driving to bryce canyon in winter

Normally, winter daytime highs are slightly above freezing, but be prepared for cold snaps. The Rim Trail is paved from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point (1 mile/ 1.6 km roundtrip). The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival offers the perfect opportunity to discover new ways to enjoy adventuring in the snow. Bryce Canyon in winter However, once the snow turns icy, the traction devices would definitely be necessary to get back up the steep Navajo Loop Trail. It is not recommended to travel far from your car to stargaze in the winter. In: Itineraries, Outdoors, USA, Utah Let me start with this- you have to visit Bryce Canyon in winter. Be sure to check the National Parks Service for the latest information, as weather can cause changes. You can enjoy the many benefits of hiking any time of the year, but hiking in the snow requires extra preparation. There are some hikes available during the winter. With crisp winter air, the stars feel even more vibrant. We love to get out of the house to see and do fun things, both far away and in our own neighborhood. Utah National Parks in March If youre looking to explore Bryce Canyon like a local, not a tourist, then youve come to the right place. Also, the hoodoo resembles Thors Hammer (as the name suggests). But the best part is watching the light glow and spread along the tops of hoodoos then into the amphitheater. Certain roads and hiking trails are closed during winter for your safety. A few fun programs include a full moon snowshoe hike where you can experience the park basked in moonlight. Be prepared for snowy and icy weather conditions. The characteristic red rock with stunning canyon views makes this area a popular tourist destination. Seeing the contrast of deep, white, fluffy snow against an amphitheater of hoodoos is a special treat. The festival also hosts crafts and art classes, yoga, pottery-making lessons, and photography workshops. Need winter break ideas? Absolutely! Its the perfect option for short stays and is conveniently located near a grocery store. Learn how your comment data is processed. Sunset Point was by far my favorite and that is also where we started on the Navajo Loop Trail. Snowshoes and traction like microspikes are also quite handy! This area of the park may or may not be open depending on if there have been recent snowstorms. This site doesnt have any water, sewer, or electrical points to connect to, so youll have to come fully prepared. Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round. There are three levels to view the amphitheater at Inspiration Point. We like to take close-up photos of the hoodoos at Fairyland Point. The park is quite fast with plowing roads after snow storms, but this road tends to be one of the last few to be opened up. If youre looking for a less strenuous path thatll deliver breathtaking views, why not consider the Rim Trail hike? Highlights: Self-paced drive with scenic views. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Many people are surprised to learn that Bryce Canyon sits at about 8,000 feet above sea level. Hardy winter campers will enjoy the parks North Campground, where Loop A is open year-round and sites are first-come, first-served. This is the same parking lot/point that I talked about above. Use this map as a guide to navigate along the scenic drive so you can stop at all 13 overlooks! Bryce is a beautiful national park to visit in spring or summer, but it takes on a whole new character during winter. Out of all of my visits to this natural phenomenon, winter is by far my favorite. Gliding along on cross-country skis is a wonderful way to experience Bryce Canyon. However, keep in mind that this means youll want proper footwear for visiting Bryce Canyon in winter. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Unfortunately, there is no way to sign up in advance. Tip: If youre planning on renting a car, be sure to check with the rental company that they have snow tires or 44 vehicles. These can be especially helpful if youre a beginner hiker. How to get to Bryce Canyon? All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue. The two major airports nearest to Bryce Canyon are Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. In the winter, you can access Rim Trail from Sunrise Point to Bryce Point. The campground is located at approximately 8,000 feet, so be prepared for cold weather and snow. These irregular spires, carved from wind, water and ice, form an other-worldly landscape that is simply breathtaking. This is an excellent time of year to visit. Learn more about Bryce Canyon All Rights Reserved. We actually saw a truck get stuck in the snow when they got off the road a little too far. Bryce has seen minimum temperatures as low as -26F! If the snow is too packed down and icy for a snowshoe, try a winter hike with sturdy boots and over the shoe traction devices. The biggest drawback of visiting Bryce Canyon in December is unpredictable road closures. Tip: Consider using some of the best hiking apps to help you plan your route and explore more hiking options. However, you can walk and enjoy the view for as long as you want before turning back to the car. Sunset Point is a well-visited overlook due to the popular Thors Hammer and Silent City you can see from here. Loop B typically closes in late fall unless demand for winter campsites is high enough to justify its remaining open.. Bryce Canyon is located just south of the town of Bryce in the southwestern corner of Utah. But it can be easily overlooked and many people drive past without knowing its there. How far is Arches from Bryce and Zion? Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains. Never leave pets unattended and always pick up and dispose of all waste. Or you can opt for one of the vacation rentals in Bryce. When we hiked, I was wearing hiking boots and my husband was wearing winter boots with good tread. Marvel at the beauty of the red hoodoos and evergreen trees capped with snow from one of the four main viewing points. So get out there and explore take pictures & relive memories! Winter Driving Tour of Bryce Canyon National Park| RV Lifestyle The 1-mile road leading to Fairyland Paint and the 0.30-mile road leading to Paria View. This article may contain sponsored content or affiliate links. If you do encounter lightning while visiting Bryce Canyon, remember to stop what youre doing and quickly get indoors. Visiting Bryce Canyon in Winter: Pro Secrets - Fox in the Forest So yes, I highly recommend this hotel. While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, weve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks. Be sure to follow all park rules and signs and practice the seven. When the temperature or wind chill drops below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, they typically cancel the programs. Bryce Canyon National Park may not be as vast or have as many activities as Zion National Park, but there is still plenty to do. This can be prevented or treated with lots of water and rest and moving to a lower altitude if needed. Swamp Canyon Viewpoint Snowshoeing ended up being our favorite thing we did in Bryce and I highly recommend participating if possible. The characteristic red rock with stunning canyon views makes this area a popular tourist destination. In the winter, you can hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, stargaze, and more all surrounded by these amazing red rock hoodoos. You will see the trailhead sign there. Winter Bryce Canyon weather: Between October and May, temperatures at the park regularly fall below freezing at night, with the coldest and snowiest months between December and February (snowstorms are also not unusual in October). Plan for a snowy visit. The park rules are in place to keep you safe and protect this incredible natural attraction. Sunset is another excellent time, especially if youre into photography. There are a variety of passes available to visit Bryce Canyon. The snow can reflect tons of sunlight, putting you at risk of sunburn and damage to your eyes. Copyright 2023 Destination Daydreamer. The town itself is extremely small and very touristy. For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utahs Zion National Park. However, two days in Bryce Canyon will let you see all the sights and really experience the park. Because of its higher elevation, this canyon experiences much colder temperatures than youd find in Zion and other nearby national parks. The Most Scenic Driving Route to Bryce Canyon: The Zion National Park route would be the most scenic route to Bryce Canyon from Las Vegas. Technically, this is an arch, not a bridge. Road(s) will stay closed until plowing is completed and conditions are safe for visitor . Is the drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon Scary? Both the Rainbow Point and the Yovimpa Point are adjacent to each other with an elevation over 9,000 feet! See red rock hoodoos coated with a dusting of snow against a stunning scenic backdrop on an unforgettable winter visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. This may be the shortest activity on the list, but its a must-do. Next Group. I called the visitor center early in the morning and asked if the tour would be happening. I am Michelle! 1. There are no trails down to the arch, but there is a great viewing area that can be reached via car. The park encourages visitors to carefully plan their trip and leave a trip plan with an emergency contact. Winter is a magical time at Bryce Canyon - it's a great time to visit . Batteries die quickly in frigid temps. Plan for cold and snow, and get ready to explore. Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season. If visiting on a Saturday, you may even be able to participate in a stargazing experiencing with a ranger where they point out constellations with a laser pointer. In fact, you can argue that Bryce Canyon is actually better to visit in the winter. The hoodoos are formed from ice and rainwater breaking down rock through different freeze cycles over thousands of years. She'd rather be dirty than done up. You CAN take WOW photos with any camera. Snow can fall as early as October, however, the most snowfall occurs December-February. Visit in winter when the crowds are 1/10th summer and mother nature paints the signature orange hoodoos with a layer of white snow. The Rim Trail is one of the easiest and flattest in the park, offering views of the Bryce Canyon amphitheater the entire time.It's mostly paved and pet-friendly, but in the winter . Is it worth visiting Bryce Canyon in winter? Walk My World The visitors center can be a great help in cases of emergency. With temperatures below freezing and some areas of Bryce Canyon receiving very little natural light, its almost guaranteed that if you visit Bryce Canyon National Park in winter, youll see snow. If you are lucky enough to visit Bryce in winter and you have more than one day, youll find more additional wintery things to do at the end of the post. This can present as shortness of breath, tiredness, dizziness, headaches, and feeling sick. So you can end your day in the park with a mesmerizing view of the sun setting, and the sky lit up by stars. Besides needing winter tires or wheels fitted with chains, there are a few other things to consider