Bryce Canyon National Park is named for one of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. Erosion has shaped colorful Claron limestones, sandstones and mudstones into thousands of spires, fins, pinnacles and mazes. Collectively called "hoodoos," these unique formations are whimsically arranged and tinted with colors too numerous and subtle to name.

Ponderosa pines, high elevation meadows and fir-spruce forests border the rim of the plateau, while panoramic views of three states spread beyond the park's boundaries. This area boasts some of the nation's best air quality. This, coupled with the lack of nearby large light sources, creates unparalleled opportunities for star gazing.

Welcome To Bryce Canyon's ParkNet web page. Scroll down through the information below or jump directly to one of the following sections:

Section One

LOCATION
Bryce Canyon is located in southcentral Utah, approximately 85 miles northeast of Zion National Park.

ADDRESS
Bryce Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 170001
Bryce Canyon, Utah 84717-0001

TELEPHONE
(435) 834-5322

FAX
(435) 834-4102

EMAIL

For information on...

• basic trip planning (additional information not available from this web page): contact brca_reception_area@nps.gov
  
  
• ranger-guided activities, publications, exhibits: contact brca_interpretation@nps.gov
  
  
• education programs, student information requests and packets: contact brca_education_specialist@nps.gov
  
  
• resource management, wildland and prescribed fire: contact brca_resource@nps.gov
  
  
• management policies and issues: contact brca_superintendent@nps.gov
  
  
• hiring and other personnel issues: contact brca_personnel@nps.gov
  
  
• group camping reservations, law enforcement, search and rescue, structural fire: contact brca_ranger_activities@nps.gov
  
  
• special park uses, including special use permits (weddings, etc.), commercial filming permits, incidental permits: contact brca_concessions@nps.gov

Section Two

CLIMATE/RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
Visitors can enjoy Bryce Canyon during any season. Summer days are pleasant and nights are cool at 8,000-9,000 feet. July is the warmest month, with an average daytime high temperature of 83 degrees and a nighttime low of 47 degrees. Much of the area's precipitation comes as afternoon thundershowers during mid to late summer. Spring and fall weather is highly variable.

Cold winter days are offset by high altitude sun and dry climate. Winter nights are sub-freezing. During some winters, Alaskan cold fronts descend on the Colorado Plateau region bringing temperatures as low as 30 degrees below zero. Although March is the snowiest month, the area can have snowstorms from October through April. Annual snowfall averages 95 inches, providing opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The high altitude sun can burn in any season--hats and sunscreen are recommended all year. Layered clothing is good preparation for the plateau's temperature extremes and frequent strong winds. Boots with good tread and ankle support are strongly recommended for hikes into the canyons.

DIRECTIONS
From north or south on U.S. 89, turn east on Utah 12 (seven miles south of Panguitch, Utah) and travel to the junction of Utah 12 and 63. Turn south (right) on Utah 63 and travel three miles to reach the park entrance. (Utah 12 continues east through the northern portion of the park.)

From the east, travel west on Utah 12 to the intersection of Utah 63. Turn south (left) to reach the park entrance.

TRANSPORTATION
To Park: Regular commercial flights serve Cedar City (87 miles), St George (150 miles) and Salt Lake City (270 miles), Utah, as well as Las Vegas, Nevada (270 miles).

Bryce Canyon Airport (4 miles), operated by Garfield County, has commercial flights from Las Vegas. Phone 435/834-5239 for current carriers and schedules. Private planes are welcome at this uncontrolled airport: Altitude: 7,586 feet; Runway Length: 7,400 feet; Runway Width: 75 feet. A shuttle service is available from the airport to local motels and recreational opportunities.

Sightseeing bus tours are available from St. George, Cedar City and Kanab, Utah.

In Park: Private vehicle rentals and bus tours originate outside the park. In spring and summer, concession-operated horseback tours are offered in the park. Biking is permitted on paved roads only; there are no bike lanes. Bikes are not allowed on park trails (see section on adjacent attractions).

