One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Amphitheater

SUMMARY:

1. Rim Trail
2. Queen's/Navajo Loop
3. Scenic Drive with Viewpoints
4. Bristlecone Loop

SPECIAL THINGS YOU'LL NEED:

1. Packed lunch
2. Water

ITINERARY:

The hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park are truly majestic, especially with the shadows of sunrise or sunset. Regardless of when you arrive, park at Sunset Point and access the Rim Trail from there. Parking will be difficult in the summer months, so arrive early or park at the Visitor Center and take the park shuttle to each of these stops. From Sunset Point, walk east along the Rim Trail to Sunrise Point, and start the Queen's/Navajo Loop from there if you are short on time. If you have more time, walk further on the Rim Trail and admire the views from the ledge before turning back to Sunrise Point.

Queen's Garden Trail

Inside Bryce Amphitheater

Begin the Queen's/Navajo Loop with the Queen's Garden Trail, which leaves from Sunrise Point. Most of the Queen's Garden Trail is paved as it descends into Bryce Amphitheater. It's amazing how much larger the hoodoos appear up close, and the trail weaves through them nicely. Eventually, you will reach the Queen Victoria hoodoo. From here, take the Navajo Loop back up. I recommend the Wall Street side of Navajo Loop, which is only open during the summer. Wall Street winds through exceptionally tall hoodoo walls that feel like a slot canyon - very unique. The trail will lead you back to Sunset Point where you began in the morning. Take advantage of the picnic tables here and eat your packed lunch.

Inside Wall Street

Spend your afternoon driving along the main park road and stopping at each of the viewpoints. This drive is often referred to as the "Scenic Drive", but it's really the viewpoints that give it this name (most of the road itself has nothing but trees on both sides). Start with Inspiration Point, and then drive down to Bryce Point and Paria View. From there, backtrack to the main park road and drive west, stopping at each viewpoint (Swamp Canyon, Piracy Point, Farview Point, Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, Ponderosa Canyon, Black Birch Canyon, Yovimpa Point, and finally Rainbow Point). Natural Bridge is a beautiful arch overlooking the valley, so be sure to hit that one.

Natural Bridge

Rainbow Point boasts some of the highest elevation in the park. You can barely see Bryce Amphitheater from Rainbow Point, but the view of the valley is breathtaking. Take some time at the end of your day to hike the Bristlecone Loop, which is a short, easy loop around the rim accessible from Rainbow Point. Bristlecone Loop also contains many peaceful spots to sit on a log-made bench and admire the vistas.

Bristlecone Loop

Time of year visited: July

Got more ideas or suggestions? Throw them in the comments below!