When it comes to jaw-dropping natural beauty, Bryce Canyon National Park takes the cake. Situated in the heart of Utah, this geological wonderland is a must-see for any avid traveler or nature enthusiast. From the moment you step onto the rim and catch your first glimpse of the hoodoos, you’ll be left speechless. The otherworldly formations, sculpted by millennia of wind and water, create a surreal landscape that feels like something out of a dream.

Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwestern Utah, USA. It’s known for its stunning geological formations called hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock that create a unique and captivating landscape. The park covers over 35,000 acres and ranges in elevation from 6,620 to 9,115 feet.

The park offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the colourful amphitheatres and viewpoints. Some popular trails include the Navajo Loop, Queens Garden, and the challenging Fairyland Loop. Sunrise and Sunset Points are popular spots to view the striking play of light and shadows on the hoodoos.

We have been so lucky to visit Bryce Canyon three times but if we count actual times we could drive into the park, only 2. First time was in 2005 and we totally fell in love with Bryce Canyon! It is by far one of the most spectacular places we have seen in the world. In 2010 we came by on motorbikes, and unfortunately snow and very cold conditions made us turn around literally on the doorstep of the park. We spent the night at Rubys Inn, and in the morning it was snowing so heavy that driving into the park and higher elevation was not an option.

This time we visited in mid-May 2023 and we had a fantastic but quite cold time marvelling at the beauty of this spectacular wonder of nature.

Bryce Canyon can roughly be divided into two areas, the Bryce Canyon Amphitheatre with all its lookout points, and the long road from the amphitheatre up to the end of the road at Rainbow Point elevation 9115 feet (2778 metres) above sea level! Take some time to read up on maps of the park, both the large park map and the map of the amphitheatre. Plan you visit at the NPS page for Bryce Canyon.

We visited in low season, the roads all the way to Rainbow Point had just opened that same week. Even though it was low season, parking at some of the most popular spots can get full very fast. Especially around the amphitheatre at the most popular spots like Bryce Point and Inspiration Point. You can bypass the parking, either by walking the spectacular rim trail from Sunset Point where there is ample parking. This is a medium to hard hike, especially with tough elevation gains to Inspiration Point and beyond. The other option is to use the very smart shuttle options that the park operates. Park you car and ride the bus to the most popular outlooks, or you can walk the rim one way and take the bus back. A great option in high season we think!

If you have a car and plan on using it, our advice is like always to start early. All the outlooks and sights are on the east side of the road, so the best way to stop without having to cross oncoming traffic is to drive all the way to Rainbow Point. It is a hefty 18 miles from the park entry point to Rainbow Point and most visitors will ever only see the first 3 miles of the road since this is where the amphitheatre is located along. Wee totally recommend to drive all the way in and take in the stops one by one down the road starting at Rainbow and Yovimpa Point, then make your way and stop along the road at your leisure. We would recommend Natural Bridge and Fairview Point as highlights along the way. And why not go on a horseback ride in the amphitheatre itself?!

Two Bridges/Navajo Loop Trail         

By far the most Instagrammed place in Bryce canyon is this trail, especially the Wall Street section of this trail. You have probably seen it as an empty trail snaking down a narrow gulley between majestic hoodoos. Unfortunately due to our early season visit the Wall Street part was closed due to washouts during the winter but we had a stroke of luck when the Two Bridges part opened just the day before we arrived. We can see how this part of the park has become such an iconic location, it is a hard but totally breathtaking(!) hike down in among the red and orange rocks of Bryce Canyon. If we had a few days more, we would have walked many of the other walks in the amphitheatre for sure! Just to get a short glimpse of what it is like to hike this alien scenery was awesome!

And as an added bonus as night falls, Bryce Canyon transforms into a celestial wonderland. Designated as a Dark Sky Park, the lack of light pollution allows for unrivalled stargazing. The Milky Way stretches across the heavens, revealing a tapestry of stars that is simply awe-inspiring.

Tips for a memorable visit

1. Pack layers: The weather can be unpredictable, especially in higher elevations. Be prepared with layers to accommodate temperature fluctuations. We visited in mid-May, and it was still snow and frosty in the morning.
2. Start Early: Sunrise at Bryce Canyon is a transcendental experience. Beat the crowds and catch the morning light painting the hoodoos in a golden glow. Parking at some of the most spectacular points like Bryce Point is limited, we tried three times and did not get a spot. Consider the park buses for easy access.
3. Stay Overnight: Camping within the park for an immersive experience. Waking up amidst this natural wonderland is an unforgettable memory. We have stayed at Rubys Inn outside the park for all our visits, it is the first original inn at Bryce Canyon village.
4. Respect the Environment: Stay on designated trails and follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this fragile ecosystem.

In conclusion, Bryce Canyon National Park is a testament to the Earth’s artistic prowess. Its unique geological formations, coupled with the serenity of its surroundings, make it a destination that transcends the ordinary. A visit here is not just a trip; it’s a journey into the heart of nature’s grandeur, it is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of the American Southwest.