One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park
If you only have one day in Bryce Canyon National Park you can still see the highlights with this itinerary! In fact, on my most recent trip to Bryce Canyon this itinerary is exactly what I did.
Bryce Canyon is one of the smallest National Parks, so it’s very possible to see most of it, even if you only have one day.
My goal for this guide is to help you maximize your time, while being efficient and avoiding crowds, and to share what to do in Bryce Canyon in one day without missing any of the best spots.
In this article:
- Itinerary for one day in Bryce Canyon National Park
- How to maximize your time
- Must-do hikes and scenic stops
- Map: What to do in Bryce Canyon in one day
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Bryce Canyon National Park Overview
✈️ How To Get There: Fly into Salt Lake City or Las Vegas (both are 4 hours)
🏜️ Bryce Canyon Must-See: Sunrise Point, Queens Garden Trail, & Southern Scenic Drive
🎟️ Best Excursions: Self-guided driving tour, e-bike rentals or a horseback ride
💵 Entrance Fee: $35 (good for 7 days) or free with an America The Beautiful Pass
🛌 Where To Stay: The Lodge At Bryce Canyon (in the park), Ruby’s Inn or a vacation rental in Tropic
TIP: I recommend booking your rental car with Discover Cars. As one of the largest rental car companies, they negotiate the best rates to save you money. They also let you cancel for free up to 48 hours before your pickup, so you can grab a good rate now without stressing if your plans change.
What To Do In Bryce Canyon In One Day
Even though I only had one day in Bryce Canyon National Park on my recent trip I was still able to see all the best spots!
The benefit to being a smaller park (9th smallest in the country!) is that it’s very manageable to see all of the highlights with one day in Bryce Canyon National Park.
While you’re there, you’ll want to get in some hiking, drive the scenic road, and stop along the beautiful viewpoints. I’ll cover all of that (and more) in this itinerary!
TIP: If you only have one day in Bryce Canyon, the most convenient place to stay is in the park at Bryce Canyon Lodge. This drastically decreases time spent driving and finding parking. Reservations open 13 months in advance and go quickly.
Map: One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park
First things first, let’s get the lay of the land. The key to planning an itinerary for one day in Bryce Canyon National Park is to optimize your time. This way you’re not wasting precious time driving back and forth, fighting large crowds, or looking for parking.
Bryce Canyon only has one entrance and one primary road through the park. This makes it pretty hard to get lost!
Use this map to plan your one day in Bryce Canyon National Park itinerary! I’ve labeled items by activity type (noted by icon).
How To Use This Map:
1. To open in a new tab, click [] in the top right corner of the map.
2. To save to your Google Maps account, click ☆ (you must be signed in to Google).
3. To use during your trip, open Google Maps on your phone, select “You” from the bottom bar, scroll down and click the maps icon for a list of your saved custom maps.
Catch Sunrise At Sunrise Point
Get to the park early. Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24-hours a day, like most National Parks, so you can arrive as early as you’d like.
Sunrise in Bryce Canyon is between 5:30 and 7:30 AM, depending on the time of year.
The best place to watch sunrise at Bryce Canyon is from Sunrise Point (a little on the nose, eh?).
From here you look East, over the Bryce Amphitheater to see the glorious sun rising over the hoodoos.
Trust me, this is one of those travel moments you won’t quickly forget, and the best way to kickoff one day in Bryce Canyon!
TIP: Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to beat the crowds and find a quiet spot. The best colors happen just before the sun pops over the horizon.
Hike The Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail
Navajo Loop & Queens Garden Trail Guide
Distance: 3.1 miles
Time To Hike: 1.5 hours
Next, walk half a mile along the Rim Trail to reach Sunset Point — the starting point for Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail.
These are technically two separate out-and-back trails, but most people combine them to form a loop which takes you back to Sunrise Point. The combined loop is 3.1 miles with 649 feet of elevation gain.
This was my favorite hike in Bryce Canyon and I highly recommend it if you only have time for one hike.
With limited time during one day in Bryce Canyon National Park, this is the hike you should not miss!
TIP: I recommend hiking the loop counterclockwise. The Navajo Loop side has some steep switchbacks, so it’s easier to hike down those, and then ascend back to the rim on the Queens Garden trail which has a mild incline.
This is a great hike for right after sunrise because the crowds will still be minimal and the rising sun casts beautiful golden colors across the canyon.
You’ll also avoid the heat of the day, which isn’t ideal for hiking into the canyon as it’s warmer under the rim and there are no water refill stations.
Along the hike you’ll see Thor’s Hammer, Two Bridges and Queen Victoria, a hoodoo formation named because it resembles the real Queen.
