Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is a beautiful and unique place to visit with its tall hoodoos and stunning vistas regardless of the seasons. However, in winter, the already breathtaking landscapes transform into something even more magical. Bryce Canyon National Park in the winter is something straight out of the storybook, a winter wonderland. There is nothing like the interesting reddish hoodoos covered in sparkling snow. The pure white snow is in stark contrast against the red hoodoos, which makes their colors become even more vivid. There is also something peaceful about the flurrying of snow, fluttering upon the pine trees and the striking landscape. Also, most of the time, you’ll have the whole place to yourself. So if you’re seeking beauty and serenity, Bryce Canyon National Park in the winter is the place!
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Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon NP in the Winter
Although Bryce Canyon National Park is especially gorgeous in the winter, it does require some planning ahead of time to make sure your adventure is safe and enjoyable.
Visiting Tips
- In the winter, there are two roads that are closed to vehicles: the road leading to the Fairyland Point parking lot and the one leading to Paria View. They are, however, available for hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers.
- Check road conditions and weather forecast before going – The main road through Bryce Canyon usually is closed temporarily at mile marker 3 (right after the turn for Bryce Point) following snowstorms. The closure typically lasts for a day or more, depending on the weather. So if you’re planning to drive all the way to Rainbow Point, it might not be possible.
- Always come prepared – At this high elevation, the weather can be unpredictable, especially with winter storms. Always come prepared such as bringing enough warm clothes and snow chains. It can be very cold here, with a record low in Jan and Feb at -26.
- There are serious chances of you getting frostbite and/or hypothermia. With the low temperature and wind chill, there are serious chances for you to get frostbite or hypothermia if you don’t dress properly or be careful. To dress properly means dressing in loose-fitting layers, wearing waterproof outwear, and keeping your face and ears protected, especially it’s windy out.
- Bring traction devices such as crampons or micro-spikes, along with your snowshoes when visiting. It can get very slippery throughout the park, especially in the parking lots and other paved areas.
How Long Should I Stay?
So how long should you stay when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in the winter? Well, a lot of it will depend on the weather, what you want to do, and your comfort level. However, we feel like 2 days would be sufficient. This will give you enough time to experience the beauty of this winter wonderland, yet not too long in case the weather turns bad, which shut down a lot of adventure options.
What Should I Bring?
Your packing list for the winter in Bryce Canyon National Park is very important. It can get below freezing here. Also, the wind chill is also a big issue. If you don’t dress properly, you can get frostbite or hypothermia.
- Traction device: If you’re visiting in the winter, the trails and even the parking lot or any paved area can be icy. Therefore, we recommend bringing micro-spikes or crampons for added traction. You don’t need anything fancy. Just the simple one like this one would work. If you’re planning to hike trails that are not too popular or right after a snowstorm, you might need snowshoes. If you forget to bring yours or don’t have one, you can either purchase the micro-spikes at the Visitor Center or rent them at the Ruby’s Inn Winter Adventure Center. The Adventure Center also rents snowshoes.
- Warm Clothing and Accessories – Make sure your outerwear such as jacket, pants, shoes, and gloves are waterproof. This way, you won’t get wet after getting into the snow and ended up with frostbite or hypothermia. Vy actually uses this jacket from R.E.I and she loves it. Also, layering is your friend. Wear multiple layers instead of one big sweater. This way, you can adjust according to the temperature. We love our Smartwool baselayer. For pants, this is Vy’s version, and this is Dustin’s version. For the top, here’s Vy’s, and here’s Dustin’s. We also recommend wearing wool baselayers and socks instead of cotton. And last but not least, neck gaiter and beanie, something to keep your face and ears covered.
- Snow Chain: The weather can get very predictable up here, make sure to bring chains for your car so you don’t get stuck
- Other Accessories: Items such as sunscreen and sunglasses are important. Even in the winter, the sun can be especially blinding. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30, and tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter. Also, bring enough food and water. Everything either closes early or closes down for the season here.
Things to Do in the Winter at Bryce Canyon National Park
Even though many areas are closed during the winter in Bryce Canyon National Park, there are still a lot of things that you can do here.
Scenic Drive to Rainbow Point
If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon National Park when the main Southern Scenic Drive is open, it is a beautiful drive that takes you to multiple viewpoints, overlooking the beautiful canyon below. One of these viewpoints is the famous Natural Bridge. It is about 40 minute drive. Please note that this scenic road (after mile 3) temporarily closes after snowstorms. Make sure to check the Alerts and Conditions page for road statuses. Even if this main road is closed, you still can get to Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point. Just these 4 stops are definitely worth your visit.
Hiking
When visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, you’ll have to do at least one hike. It is nice to see the amphitheater from the rim, however, it is so much more beautiful once you get down in the middle of these beautiful hoodoos. If you’re short on time, the one hike you must do is the Navajo to Queens Garden Loop. It is not too long or too challenging, yet the juice is worth the squeeze. If this hike is too much for you, we recommend doing the Mossy Cave. Better yet, do both!
If the weather permits, and you are capable, we recommend taking on the Peek-a-boo loop and the Fairyland loop. These two trails are much longer and more difficult. Also, since they are not well-traveled, sometimes, there are no trails to follow. Please make sure to know what you get yourself into because tackling these two hikes. For hiking in the winter, we recommend wearing either snowshoes or micro-spikes. If the snow is deep and fluffy, you’ll need snowshoes. On hard-packed trails, micro-spikes work way better. If you need to rent snowshoes or micro-spikes, check out the Ruby’s Inn Winter Adventure Center, right outside the park entrance.
Snowshoeing
If you’re interested in snowshoeing, there are trails all throughout the park and outside the park as well. Inside the park, you are allowed to use snowshoes on all trails. The most popular snowshoeing trails are along the Rim Trail, Bristlecone Loop, the road to Fairyland Point, and Paria Road. If you don’t have your own snowshoes, you can either rent them or join a free Ranger Program. The Ranger Program is good if you’re new to snowshoeing, but it’s also available for all levels of experience.
Cross-Country Skiing
Bryce Canyon is the perfect place to do some cross-country skiing, even if you have never done it before. There are over 18 miles of groomed trails available. There are also tons of ungroomed trails as well. These trails are free to use if you have your own equipment. If you don’t, the Ruby’s Inn Winter Adventure Center, right outside the park entrance, offers very reasonable cross-country skiing rentals. And guess what, you don’t even need to know how! It is super easy to pick up. We did this on our last trip. It was super fun. Please note that it is illegal to ski off of the rim into the canyon.
Stargazing
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its dark sky. It is a perfect place to see the Milky Way. In the winter, stargazing can be spectacular. That being said, it can be a bit of a challenge because the temperature can be VERY cold. Therefore, Sunset Point and Inspiration Points are the best options for stargazing because of the nearby parking lots.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While you’re at it, go follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our Youtube channel! We’ll love you forever!
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots
Good hiking shoes with good traction are best. Dustin’s shoes are Targhee III Waterproof
There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should bring plenty of water on your hikes. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
- Depending on where you’re staying, make sure to pack groceries and other essentials ahead of time.
- Lunch and snacks are recommended for longer hikes. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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