How to Spend One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

Only have one day in Bryce Canyon? Don’t worry—you can still soak in some of the park’s best views, hike among its famous hoodoos, and experience that magical Bryce sunrise (yes, it’s worth the early morning wake-up call!).

After three incredible days in Zion National Park, my boyfriend, Tim, and I made our way to Bryce Canyon, the next stop on our 10-day Southwest U.S. road trip—and even with just one full day here, it totally blew us away.

With its high elevation, cooler temps, and one-of-a-kind rock formations, Bryce felt completely different from any of the other Utah national parks we visited.

In this guide, I’m sharing exactly how we spent one day in Bryce Canyon National Park—plus tips to help you make the most of your own visit, whether you’re road-tripping through Utah’s Mighty 5 (like we did!) or just popping in for a quick adventure.

Here’s how we made the most of our short visit and captured some of the best that Bryce has to offer—even on a tight schedule.

One-Day Bryce Canyon Itinerary

Bryce Canyon might be small compared to the other Utah national parks, but it delivers big on unforgettable views and incredible hikes, even if you only have one day to explore here.

Sitting at the highest elevation of Utah’s Mighty 5, Bryce Canyon is home to the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos—those tall, twisted rock spires that look straight out of a fantasy novel.

Some hoodoos are just a few feet tall, while others tower like ten-story buildings. Walking among them feels like exploring a stone jungle, and watching them glow at sunrise is pure magic.

Here’s exactly how we spent one day in Bryce Canyon National Park, starting before dawn, hiking through hoodoo-studded amphitheaters, and ending with a scenic drive to our next stop:

• Drive to the park before sunrise and park at Sunrise Point
• Hike to Sunset Point in the dark (about 15–20 minutes—bring a flashlight or use your phone)
• Watch the sunrise at Sunset Point—it’s worth the early morning wake-up call
• Hike the Figure-8 Combination Trail (from Sunset Point back to Sunrise Point)—this took up most of our day and was 100% worth it
• Have a picnic lunch at your car or The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
• Drive to Capitol Reef National Park (~2 hours) while it’s still light out

Of course, you can always tweak this Bryce itinerary to match your own vibe and pace.

Now, let’s dig into the details, including exactly what we did, what to expect, and tips to help you make the most of your own one-day Bryce adventure!

Sunrise to Sunset Point

• Distance: 1 mile out-and-back
• Time to complete: 1 hour
• Elevation gain: 40 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Sunset Point

We started our day just before dawn, parking at Sunrise Point and walking the short half-mile to Sunset Point in the dark. Yes, it sounds backwards, but trust me, watching the sunrise here is the move!

While most people head to Sunrise Point for, well, sunrise, Sunset Point actually offers the best glow, as the rising sun lights up the hoodoos across the canyon.

The route from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point is part of the 11-mile Rim Trail, but it’s an easy, paved section—just about 1 mile round-trip with minimal elevation gain—making it one of the easiest and most accessible hikes in the Bryce Canyon.

And, you’ll get gorgeous views with barely any effort along the way!

Keep your eyes out for Thor’s Hammer, one of the park’s most iconic formations, as well as The Silent City, a maze of densely packed hoodoos that resemble a city skyline.

As the light shifts, these rock spires come alive in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, sunrise and sunset are pure magic in Bryce Canyon—and this short walk is the perfect way to experience it.

A Broad Recommendation: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to witness the magic of Bryce Canyon. Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, and Sunset Point are all great spots to watch a sunrise or sunset. We read that Sunset Point is the best for sunrise, since most people will be heading to Sunrise Point and vice versa for sunset.

Figure-8 Combination Loop

• Distance: 6.4 miles
• Time to complete: 4–5 hours
• Elevation gain: 1,575 feet (mostly in the Peekaboo section)
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Sunrise Point or Sunset Point (we started at Sunset)

After sunrise, we tackled the Figure‑8 Combination Loop, which blends three of Bryce Canyon’s best trails into one unforgettable adventure: the Navajo Loop, Peekaboo Loop, and Queen’s Garden Trail.

