

Due to it's desert location and climate, temperatures vary greatly from day to night, and even during the summer nighttime temperatures can drop as much as 30 degrees. Winter brings frigid temperatures such as 34 degrees, while summer can be as warm as 78 degrees. What is the climate like in Bryce Canyon?Ī. During winter, snow blankets the area and those accustomed to cold weather activities delight in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Hiking, air tours, horseback riding, and sightseeing are among the most popular activities during the summer season. There are many different activities that visitors can partake in when vacationing at Bryce Canyon National Park. What kinds of activities are popular at Bryce Canyon?Ī. It was created by the erosion of rock and soil to form thousands of odd spire-like formations called "Hoodoos." These hoodoos are formed in many different horseshoe shapes that resemble amphitheaters, creating the illusion of a large canyon. Contrary to it's name, Bryce Canyon National Park is not actually a canyon at all. Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southern Utah, in between Cedar Breaks National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park. Though its location is more remote than the two neighboring National Parks, Bryce Canyon National Park lodging offers a number of places for visitors to stay.įor a view unlike any other in the world, Bryce Canyon National Park is well worth visiting.Ī. Visitors are also able to explore the park during the winter by participating in snowshoe hikes. Along with this, Bryce Canyon can be viewed along its scenic drive or on one of its eight hiking trails. Similar to its companion park Arches, Bryce Canyon National Park provides great opportunities for astronomy and studying the night skies.

Every now and then an elk or pronghorn might even wander into the park. The park has three separate life zones based on elevation and supports a wide variety of animal life including bobcats, cougars, foxes, and black bears. This gives the park a beautiful landscape in the winter as reds, greens, and the white of snow mix together for a matchless landscape.įounded as a National Park in 1928, Bryce Canyon National Park covers over 35,000 acres and is home to more than 400 native plant species. Higher in elevation than Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon sits between 8,000 to 9,000 feet up. Like the red rocks of Arches and Moab, Bryce Canyon is known for its iconic red hoodoos - giant geological structures that were created by frost weathering and water erosion. Here, the Markagunt Plateau drops off some 2,500 feet into a massive amphitheater of crimson cliffs and fairy-esque rock formations.Given its misnomer, Bryce Canyon National Park is actually a collection of natural amphitheaters in southwestern Utah. Just over an hour west of Bryce, Cedar Breaks National Monument offers yet another under-hyped hoodoo experience. A great way to experience this area is via a hike, guided mountain bike tour, or horseback ride on Thunder Mountain Trail (eight miles), which travels past stunning spires rivaling those of Bryce Amphitheater. Less than 20 miles from Bryce along Highway 12, you can hike, romp around on an ATV, or mountain bike in Red Canyon. While most tourists tend to stay within Bryce’s park limits, the hoodoos don’t. Cowboy’s Smokehouse Cafe is another local favorite known for mesquite-grilled meats, alongside homemade soups and desserts.
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Then make dinner reservations at Stone Hearth Grille (located inside Stone Canyon Inn), where you can enjoy beautiful, locally sourced New American dishes by the namesake fireplace, or on the patio amid red rock views.įrom the steep, sublime Zion Canyon to the imagination-igniting hoodoos of Bryce, here's how to uncover the best of all five Utah national parks.Ī bit further away in Panguitch, the Flying Goat Café is a solid breakfast or lunch spot with a breakfast burrito and hearty sandwiches you can pack for a hike. Grab an award-winning plate of meats and sides at i.d.k.

Outside the park, skip the corporate cuisine of Bryce Canyon City to seek better fare in Tropic. With a large stone fireplace and soaring barn-like ceilings, the dining room’s rustic charm matches the progressive steakhouse menu, which includes everything from elk chili and ribeyes to a vegan bowl with Beyond Meat. Within the park, the only place to dine is the restaurant inside the Lodge at Bryce Canyon (serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, April to October). If you’re visiting in the off season, most restaurants temporarily close or reduce hours November through February, so check before you go. That said, there are good restaurants-even a couple great ones-for fueling Bryce adventures. Remember: you’re here for the hoodoos, not the haute cuisine. Barbecue's carb-heavy menu is a hit with families who have spent a day on the trails.