Be sure to pack lots of water! Bryce Canyon is a high-desert, the elevation and dry air will dehydrate you quickly.
Even early in the morning, hiking in Bryce Canyon can be very dehydrating. I recommend 1-2 liters of water for this hike.
TIP: Having a water reservoir is an easy way to carry lots of water while hiking. The straw clips to your shoulder strap so it’s easy to sip and stay hydrated without constantly having to stop and unpack a water bottle.
NOTE: There is a water refill station at Sunset Point just before you descend into the canyon, but there is no water anywhere along the trail inside the canyon.
Not sure what hiking gear you need for Bryce Canyon?
Check out my hiking gear for beginners guide
Walk Rim Trail From Inspiration Point To Bryce Point
By now it’s mid-morning and the crowds are starting to pick up so it’s the perfect time to drive to Inspiration Point and Bryce Point and take in the views.
The first stop you’ll come to is Inspiration Point, which looks out over Bryce Amphitheater.
Inspiration Point also sits along Rim Trail, an 11 mile trail that follows the edge of the canyon. You can complete Rim Trail in smaller sections or hike the entire trail.
I recommend you park at Inspiration Point and walk along the Rim Trail to Bryce Point (1.3 miles one way). From Bryce Point, pick up the free shuttle back to Inspiration Point.
TIP: The shuttle runs in a one-way loop. Catch it from Bryce Point and take it to the next stop, Inspiration Point. If you reverse this, and pick up the shuttle at Inspiration Point, you’ll have to ride the whole loop. You’ll save tons of time if you park at Inspiration Point and not Bryce Point.
Easy Hike Along Bristlecone Loop Trail
Bristlecone Loop Trail Guide
Distance: 1.1 miles
Time To Hike: 30 minutes
From Inspiration Point, get back in your car and drive the Southern Scenic Drive to Rainbow Point. This drive takes about 30 minutes without stops.
You’ll pass by several scenic pull outs, but they’ll all be on the opposite side of the road so I recommend visiting them on the return trip when it’s easier to pull in and out without crossing traffic.
At Rainbow Point there is ample parking along with an epic view. The parking lot may be full, but it turns over quickly as most people are just spending a few minutes to check out the views before moving on.
I had to circle the parking lot 2 or 3 times for a spot to open up, but was able to find a space large enough to park my 22 foot camper van in less than 5 minutes.
From this location you can see Yovimpa Point as well as Rainbow Point, which are connected by a short trail.
I recommend hiking Bristlecone Loop Trail. It’s an easy 1-mile hike through an ancient pine forest that is fairly flat (88 feet of elevation gain) and has stunning views from the edge of the plateau.
The trail is named for the Bristlecone Pines that exist in this area of Bryce Canyon. They’re fairly small, due to the environment, but surprisingly they’re incredibly old! Some of them are estimated to be more than 1,800 years old.
Picnic Lunch at Rainbow Point
Rainbow Point is a great place for a picnic lunch. There are bathrooms and picnic tables available, but no water-fill stations.
With only one day in Bryce Canyon National Park I suggest packing a picnic lunch so you can maximize your time. There are limited restaurant options in the park, and no food vendors along Southern Scenic Drive.
TIP: Grab-and-go options are available at the General Store, located near Sunrise Point. I recommend stopping in after completing Navajo Loop & Queens Garden Trail before you head to Rainbow Point.
Rainbow Point is the highest elevation in Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s over 9,000 feet above sea level!
This means it is usually colder in this part of Bryce Canyon.
When I visited Bryce Canyon in mid-October it was cold enough here for me to need a jacket. I was so chilly! This area is fairly exposed, too, so it can be windy.
For warmer weather, I recommend the REI Sahara Shade Hoodie. I have several of these and live in them during the summer. It’s made with UPF 50 fabric, so it protects you from sunburn, but fits loosely so it’s not too hot.
For colder weather, I love my Patagonia Nano Puff. It’s very compact, so it fits nicely in my day hiking backpack without being bulky, yet it’s extremely warm (I’ve worn this in sub-freezing temperatures comfortably.)
Southern Scenic Drive Viewpoints
After lunch, head back towards the visitors center along Southern Scenic Drive – this is the same route you came in on, and the only road through Bryce Canyon.
On the way back to the entrance make sure to stop at the scenic pull offs along the route. I would plan an hour and a half for this; 30 minutes to drive and another hour to spend exploring the viewpoints.
TIP: Download this self-guided driving tour before your trip! It’s just like having a tour guide to point out landmarks, interesting history, geological explanations, etc — except for a fraction of the cost (less than $20), on your own schedule and without any crowds.