COMING SOON! Bryce Canyon Shuttle System: A new shuttle system will enable visitors to enjoy the park and its natural and cultural beauty without the hassles of traffic. It will also relieve some pressing natural resource protection concerns. It will reduce the expenditure of tax dollars toward road maintenance and may provide for better backcountry access. Following are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the shuttle:

• Is a shuttle really needed? During the summer, much of the magic of Bryce Canyon is lost when visitors spend time waiting in lines to enter parking lots, circling parking lots looking for empty spaces, or fighting traffic in congested areas. There is one parking space for every four cars entering the park. Other alternatives considered, such as enlarging parking areas or limiting the number of visitors in the park, have their own negative consequences.
• When will the shuttle operate? Although the operating period hasn't been finalized, the shuttle is expected to operate daily from approximately late May through late September or early October from 7:00 a.m. until dark.
• How much will the shuttle cost? Congress has mandated that all new transportation systems must be self-supporting. In order to provide a shuttle service without using tax dollars, a private contractor will be responsible for providing buses and facilities at a staging area outside of the park. A fee of $5.00 per vehicle will be charged. Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access passports will cover entrance fees, but will not waive the shuttle fee.
• Is the shuttle mandatory? No, the shuttle is not mandatory, but all visitors will participate in supporting it. If visitors want to bring their private vehicle into the park, they will have to pay a $5.00 fee in addition to the entrance and shuttle fees.
• What if I want to camp, or have lodging arrangements within the park? You will have to pay the additional fee in order to drive your vehicle to the Lodge or campground, and you will have the option of using the shuttle throughout your stay in the park.
• If I take the shuttle, will I be able to see the entire park? The shuttle will primarily serve the main amphitheater. Operations to Rainbow Point will depend upon contract costs and may be only once a day.
• How often will the shuttle make stops at the various viewpoints? Once every fifteen minutes.
• Can I use the shuttle to access backcountry trailheads? If the contract allows trips to Rainbow Point, the shuttle will be a way for backpackers to access the backcountry. It would be on a "first come, first served" basis, so seating may be limited.
• Will commercial tour bus companies be required to use the shuttle? No, bus tours are already contributing to the congestion solution. However, tour bus passengers may use the shuttle if desired.

1999 FEES

Entrance:

• Passenger cars are charged $10 per 7-day visit, or $20 per year, valid only at Bryce Canyon National Park.
  
• Non-commercial tours (e.g., scouts, church groups, school groups on recreational outings) as well as foot and bicycle travelers are charged $5 per person age 17 and older.
  
• Commercial tours are charged according to seating capacity as follows: $25 plus $5 per passenger for 1-6 seats; $50 for 7-15 seats; $60 for 16-25 seats; and $150 for 26 or more seats.
  
• Golden Eagle ($50 annual fee) and Golden Age ($10 one time fee) Passports are available at the park Entrance Station and are honored for occupants of non-commercial vehicles. Golden Access Passports are issued at the park visitor center.

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Section Three

• 8 am - 4:30 pm (Mountain Standard Time) January 1 - April 3
• 8 am - 4:30 pm (Mountain Daylight Time) April 4-10
• 8 am - 6:00 pm (Mountain Daylight Time) April 11 - May 22
• 8 am - 8:00 pm (Mountain Daylight Time) May 23 - September 25
• 8 am - 6:00 pm (Mountain Daylight Time) September 26 - October 23
• 8 am - 4:30 pm (Mountain Standard Time) October 24 - December 31

ROADS
The 18-mile main park road winds along the edge of the plateau, terminating at the south end of the park. Return to the entrance via the same road. Spur roads and pullouts offer opportunities for viewing and trailhead parking. Park speed limits range from 25 to 35 mph and are strictly enforced.

In summer, parking at most viewpoints is extremely congested. Your best chance of finding a parking space at Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, Bryce, and Paria Viewpoints is before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.