We started at Sunset Point, descending into the amphitheater on the Navajo Loop, passing by impressive hoodoo formations like Thor’s Hammer and the Two Bridges up close.

Next, we continued onto the Peekaboo Loop, where the trail led us through the heart of Bryce Canyon, past the sweeping Wall of Windows overlook and through a forest of hoodoo pinnacles.

From the Peekaboo Loop, we joined the Queen’s Garden Trail, gradually ascending past the iconic Queen Victoria hoodoo and closing the loop at Sunrise Point, where we began our day (and parked).

This loop truly captures the best of Bryce Canyon with panoramic amphitheater views, intimate hoodoo close-ups, and scenic ridgelines draped in vibrant red and orange stone. 

A Broad Recommendation: This route took us more than 4 hours, as we hiked across sun-exposed ridgelines at higher elevations and down through shady amphitheaters. Pack at least 3 liters of water per person, electrolytes, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of layers for changing temps throughout the day. Even after hiking the strenuous Angels Landing in Zion National Park the day before, we still found this hike to be doable and incredibly rewarding.

Here’s a closer look at the three segments we tackled as part of the Figure‑8 Combination Loop—each with its own highlights and challenges—plus a few alternate loop options to consider if you’re looking for something shorter or less strenuous.

Navajo Loop

• Distance: 1.3 miles round-trip
• Time to complete: 1-2 hours
• Elevation gain: 515 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Sunset Point

We hiked the Figure-8 Combination Loop in a counterclockwise direction, starting at Sunset Point and descending into the canyon via the Navajo Loop.

This iconic 1.3-mile round-trip route is one of Bryce Canyon’s most popular hikes for a reason.

Its steep switchbacks wind between towering Douglas fir trees and dramatic, limestone walls and lead you past the park’s most famous hoodoo, Thor’s Hammer, as well as the Two Bridges rock formations.

Normally, you can choose between the Wall Street or Two Bridges side of the loop. But since we visited in October, the Wall Street section was closed for the season, so we hiked around 0.6 miles on the Two Bridges side before continuing onto the Peekaboo Loop.

While this trail is often paired with Queen’s Garden to create a shorter loop back to Sunrise Point, we used it as our jumping-off point for a much longer, scenic trek through the heart of the park.

A Broad Recommendation: The descent here is fairly steep, so trekking poles can be helpful if your knees need some extra love.

Peekaboo Loop

• Distance: 5.5 miles round-trip (clockwise direction recommended)
• Time to complete: 3-4 hours
• Elevation gain: 1,500+ feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Bryce Point (we connected from the Navajo Trail)

After hiking a portion of the Navajo Loop, we connected to the Peekaboo Loop (near Two Bridges)—a deeper, more adventurous trail that winds through the heart of Bryce Canyon.

The payoff? Views of the famous Wall of Windows and dramatic hoodoo amphitheaters.

The Peekaboo Loop is about 5.5 miles round-trip with more than 1,500 feet of elevation gain, and it’s packed with wow-worthy moments, including winding canyon paths and up-close views of towering hoodoos.

Plan for 3–4 hours here, especially if you’re stopping often for photos or catching your breath (some parts are pretty steep!).

Keep in mind that it’s recommended you hike this trail in a clockwise direction. Horses and mules also use this route in warmer months, so be ready to yield!

A Broad Recommendation: This stretch felt remote and peaceful compared to the more popular trails closer to the rim—we hardly saw anyone on this section of the trail. It’s a bit of a workout, but it was one of the highlights of our day!

This loop is usually accessed from Bryce Point (when not connecting from another trail), but the Bryce Point Peekaboo Loop Connecting Trail was closed during our October visit. Luckily, the connection from the Navajo Trail made it easy to experience this scenic section without missing a beat.

This trail may also be inaccessible during winter months due to deep snow, so be sure to check trail conditions before you go.

Queen’s Garden Trail

• Distance: 1.8 miles round-trip
• Time to complete: 1-2 hours
• Elevation gain: 450 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Sunrise Point (we connected from the Peakaboo Loop)

After finishing the Peekaboo Loop, we wrapped up our Figure‑8 hike on the Queen’s Garden Trail, which brought us back to where we started—Sunrise Point.