Once you download it to your phone, the guide uses your GPS signal to automatically play the guide whenever you’re near a landmark, so it still works even without cell service. You can listen from your own vehicle or while riding the shuttle.
The viewpoints along Southern Scenic Drive (in the order you’ll approach them) is:
- Black Birch Canyon
- Ponderosa Canyon
- Agua Canyon ✨a must-see✨
- Natural Bridge ✨a must-see✨
- Farview Point & Piracy Point
- Swamp Canyon
If you don’t have time to stop at every viewpoint on the list with just one day in Bryce Canyon National Park I would prioritize Agua Canyon and Natural Bridge – they’re the best!
Explore The Lodge, Visitor Center & General Store
Before leaving the park be sure to stop at The Lodge, General Store and Visitor Center.
I love stopping into the Visitor Center and getting my National Parks Passport stamped. I’ve had mine since I was 12 so it’s full of stamps now, and a fun way to remember the trips I’ve been on!
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is also fun to explore. It was opened in 1925 and has suites and cabins available. Even if you aren’t stay here, you can walk around the buildings and grounds!
The restaurant in the lodge serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open to the public. There is also a gift shop located in the lodge.
If you’re hungry, you can pick up grab-and-go meals from the General Store, or get a slice of pizza at Valhalla Pizzeria.
NOTE: These restaurants are closed during the winter.
Fun Park History
Interestingly, railroad companies frequently had a lot to do with financing construction of lodges and cabins in National Parks like Bryce Canyon and Glacier National Park.
They saw an opportunity to encourage rail travel out West by creating tourist destinations. But, in order to facilitate tourists arriving by rail they would need to build lodging, first.
This is why The Lodge at Bryce Canyon was built. Utah Parks Company, a subsidiary of the Union Pacific Railroad company was chartered with constructing accommodations for travelers. It’s a cool, historic site to see during one day in Bryce Canyon!
Hike To Mossy Cave Trail & Waterfall
Mossy Cave Trail Guide
Distance: 0.9 mile
Time To Hike: 30 minutes
Wrap up your day in Bryce Canyon National Park with a hike to Mossy Cave. This is technically on park property, but you have to exit in order to reach the trailhead.
Mossy Cave Trail is an easy 0.9 mile hike in Bryce Canyon and takes you to a waterfall!
NOTE: The waterfall can dry up during the dry summer months.
This trail is a lot different than the other hikes in Bryce Canyon. It’s relatively flat and offers quite a few water views compared to the desert vibes the other hikes feature.
During the summer, there’s lots of moss in Mossy Cave (go figure!), and during winter in Bryce Canyon you can find icicles hanging from the rock!
I think this hike is one of the best hidden gems in Bryce Canyon National Park!
Dinner In Bryce Canyon City
For dinner, head into Bryce Canyon City (just beyond the park entrance.) There are several restaurant options in town:
📍Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant – local American restaurant with vegan options
📍Cowboy Ranch House – western-themed steakhouse, serving craft beer
📍Ebenezer’s Bar & Grill – dinner with a show
Stargazing At Bryce Canyon
Be sure to make time for stargazing at Bryce Canyon National Park! The park is designated as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky park and has some of the clearest, darkest skies in the United States.
TIP: If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon during a new moon (when the sky is the darkest) you can often see the Milky Way!
The best way to enjoy the night sky is with a guide. This Late Night Stargazing is ideal because it actually starts late enough that the sky is truly dark.
Guides will point out constellations and planets, as well as mythological stories that accompany them. And hot chocolate is provided!
If you’d prefer to be in bed before midnight, this UTV tour with a campfire and s’mores is a lot of fun! After a sunset UTV ride, you’ll get to enjoy a campfire and stargazing.
Alternative Things To Do In Bryce Canyon
There is so much to do in Bryce Canyon National Park. If you’re not interested in hiking, or you’d prefer to skip the Southern Scenic Drive, then I recommend replacing those with one of these activities:
Bryce Canyon E-Bike Tour
There is a large network of paved bike paths along the amphitheater in Bryce Canyon. They’re fairly flat, which makes getting around by bike quite easy.
You can join an e-bike tour with a guide who will point out interesting features and points of interest.
Or, you can go at your own pace with traditional bike rentals available near the Bryce Canyon Lodge. Rentals are available from 7 AM – 9 PM and cost between $25 – $100.
Horseback Rides In Bryce Canyon
Another really fun and unique way to experience Bryce Canyon is on horseback!
This activity is good for all experience levels, even beginners. Your guide will pair you with a horse that suits your skills, and show you points of interest while also providing interesting stories about Native history and wild west outlaws.