Because all of Bryce Canyon's viewpoints are east of the main park road, we recommend that you drive the 18-mile road to the southern end of the park, start with Rainbow Point, then stop at the remaining viewpoints on your way back to the park entrance. This will help you to avoid making left turns in front of on-coming traffic.

Special Concerns: Due to steep grades and limited parking, trailers are not allowed beyond Sunset Campground. Campers should leave trailers at their campsite. Day visitors should leave trailers at their overnight campground, at Ruby’s Inn free shuttle parking area just outside the park, at the park visitor center or at the trailer turn-around south of Sunset Campground.

No vehicles over 25 feet in length are allowed at Paria View where the parking area is too small for large vehicles to turn around.

Marked bus parking spaces are available at all parking lots which can accommodate buses. Bus engines should be turned off while parked. Motorhomes and trailers are not permitted in spaces designated for buses.

TRAILS
The park has over 50 miles of hiking trails with a range of distances and elevation change. Assess your ability and know your limits. Use caution if unaccustomed to the high altitude.

Day Hikes: The easiest trail is the 1/2-mile (one way) section of Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points. Other sections of the Rim Trail (which extends 5.5 miles between Fairyland and Bryce Points) have steeper terrain. The Fairyland Loop (8 miles round trip), Peekaboo Loop (4.8 or 5.5 miles round trip), Queen's Garden (1.7 miles round trip) and Navajo Loop (1.5 miles round trip) trails wind down through the rock formations along steep grades. The Peekaboo Loop Trail also serves as a horse trail.

Backcountry: The Under-the-Rim Trail extends 23 miles from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point and has eight backcountry campsites. The Riggs Spring Loop Trail (8.8 miles round trip) from Rainbow Point has four backcountry sites. Both trails drop below the rim of the plateau and lead through forested areas. A permit is required for overnight backcountry camping and is available at the park Visitor Center. A $5 donation is requested for backcountry use.

PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES
Park rangers and volunteers conduct interpretive activities, including hikes, walks, geology talks and evening slide programs from late spring through early fall. Check at the park visitor center or Bryce Canyon Lodge for daily schedules.

Junior Ranger Program: The Junior Ranger Program offers children ages 12 and under the opportunity to learn more about the park. Although the program is designed as an independent learning experience in an effort to accommodate individual family schedules, one important requirement is that the kids attend a ranger-guided activity. Recommended minimum time needed for completion of the program is approximately one full day. When kids fulfill their requirements, they can bring their completed booklets to the park visitor center and receive a Junior Ranger certificate. In addition, a special patch is available for $1.

Volunteers in Parks (VIPs): Each year at Bryce Canyon, volunteers donate more than 10,000 hours of service--over 10% of the park's workforce. VIPs help staff information desks, serve as campground hosts, patrol trails, build fences, work with computers, conduct wildlife surveys, take photographs, and more.

Currently the park is seeking volunteer applications for a winter/spring Museum Tech position. Call 435/834-4412 or visit the Volunteers In Parks Job Opportunities page of the NPS ParkNet website www.nps.gov/volunteer/jobs for a position description and on-line application.

To learn about other volunteer opportunities at Bryce Canyon, ask for an information packet at the visitor center or write to: Superintendent, Bryce Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 170001, Bryce Canyon, UT 84717-0001.

LODGING
Amfac Parks and Resorts, Inc. operates the Bryce Canyon Lodge, with 114 rooms including lodge suites, motel rooms and cabins. The season begins April 1 and runs through October 31. Make lodging reservations on-line at www.amfac.com. Or you can write to: Amfac Parks and Resorts, Inc., 14001 East Iliff Ave., Suite 600, Aurora, CO 80014, or call 303/297-2757 or fax 303/237-3175 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time.

Additional lodging is available throughout the area. Reservations are recommended.

CAMPING
The park has two campgrounds, North and Sunset, with 218 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $10 per site per night. There is a limit of 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles per site. There are no hook-ups. Sites fill by early afternoon during the summer months. Loop A of North Campground has a heated restroom and remains open through the winter.