This is the easiest trail that descends from the rim into the Bryce Amphitheater, making it a great option for beginners or for easing into the elevation gain at the end of a longer loop.

It’s 1.8 miles round-trip with about 450 feet of elevation change and connects beautifully to both the Navajo Loop and the Rim Trail.

One of the highlights is a short spur trail leading to the infamous Queen Victoria hoodoo, which is said to resemble the monarch herself (you might have to use your imagination a bit!).

If you’re hiking it as part of a combo loop (like we did), it’s the perfect way to finish—with slightly more forgiving terrain, open views, and the feeling of walking through the hoodoos instead of just above them.

Plan for about 1–2 hours, depending on your pace and how many photos you stop to take (and trust me—you’ll want to stop a lot!).

Queen’s/Navajo Combination Loop

• Distance: 2.9 miles round-trip
• Time to complete: 2-3 hours
• Elevation gain: 625 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Sunrise Point or Sunset Point

If hiking the Figure-8 Combination Trail seems too daunting, the Queen’s/Navajo Combination Loop is the most popular hike in Bryce Canyon and another great option for your one day here.

The loop is about 2.9 miles with more than 600 feet of elevation change and typically takes between 2 to 3 hours to complete.

You can start at Sunrise Point and descend via the Queen’s Garden Trail. Then, you’ll ascend through the Navajo Loop back up to Sunset Point, finishing with a short walk along the Rim Trail back to Sunrise Point. Along the way, you’ll have incredible views into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater below.

We did this loop in reverse as part of the larger Figure‑8 Combination Trail—starting from Sunset Point via the Navajo Loop and finishing on the Queen’s Garden at Sunrise Point.

Whichever direction you choose, it’s a fantastic way to experience Bryce’s best features in a manageable, well-marked loop. Note: you’ll need to use the Two Bridges side of the Navajo Loop in the winter when Wall Street is closed (this was the case for us in October as well.) 

A Broad Recommendation: This trail gets extremely crowded in the warmer months. I highly recommend arriving early and catching the sunrise before your hike to enjoy cooler temps and avoid the parking hustle at Sunset Point.

Navajo/Peekaboo Combination Loop

• Distance: 4.9 miles
• Time to complete: 3–4 hours
• Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Sunset Point

If you’re looking for another slightly shorter alternative to the Figure-8 Combination route that still delivers big views, the Navajo/Peekaboo Combinations Loop is a great option.

This route creates a smaller figure‑8 loop that avoids the full length of the Peekaboo Loop Trail but still delivers most of the dramatic views.

It’s about 4.9 miles-long, involves roughly 1,200 feet of elevation gain, and takes around 3–4 hours to complete.

Start on the Navajo Loop at Sunset Point, descend into the amphitheater, then follow the Peekaboo Loop clockwise, through hoodoo-filled valleys and over ridgelines before looping back to your starting point.

A Broad Recommendation: Get here early (and watch the sunrise like we did!), especially if you’re visiting in the summer. In season, this loop can get very crowded, and some folks end up circling the Sunset Point parking lot all day looking for a space. 

Bonus: Bryce Viewpoints

Bryce Canyon’s main road, Southern Scenic Drive, runs north to south through the park, offering views of the Bryce Amphitheater along the first 3 miles.

The four most popular overlooks, Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point, are along this short stretch. These overlooks also serve as trailheads for some of the most popular hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Other viewpoints, like Rainbow Point, Natural Bridge, and Yovimpa Point, are located further down Southern Scenic Drive. The road is 18 miles long, and it’s best to drive all the way to the end, then stop at the viewpoints on your way back.

Note: we didn’t get to do this during our visit, since we wanted to make our way to Capitol Reef National Park earlier in the day after a late night of driving the previous evening. So, we’ll have to see these next time!

Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef

After our wonderful day in Bryce Canyon National Park, we made our way to Capitol Reef National Park, the next stop on our Southwest U.S. road trip.

On the way, we explored the Escalante area, specifically Lower Calf Creek Falls, by taking UT-12 E.