for driving in Bryce Canyon in Winter. If youd prefer to go on your own snowshoe adventure, the best routes for flat terrain are Paria View Road, Fairyland Point Road, and the Rim Trail. The park sees an uptick of crowds for the Christmas and New Years holidays, but its otherwise an amazing time to enjoy the stunning scenery of Bryce Canyon. No Rainbow Bus Tour The best place to see Thors Hammer is from Sunset Point. And this my friends, is what you get when you visit Bryce Canyon National Park in the winter. Bryce Canyon's hoodoos were formed due to a continuous process of freezing and thawing of water so in winter you can expect just that: warmer temperatures during the day (around 35 F) and much colder at night. The trail can be very slippery from snow/ice and there are steep drop-offs. Sunscreen and sunglasses. Use a tool like AirBnB to find a place to stay. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Consider visiting the Bryce Canyon National Park visitors center. It is 250 miles from Bryce to Arches. Skiing, snowboarding or sledding from the canyons rim into the canyon is illegal, very dangerous and can damage the fragile environment. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its enormous limestone spires called hoodoos. Tip: Sunset and Inspiration Points have the nearest parking lots, making them great spots for stargazing and quickly retreating to warmth. Depending on the weather, you may be able to access the roads leading to these viewpoints. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. These include the road to Fairyland Point and the road leading to Paria View. Bryce Canyons winter temperatures have plunged as low as -26 degrees Fahrenheit, and subzero temperatures can occur during any winter month. Bring over-the-shoe traction devices and make sure your vehicle has winter tires to prevent slipping or getting stuck. Use this National Park Service map to familiarize yourself with the park. There is no age requirement for the tour but youll want to think of your kids before reserving a spot. Some of these Ponderosa pine trees have lived a hundred years, making them very precious. PRO TIP: Pets are allowed at these viewpoints as long as they stay on the paved areas. Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon National Park offers stunning views of the Aquarius Plateau and the Sinking Ship. The view from above is amazing, but getting down in the canyon and looking up is a totally different experience. Visiting Bryce Canyon in December - Wildland Trekking It is 70 miles from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon. During snowstorms in the Park, the main road will be closed until the snow is cleared, beginning at mile marker 3. So your best bet is to check the official website to find out which days the hikes are taking place and show up early. Because the Wall Street side of this trail is closed off during winter, you wont be able to hike the entire loop. The best part about visiting Bryce Canyon in winter is timing it right to be able to see the red rocks covered in white snow. However, we weren't quite so lucky as Bryce sits at a much higher elevation than Zion and this made things a lot more difficult. Depending on the year, there could be anywhere between a few inches and a few feet of snow. Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon Road Trip Itinerary There are plenty of basic trails that are interconnected. If youre seeking a luxury stay with all the amenities, the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon is an excellent option. However, in my opinion, Bryce Canyon is the best national park in Utah to visit in the winter. How to Visit Southern Utah in Winter. With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, AllTrails+ helps you make the most of every minute outdoors! That extended area was closed for us, but we were still able to see and experience so much from the road that was open. You can take the Two Bridges Side if you are doing a loop hike with Queens Garden or Peekaboo Trail. Youll just want to make sure your kids are in the mood to snowshoe through sometimes deep snow and possibly be a little cold. Natural Bridge is one of Bryce Canyons arch formations that you can see within the park. Look out for birds like Western Bluebirds, Peregrine Falcon, American Robins, and various hummingbirds. The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. This is great news! The unplowed Paria View and Fairlyand Point roads. This is an excellent option if youd prefer not to be in the driving seat while sightseeing. The best part is, when we stayed in February, we only paid around $75 per night! Snowboarding is also not allowed. Prepare for cold and snow, and be sure to check current conditions as well as the weather forecast before planning your journey. Bryce Canyon is a certified International Dark Sky Park, which means its one of the few places still free of light pollution. At nighttime, you can expect average temperatures around 15F. Itll take you past attractions like Two Bridges and Thors Hammerthe tallest hoodoo in Bryce Canyon National Park, towering 150 feet tall. The drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon is 75 miles taking about 1.5 hours. Exploring Bryce Canyon in December - Our Wander-Filled Life So bundle up and lets discover what makes Bryce Canyon in winter so special! Check out these other posts, I know youll love them: Those are my top things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park in winter. The edges are crumbly rock with slippery slopes and sheer drop-offs below. Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon in Winter - Tips For Family Trips You can also participate in a full-moon snowshoe hike and winter astronomy programs! National Park Pass:If you are an avid hiker like me, its worth getting the year-long America The Beautiful Pass. In winter, the visitor center has reduced hours and is closed on holidays. One of the most scenic vistas youll see of the full amphitheater is from Bryce Point. From Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park by Car. Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season. Snowshoes help you walk across snow without sinking by creating a larger surface area to distribute your weight on. The visitor center usually sells traction devices if you have forgotten yours. The buffet had eggs, bacon, pancakes, and all sorts of yummy things. You can see the Bryce Canyon map located at the top of this post for reference. Bryce Canyon temperatures range around 36F during the day with temperatures being their lowest in December. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a great, inexpensive, and durable stroller/car seat combo. If youre on the hunt for the best national park in Utah, you may want to consider purchasing an America the Beautiful pass instead. In summer, youll see the red hoodoos changing hues as the sun crosses the sky. Ponderosa Canyon earned its name from the Ponderosa pine trees that surround the entire viewpoint. Sunset Point and Inspiration point provide excellent late afternoon views, and Bryce Point is perfect at any time of the day. Additionally, the park recommends traction devices be used on all paved areas, which can also become very slippery in winter. Here are all of the scenic viewpoints you can visit within the park via a car in the winter: These viewpoints are on the section of road that may be closed or temporarily closed due to weather: The drive-time from the entrance to the furthest viewpoint (Yovimpa Point) is only 30 minutes, however, the road past the Bryce Amphitheater may be closed due to snow. A winter visit means fewer people and gorgeous scenery, with opportunities for, , cross-country skiing, and plenty of other. So you can tailor your hike to be as short or long as you want it to be. Weather conditions can quickly switch up, which may mean youll need to postpone your adventures temporarily and retreat to safety and warmth. Otherwise, its $30 per day to enter the park. Plan on drinking at least 2 liters a day per person. Summer Bryce Canyon weather: In contrast, the weather throughout the summer is quite pleasant, with June and September temperatures in the high 60s or low 70s (F), and July and August temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s (F). Pro Tip: The Bryce Canyon snow is only plowed from paved sidewalks at overlooks and the paved section of the Rim Trail between Sunrise and Sunset Point so youll want waterproof footwear and strap-on traction for your feet. 1 night. When this trail functions as a loop in summer, it is 1.3 miles (2.16 km) long. Its a great way to see the hoodoos upclose!! You can find more info here when you scroll towards the bottom of the page. Snowshoeing and hiking in Bryce Canyon is an amazing way to get down into the hoodoos and experience the park. The popular Bryce Winter Festival is held annually in February over Presidents Day Weekend. If youd prefer to camp the North Campground Loop A is available, but be prepared for extremely cold temperatures. The canyon may be small, but its beauty makes for an unforgettable hiking experience. Bring along a USB charger you can use in the car too! Within the park, you can see the Milky Way spread out across the gorgeous starry sky. Our tour took us through the woods and out to Paria Viewpoint. The Bryce scenic drive goes for 18 miles from the park entrance along the rim of the canyon to Rainbow Point, where it dead ends. Check the weather to ensure the skies are clear so you arent disappointed. If you click one of them, I may receivea small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. The hoodoos glow in the morning light and really stand out, creating an amazing photo of Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon National Parks oldest Bristlecone Pine is 1,600 years old! Do you love daydreaming about future travel plans? Typically held over Presidents Day Weekend, the festival includes everything from ski clinics to snowshoe hikes, geology talks, yoga, art classes, archery clinics, dancing, crafts, pottery, photography workshops and so much more. See some of these hotels near Bryce Canyon. The Rim Trail (as the name implies) follows the rim of the main amphitheater. Bryce Canyon maps, a hiking guide, a shuttle map and more can be found on the park website. Read More: Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon National Park | 15 Amazing Lodging & Tips. Be sure to check the dailyBryce Canyon National Park weatherforecast to see if the park is experiencing any weather-related closures. Scenic Drive in the Winter at Bryce Canyon. In fact, you can argue that Bryce Canyon is actually better to visit in the winter. Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? The remaining 15 miles are called the Southern Scenic Drive. However long you decide to spend in Bryce Canyon, youll certainly want to see at least one sunrise and sunset. Devon Dewey, KSL.com There's no doubt that Bryce Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Utah. Your feet would also get pretty wet and cold if that is what you are wearing. Youll also want mid-layers like fleece jackets and sweaters. I am all about positivity, the outdoors, plants, and all things girly. The warm-hued hoodoos amidst the icy winter wonderland are a must-see, so be sure to bring along your best camera gear for hiking. Visiting in Winter - Bryce Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Check out these travel guides to help plan your trip: Thebest time to visit Bryce Canyonis during the off-season, between the months of October and May. Consider driving Southern Scenic Drive to Rainbow Point (may be closed during winter storms). Popular cross country ski routes include: Unfortunately, due to safety reasons and the delicate nature of the rock hoodoos, it is illegal to sled or backcountry ski in Bryce Canyon National Park. A drive from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park is about 265 miles and will take about four hours. View Webcam Bryce Canyon Lodge: If you are looking for lodging options within Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon Lodge is perfect for you. Thors Hammer is 150 feet (45 meters) tall- thats around 15 stories tall! The contrast between the towering red rocks and the white snow makes for incredible photo opportunities. Pets are only allowed on paved areas in the park. So its good practice to check the weather forecast online or call the visitors center ahead of time. If youre out on a Utah National Parks road trip (which is highly recommended), Bryce Canyon is also about 1.5 hours away from Zion National Park. Bryce Canyon sits at a high-elevation so the climate and weather conditions can be extremely variable throughout spring, fall and winter. Bryce Canyon National Park is Open. Its a historic downtown area with shops that may be of interest to visit. Dump stations at the North Campground are also closed for use. You can basically leave the hotel and practically be right at 2 popular viewpoints. It started as a window and has eroded where the opening is nearly 125 feet tall! Sign-ups take place at 8 am on the day of the snowshoe hike and can be done at the visitors center. As youre mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary. Once you get to the park, youll have to pay a $35 access fee per vehicle entering. Be sure to. The park generally experiences colder temperatures from October through to May. Both of these roads can be accessed with snowshoes/hiking or with cross-country skis. 2 nights in the winter. We feel this is one of the best Bryce Canyon sunrise photography spots when the light illuminates the hoodoos. Whether youre glamping or choosing a simpler option, yurt camping in Utah during the wintertime is a fun, unique experience you wont want to miss out on. Natural Bridge Viewpoint 4.4. We took our first child on a two-week road trip when she was four weeks old and we have been traveling as a family ever since. Bryce Canyon National Park - Visit Utah Be sure to pack tons of base layers like thermal shirts and leggings. Inspiration Point is another must-see viewpoint and Bryce Canyon photo spot. The campground has 100 campsites, and itll cost you about $20 per campsite per night. Youll pass the famous Thors hammer (the tallest hoodoo in the park ), Two Bridges (two sandstone arches/bridges that cover the trail), and to the bottom of Wall Street (the parks only slot canyon). Download the app to your phone no cell or wifi service needed. Bryce Canyon National Park in winter can be quite cold, but its worth the rosy cheeks to experience the magic of the canyon dusted in snow. There are a few roads that are closed off during winter. It's one of the most magical experiences to see the gorgeous red, limestone hoodoos covered in snow. Contact the park for more details. If you plan on camping outside, you need more equipment than you would for summer camping. Part of the Rim Trail (between Bryce Point and Inspiration Point) closes during winter. So youll only be able to walk the path between Sunset and Sunrise Points. This will give you access to all the US national parks for a year. These were sufficient (with a little slipping) because of the recent snowfall. The Agua Canyon viewpoint is a fun stop to see two famous structures: "The Hunter" and "The Rabbit". What You Need to Know About Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive 3. Its also fully paved, meaning its wheelchair and stroller accessibleand your favorite pooch can join you in admiring the views of the Bryce Amphitheater. So grab your best hiking boots, and lets get to exploring this impressive canyon. Please follow all park rules and regulations. I think when we hiked in winter, we probably hiked around .5 miles down and .5 miles back (1-mile roundtrip). Bring plenty of water (warm beverages in a thermos help keep you toasty). This arch is carved out of mountain rock and creates a tunnel for the scenic Highway 12 to pass through. But certainly pack warm gloves, a thermos of hot cocoa, and a parka! Winter in the Bryce Canyon Area: Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing and Snowmobiling. Rubys Inn: One of the most common hotels in Bryce Canyon you will hear about is Rubys Inn. Learn how your comment data is processed. Check the website for the most currentfee prices and information. For us travel and photography go hand-in-hand. However, there can be temporary road closures due to heavy snowfall or other significant, inclement weather during the winter. The scenic Southern Drive is also usually closed off for a day or more after a snow storm. Plan for cold and snow, and get ready to explore. Below youll find how to spend the perfect one day in Bryce Canyon. I am the founder of Tips for Family Trips. Want to know more about hiking in the park? You may not initially think of visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in the winter, however, in my opinion, winter is by far the best time to visit.
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