Where To Stay With Just One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park
To maximize your time in the park, the most convenient place to stay is The Bryce Canyon Lodge, which is the only hotel located in the park.
Staying at the lodge gives you easy, walkable access to most of the park, avoiding full parking lots and long shuttle lines.
I recommend booking a year in advance, if possible, as it’s a very popular spot and the rooms sell out quickly.
Campgrounds are available in Bryce Canyon for $30 per night. North Campground is open year-round and Sunset Campground is open during the summer only.
There are several additional lodging options nearby in Bryce Canyon City, just outside of the parks entrance:
- Ruby’s Inn – lower mid-range
- Bryce View Lodge – mid-range
- Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel – luxury
- Quality Inn – budget (but slightly farther away)
There are also plenty of vacation rentals near Bryce Canyon.
How To Get To Bryce Canyon National Park
The closest airports to Bryce Canyon are Salt Lake City (SLC) and Las Vegas (LAS). Both are just 4 hours from the park.
I think Las Vegas is the best airport for Bryce Canyon, and typically has cheaper airfare and car rentals than Salt Lake City.
Additionally, there are so many options for road trips from Las Vegas that it’s easy to customize your itinerary based on your interests and time.
The best way to visit Bryce Canyon is with your own vehicle. Because the shuttle does not run to Rainbow Point you’ll only be able to explore Southern Scenic Drive with your own car.
This is also a great trip for a campervan rental. I’ve found Utah to be one of the easiest places to RV, especially because there’s an abundance of public land you can camp on for free!
There are also several great guided tours to Bryce Canyon, if you’d prefer not to drive yourself and to leave the planning up to someone else.
- 3 Hour Bryce Canyon Tour
- 1 Day Bryce Canyon Tour From Las Vegas (includes Zion)
- 3 Day Bryce Canyon Tour From Las Vegas (includes Zion, Grand Canyon & Monument Valley)
- 7 Day Bryce Canyon Tour From Las Vegas (includes Zion, Arches, Canyonlands & Grand Canyon)
Shuttle Service At Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon offers a free shuttle service to get around the park, but there are a few important things you need to know before you go.
- Shuttles season is from early April – mid October.
- Services runs from 8 AM – 6 PM. Hours extend to 8 PM from May – September.
- No service along Southern Scenic Route
- Complete Bryce Canyon shuttle guide here.
Final Thoughts On Spending One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park
Even with just one day in Bryce Canyon National Park it’s still very possible to see the best parts of the park.
I highly recommend making time to see the viewpoints along the amphitheater rim (Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Point and Inspiration Point), hiking into the canyon (Navajo Loop & Queens Garden is the best hike), and driving the Southern Scenic Drive (make sure to stop at the scenic viewpoints, including Natural Bridge and Aqua Canyon).
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More Planning Resources For Your Utah Trip
Keep planning your Utah Road Trip with these additional guides:
- Zion To Bryce Canyon National Park Road Trip (+ Map)
- One Day In Zion National Park Itinerary
- One Day In Arches National Park Itinerary
- Bryce vs Zion: Which Is Better & Why?
Visiting more than one National Park? You can save money with the America The Beautiful Park Pass!
This annual pass costs $80 and gets you into all 63 US National Parks and over 2,000 other recreation areas for free. It basically pays for itself after your second park visit.
Travel Planning Resources
These are the resources I use and recommend for planning your next trip:
Accommodations: Expedia (hotels), VRBO (vacation rentals)
Flights: Skyscanner
Rental Cars: DiscoverCars and Outdoorsy
Tours & Excursions: Viator and GetYourGuide
Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
Credit Card With Travel Points: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Hola, tengo reservas en los campamentos de Bryce y Zion para este año 2025 y he estado buscando información en internet y tu pagina ha sido la mas completa que he encontrado. Muchas gracias, me han servido mucho tus consejos. Saludos desde México!
Hi Jorge! I’m so glad you found this article helpful – thanks for sharing! I hope you have a fantastic time on your trip!
Claire, we are LOVING your suggestions of Bryce Canyon! Just finished Mossy Cave, headed to watch the sun rise in the morning.
Enjoying it immensely.
Thank you! Comments like yours make my day! <3 Mossy Cave is one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon - so glad you enjoyed it!
Claire , thank you so much for your tidbits . We were in Bryce Canyon today and took your advice on counterclockwise On the Navajo trail loop and it was the best advice.. It was great thanks so much!!
Thanks for taking the time to share! Notes like this really make my day 🙂 I’m so glad you found my Bryce Canyon blog post helpful and hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation in Bryce!