Note: there’s another route along UT-24 E, which will take you to Capitol Reef, but you won’t go through Escalante.

A Broad Recommendation: Due to the lack of cell service throughout this area, you’ll want to make sure to download Google offline maps and to pack extra water, snacks, and warm clothes in case of an emergency.

Where is Bryce Canyon?

Located in southwest Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park sits on the high Grand Staircase plateau near the town of Tropic.

It’s roughly 2 hours from both Zion National Park and Capitol Reef National Park, making it a convenient stop on your Utah Mighty 5 road trip.

How to Get to Bryce Canyon

Our one day in Bryce Canyon was part of a larger Southwest U.S. road trip, starting in Las Vegas.

From here, we made the 3-hour drive to Zion, where we spent three days, then made the 2-hour drive to Bryce Canyon.

The drive from Zion to Bryce is stunning. You’ll take Scenic Highway UT‑9, pass through the historic Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel, then hop onto UT‑12 E, with scenic stops like Checkerboard Mesa, an otherworldly sandstone formation with checkerboard-like cracks, along the way.

A Broad Recommendation: The closest airport to Bryce Canyon is Cedar City Regional, but Salt Lake City International is also a solid option. The drive from either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City is about 4 hours—just keep in mind that crossing from Las Vegas into Utah means losing an hour to the time zone change.

Bryce Canyon Cost

At the time of our visit, the entrance fee for Bryce Canyon National Park was $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, but fees vary by vehicle type and pass duration. Refer to the National Park Service website for current rates.

A Broad Recommendation: If you plan to visit other national parks like Yosemite, Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches, or Canyonlands within the next year, consider investing in the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. It’s $80/year and gives you access to more than 2,000 federal lands and parks—a great deal if you’re road-tripping the Utah Mighty 5 or beyond.

Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon

Most people visit Bryce Canyon between March and early October, so we decided to visit in late October to avoid the crowds. In our opinion, this is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon, followed by early spring.

Temperatures can reach 100 degrees or higher in the summer, spring and fall boast warm days and cool nights, and temperatures fall below freezing in the winter. Winter also poses the chance for potential snowstorms.

The weather was perfect during our visit. Temperatures dropped to the 20s at night and rose to mid-60s during the day. With all the hiking we did, I can’t even imagine visiting in the summer with all that heat!

Tim and I started our day wearing winter jackets, scarves, hats and gloves, and I ended up in a tank top by the end of the day.

What to Pack for Bryce Canyon

Even if you’re only spending one day in the park, Bryce Canyon’s high elevation means chilly mornings, potential snow in shoulder seasons, and big temperature swings between sunrise and afternoon.

Here’s a quick list of what to wear and must-bring items for your daypack.

Clothing & Layers

• Insulated jacket or fleece (it was in the 20s at sunrise during our October visit!)
• Base layers (long sleeve + leggings if hiking early)
• Hat, touchscreen gloves, and scarf (you’ll be glad you brought them for sunrise)
• Sunglasses + sun hat (the sun is strong even when it’s cold)
• Moisture-wicking socks and sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots

Daypack Essentials

• 3+ liters of water (altitude can dehydrate you fast)
• High-energy snacks or a packed lunch (there’s not much food in the park)
• Sunscreen + lip balm with SPF (you can still get sunburned in the cold!)
• Trail map or AllTrails app (service is limited—download before entering the park)
• Headlamp or flashlight if you’re hiking pre-dawn
• Portable charger (you’ll take more photos than you think)

Bonus Extras

• Camera or phone with waterproof case
• Selfie stick tripod to take photos on less crowded trails
• Small towel or blanket if you want to picnic in the park
• RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler for storing food in your car during the day and on those longer drives between parks!

👉 Get my complete Hiking Packing List for All Seasons for everything I bring on my hikes!

Tips for Your One Day in Bryce Canyon

Here are a few more tips to make your time in Bryce Canyon safe, comfortable, and more memorable.

