Hoping to spend one day in Bryce Canyon National Park and don’t know what to do? We can help!
If you’re traveling through southern Utah, Bryce Canyon is an absolute must-see!
We spent two days and nights in Bryce on our 7-day southern Utah road trip and it felt like the perfect amount of time. However, not everyone has two days, and you can certainly see much of the park in one day!
HIKE QUEEN’S GARDEN + NAVAJO LOOP TRAIL
Views of the canyon from up above are gorgeous, there’s no denying it. However, to fully experience Bryce, YOU MUST hike down into the canyon.
Wondering through the hoodoos as the sunlight dances through all the nooks and crannies is something we’ll never forget.
We suggest starting at Sunrise Point and taking the Queen’s Garden Trail. The path is steep, but the least steep of all trails leading into the canyon.
Follow the Queen’s Garden Trail until you reach the Navajo Loop. Take the Navajo Loop towards Wall Street (not Thor’s Hammer). Wind your way through a towering slot canyon until you reach Sunset Point.
Hike Length: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
TOUR THE VISITOR’S CENTER
There’s no better way to learn about the canyon than hearing about its history and speaking to the people who care for it day in and day out.
Head to the Visitor’s Center to watch an informative video about the park, talk to rangers, check out the interactive displays, and pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for the younger members of your crew.
VISIT INSPIRATION POINT AND BRYCE POINT
Riding around the park on the shuttle is a great way to see the canyon without the hassle. Take a shuttle tour of Bryce Canyon and get off at all the vista points! Two sights that you don’t want to miss are Inspiration Point and Bryce Point.
Inspiration Point offers jaw-dropping views of the unique rock formations. If you’re feeling up to it, take the short, but steep, hike up to mid and upper Inspiration Point.
EXPLORE OLD TOWN BRYCE
Small and quaint, albeit touristy, most families will enjoy a stroll through Old Town Bryce. Pick up souvenirs, take silly pictures, and grab something to eat. This area is small enough that if you blink, you might miss it!
If you ride the shuttle into town, don’t forget to bring along your park entry ticket so you can re-enter the park…without paying twice.
GO ON A WILDLIFE SIGHTING ADVENTURE
As dusk approaches, Bryce Canyon’s finest residents make an appearance. While wildlife isn’t nearly as diverse as Yellowstone, adventurers of all ages will enjoy spotting wild turkeys, mule deer, prairie dogs, chipmunks, and a variety of feathered friends.
We spotted the most creatures as we drove our car a few miles down the road, past Bryce Point toward Swamp Canyon and Whiteman Bench.
STROLL ALONG THE RIM TRAIL
Before the sun sets, hike the Rim Trail between Sunrise and Sunset Point. If you have extra time, hike from Inspiration Point to Sunrise Point.
This trail is mostly flat and hugs the edge of the canyon.
Trail Length: 1-mile roundtrip (Sunrise to Sunset)
Difficulty: Easy
Enjoy the beauty of Bryce Canyon
While Bryce Canyon National Park may be one of the smaller national parks, it should definitely be on everyone’s list. There’s nothing quite like it in all the world!
Planning to stay longer than one day and have kids? Check out 9 Things to Do in Bryce Canyon With Kids!
