Bryce Canyon in a Day: A First-Timer’s Complete Guide
If you are short on time and only able to fit in Bryce Canyon in a day, do not worry, we got you covered. In this article we are going to go over the best hikes, views and highlights in the park that you absolutely need to do and can do all in one amazing day!
Quick Overview of Your Day
- Morning: Arrive early + Main hike (Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden)
- Midday: Lunch + Scenic drive + Viewpoints
- Afternoon: More hikes
Must-Do Hike: Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden Combo
Distance: ~3 miles round trip
Time: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Sunrise Point or Sunset Point
This combo is the iconic Bryce Canyon hike and for good reason. You’ll wind through towering hoodoos, walk down the famous Wall Street switchbacks, and pass stunning formations like Thor’s Hammer and Queen Victoria.
Tip: The rangers tell you that you should Start at Sunrise Point for a gradual descent and then end at Sunset Point and brave the switchbacks going up. It’s really up to you but that is what the Ranger told us is the best way to do it, otherwise you’ll be walking gradually up hill for a while towards the end.
This was definitely my favorite hike in the park, the views all around you were incredible. Visiting Bryce Canyon in a day, this needs to be the first hike you do.
You start overseeing the entire amphitheater, then you descend down in the queens garden and walk through the trees, go through canyons and gave upon everything around you.
You then will get towards Sunset point which is a very steep series of switch backs. These are not for the faint of heart, let me tell you, but getting to the top of Sunset Point, the views just get more and more incredible and you will be happy with yourself that you accomplished this.
Inspiration Point to Bryce Point
Distance: ~ 1.8 mile round trip
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy, but a bit steep in spots
Trailhead: Start at the Lower Inspiration Point parking area
If you’re looking for a short and fairly easy walk, the trail from Lower Inspiration Point to Bryce Point is a must. This paved path climbs gently along the rim, giving you constantly changing views of the Bryce Amphitheater, one of the most stunning vistas in the park.
At Upper Inspiration Point, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping, elevated view of thousands of hoodoos, the Silent City formation, and parts of the Navajo Loop far below.
At Bryce Point you will oversee most of the park, amphitheater as well as the mountains in the back drop. One of the most stunning views in the park.
If you don’t wish to walk the trail, both of these view points are accessible by car and then parking in the lot and walking up to the view point, but it’s more fun to hike right?
Tip: This is a great alternative if you don’t want to do a longer hike or need a scenic breather between other stops. Also ideal for sunset!
Don’t-Miss Viewpoints
After your hike, drive along Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive to hit a few jaw-dropping viewpoints. These require almost no walking:
- Bryce Point – Best panoramic view of the hoodoos
- Inspiration Point – Layered, colorful vistas (great for photos)
- Sunset Point – Gorgeous lighting in late afternoon, called Sunset Point for good reason.
- Rainbow Point / Yovimpa Point (if time allows) – The highest viewpoint in the park. this is located at the very end of the park, about a 45 minute drive from the visitor center, if you have the time, definitely check it out, but keep id mind it is a long drive there and then back.
Where to Eat
- Pack a lunch if you want to maximize your time on the trail.
- Or stop at Bryce Canyon Lodge for a sit-down meal (open seasonally).
- For quick bites, try Valhalla Pizza or Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. just outside the park.
- Also located in Bryce Canyon city is Ruby’s Inn Cowboy’s Buffet & Steak Room. Quick and buffet style meals.
Take a Tour!
- Take a Tour! – If you’re staying in Vegas and are limited on time, check out this Bryce Canyon to Zion tour from Las Vegas! Transportation included!
- Looking for just a day tour of the hot spots of Bryce? Check out that tour here
- For a next level experience try a helicopter tour over Bryce Canyon
- And you can also try a hiking tour if you want help from a guide!
Other Helpful Tips!
- Start Early – Parking lots fill up quick as expected!
- Pack lots of water and sunscreen – You’re up at elevation, the sun is doing more damage than it may seen, be prepared
- Use the free shuttle – The park offers a free shuttle, if you didn’t get there in time to get a parking spot, no problem, you can hop on and off the shuttle within the park.
- If you plan on spending the whole day here, you might as well stay for a beautiful sunset at either sunset point or Inspiration point, the golden glow off the hoodoos is a view you won’t get anywhere else.
- For a complete guide on how to visit ALL 6 of Utah’s amazing National Parks, check out our guide on that
- Arches Guide, check that out here
- Canyonlands guide, check that out here
Bryce Canyon in a Day
Overall, Bryce Canyon is not a super large park, you can see the majority of it and hit the main highlights in about a half day. That is what we did and then we drove to Zion later that night.
However what you will do and see in Bryce Canyon is incredible, the amphitheater is beautiful, the Navajo trail is one of the best trails I hiked in Utah and just the view of the park and the mountains in the background are incredible.
You definitely don’t need more than one day here, hopefully with this short guide you will be able to see all that Bryce Canyon has to offer!