Group Camping: One group site is available in Sunset Campground by reservation only from approximately May 15 through October 10 (depending on weather).

• Maximum size limit of 30 people and eight vehicles. Minimum of seven people.
• Fee charged is the greater of either $30 per night or $3 per night per person 6 years and older. Fee is payable upon arrival.
• Site is assigned by lottery held on February 1 of each year. Only one application per party will be included in the drawing. All non-competitive requests will be granted. All requests received after February 1 will be granted on a first-received, first-served basis.
• Reservations are accepted by mail, phone, or FAX.

FOOD/SUPPLIES
Amfac Parks and Resorts, Inc. operates a dining room in the Bryce Canyon Lodge, as well as a general store at Sunrise Point. Groceries, souvenirs, camping supplies, quick meals, restrooms, coin-operated showers and laundry facilities are available at the store from April through October.

Private stores in the immediate area are open all year for food, supplies and other services.

OTHER CONCESSIONS
In spring, summer and fall, wranglers lead horseback rides into Bryce Amphitheater along a dedicated horse trail as well as on the Peekaboo Loop Trail. Write to Canyon Trail Rides, P.O. Box 128, Tropic, UT 84776, or call 435/679-8665 or 435/834-5500 for information and reservations.

Amfac Parks and Resorts, Inc. also operates a gift shop in the lodge.

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Section Four

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES (not inclusive)
Wildlife feeding, disturbing wildlife in any way, collecting of any historical or natural objects (including gathering wood or picking wildflowers), off-trail use, hunting, snowmobiling, bicycling on park trails, pets on trails or unleashed.

ACCESSIBILITY
Most park facilities were constructed between 1930 and 1960. Some have been upgraded for accessibility, while others could be used with assistance.

Because of the park's natural terrain, only a half-mile section of Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points is wheelchair accessible. The one-mile Bristlecone Loop Trail at Rainbow Point has a hard surface and could be used with assistance, but several grades do not meet standards.

Parking is marked at all overlooks and public facilities. Accessible campsites are available in Sunset Campground.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS
Reservations are recommended for Bryce Canyon Lodge. Park campsites are first-come, first-served, except for the group site which is by reservation only.

A $5 permit is required for overnight backcountry camping. Permits must be obtained in person and are issued at the park visitor center from 8:00 a.m. until two hours before sunset. No reservations are accepted.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS
Plan to spend from one to several days depending on your personal interests. Because of the wide variety of recreational opportunities on nearby private, state and other federal lands, you can easily plan an extended vacation in this area.

With a short time to spend in the park:

• Stop at the Visitor Center for information, exhibits, and a ten-minute slide program. Publications and maps are available for purchase.
• Drive to Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce viewpoints.
• Hike a canyon trail or stroll along the rim. Check at the Visitor Center for current trail conditions.
• Lunch at one of the designated picnic areas.

• Drive to Rainbow Point (18 miles one way) and stop at the 13 viewpoints on your return trip. Check at the Visitor Center for current road conditions and closures.
• Attend a ranger-guided activity (available during summer months).
• Snowshoe or cross-country ski a designated trail on the plateau top. Rental equipment is available outside the park.

VISITOR IMPACTS
Most visitors tour the main amphitheater between Sunrise and Bryce Viewpoints. Congestion in these areas creates problems with off-trail use and destruction of vegetation. Use only designated trails and exercise patience and care in all heavily congested areas to protect park resources.

Feeding wildlife endangers the animals (as well as visitors). In addition to destroying an animal's natural wariness and foraging instincts, feeding contributes to poor nutrition. In some areas, animals have had to be killed because of contact with humans. Autopsies have revealed that deer will eat food wrappers which block their digestive systems leading to starvation.

Respect all wildlife. Do not feed them or disturb their natural activities.

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Section Five

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Visitors may book reservations in the Bryce Canyon area by calling 800/GO BRYCE (800/462-7923).

For additional area information contact:

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