1. Dress in layers

October temps in Bryce can swing drastically—think chilly 20-30s in the morning and sunny 60-70s by afternoon. Start with a base layer, add a fleece or puffer, and stash a windbreaker or rain jacket in your daypack. Trust me, you’ll be shedding and adding layers all day.

2. Check trail conditions

Some routes may be closed due to snow, ice, or trail maintenance. Always check the NPS site for current conditions before heading out.

3. Get an early start

Crowds are lighter in October, but sunrise is still the best time to see Bryce light up in those glowing orange and pink hues—and it helps you snag parking at popular spots like Sunrise Point or Sunset Point.

4. Bring plenty of water and snacks

Even in cooler weather, hiking at this altitude is no joke. You’re above 8,000 feet here, and dehydration can sneak up fast. Pack a refillable water bottle or bladder, use electrolytes, and snack often to keep your energy up.

5. Don’t underestimate the elevation

Hiking at Bryce’s high altitude can feel harder than you expect. Take your time, rest when you need to, and listen to your body—especially on climbs like Peekaboo or when descending into the amphitheater.

6. Mind the daylight hours

Days are getting shorter in October. Be sure to start longer hikes early enough to avoid getting caught out after dark (unless you’re geared up with a headlamp).

7. Pack a headlamp or flashlight

If you’re watching sunrise (or end up staying late), bring a flashlight. The trail between Sunrise and Sunset Point is paved but very dark before dawn.

8. Be wildlife aware

Mule deer are common in the park, especially early or late in the day. Keep your distance, and remember not to feed them.

9. Use the shuttle if you’re visiting in high season

The Bryce Canyon shuttle doesn’t run in late October, but if you’re visiting during summer or early fall, it’s a great way to avoid parking headaches and see more of the park stress-free.

10. Don’t skip the viewpoints

Even if you’re short on time, take a scenic drive along Bryce Canyon’s 18-mile road and stop at viewpoints for incredible views of the hoodoos from above.

A Broad Recommendation: If you have extra time, consider hiking more of the Rim Trail—it follows the edge of Bryce Amphitheater and offers sweeping, panoramic views of hoodoo-filled valleys. We walked the paved Sunrise-to-Sunset stretch but would’ve loved to explore more had we stayed longer.

Hotels Near Bryce Canyon

We stayed at Red Ledges Inn, just 15 minutes outside the park. Though we basically only slept here, our room was clean and comfy with a king bed, TV, fridge, and microwave.

This is a budget-friendly option (less than $60/night booked through hotels.com).

Check-in begins after 4:00 pm local time, but we arrived late in the evening, so they left our keys outside the office door. Your stay also includes a continental breakfast from April through October and free coffee year-round, but we left too early the next morning to take advantage of either of these.

A Broad Recommendation: Booking via Hotels.com will earn you OneKeyCash that can be used on future bookings through Expedia, Hotels.com, or Vrbo. And, I pair my hotel bookings with Rakuten to get cash back—because who doesn’t love saving on travel? 😉

The best option inside the park is The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, right on the rim. Bryce Canyon also has two campgrounds, one of which operates in the winter.

Where to Eat in Bryce Canyon

We saved time (and money) by packing sandwiches and snacking out of our trunk after our full day of hiking, but if you’d rather eat inside the park, here are your best options.

• The Lodge at Bryce Canyon: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (seasonally April to October). Great for a sit-down meal surrounded by views.
• Bryce Canyon General Store (near Sunrise Point): Offers grab-and-go options like sandwiches, soup, and pizza—plus restrooms and showers. Note: this is usually closed January through March.
• Bryce Canyon City: Just outside the park entrance, you’ll find additional dining spots and casual restaurants if you’re looking for a variety of options.

Final Thoughts on Bryce Canyon

Have you been to Bryce Canyon yet—or is it still on your bucket list?

I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared (and excited!) for your own one-day adventure here. Whether you’re chasing hoodoo views, hiking through epic landscapes, or soaking up that magical Bryce sunrise, it’s an experience you definitely won’t forget.

Planning your own trip? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s on your Bryce itinerary! And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to pin it for later, so it’s easy to come back to when you’re ready to hit the trails.

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads