store were not operating, and everything was closed.

Perhaps it was because we visited out of season? But for any amenities we had to drive into town. Luckily, town was only a five-minute drive away.

Do Stay at Ruby’s Inn

Instead, I suggest to stay at Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn. Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn has a restaurant (that’s actually open), a huge store and gift shop, and even an indoor pool.

We came here for meals and shopping since there was nothing open at Bryce Lodge. It would’ve been more convenient just to stay here! So I make that suggestion for you.

Bryce Lodge hidden behind trees with snow all around — Bryce Lodge

When to Go: What Season Is Best?

Bryce Canyon is at a high altitude so weather conditions can vary.

Summer: The crowds descend during summer when the temperatures are warmer. I can’t say summer is the best time for optimal hiking as July and August see a lot of rain and thunderstorms.

Autumn/Spring: If you come in autumn or spring, you’ll probably see snow while many trails will still be open. I think this is the optimal time to visit. The temps are lower, but so are the crowds.

When to expect snow? Snow can come as early as October and stay until May. So you’ll really have to take a chance — and prepare for anything. The vision of snow atop the orange hoodoos of Bryce Canyon is breathtaking.

View of Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon — Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park

Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon in Winter

Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park during snow season is a sight to behold. The white snow on the orange hoodoos contrast so beautifully. Hiking can be a little more challenging but it’s totally doable and absolutely worth it.

We visited in early November and lots of snow was already on the ground. With snow, hiking is limited but still doable.

Tread carefully. There was ice on the ground in some parts, so you’ll just need to be very careful.

Wear proper shoes and bring crampons. If there is ice or snow on the ground, consider bringing crampons and definitely wear shoes with good traction. It wasn’t actively snowing when we visited, and the ground was drier the farther down the canyon we walked, so we were fine to just wear our hiking shoes.

Stay updated on current conditions in the park. If you’re planning to visit Bryce Canyon in winter, stay updated on latest conditions by checking the national park’s website often.

See the NPS’s advice for winter hiking.

Author posing in the snow — Snow in front of Bryce Lodge

Getting Around Bryce Canyon National Park

How large is Bryce Canyon National Park? Bryce Canyon National Park is about 56 square miles.

To get around, you can either take the seasonal shuttle or drive yourself.

Take the Shuttle

Bryce Canyon has an optional shuttle, which operates from April to October.

It’s free to ride, and the shuttles arrive at stops every 15 minutes.

Drive Your Car Around Bryce Canyon

You can drive yourself around Bryce Canyon National Park.

There are parking lots at nearly all of the viewpoints and trailheads.

You cannot, however, drive your car into the canyon (or go off-roading).

Hours and Entry Fees

It costs $35 per vehicle to enter Bryce Canyon National Park, and your entry is valid for one week.

If you plan to visit more than three national parks in a year, definitely get an America the Beautiful pass to save money.

What are the hours for Bryce Canyon National Park? Bryce Canyon is open 24 hours daily.

Before You Go: Check Current Conditions

Always check current conditions at Bryce Canyon National Park before setting out to see if any trails or roads are closed.

In winter, some hiking trails, especially those on the surface like the Rim Trail, may be closed due to snow and ice, so just be sure to check current conditions.