Situated South East in the Beehive state (that’s Utah for the uninitiated) lies the majestic Bryce Canyon National Park. Famed for its towering spires of red rock and a natural amphitheater. The amphitheater offers truly unique panoramic views with shuttle stops to some of the best viewpoints in the canyon including:
- Inspiration Point
- Sunrise Point
- Bryce Point
- Sunset Point
Each viewpoint offers breathtaking views, so if you can only visit one on your stay, don’t feel like you’ve missed out, and be sure to come back.
It’s More Than Just a Canyon
Naturally, the canyon is the first (and often only) thing people think of when considering a trip to the park. But there is so much more that you can do and with a little forward planning you can be sure to be doing something different every single day.
Looking for Adventure?
For those of you seeking a little excitement in your vacation, there are a whole host of possibilities at your feet. Ruby’s Inn is the park’s oldest hotel (celebrating its centenary this year) and it comes highly recommended by previous guests. Ruby’s Inn has a wide range of activities that they arrange every single day. You no longer have to risk planning your own itinerary, let Ruby’s Inn do it for you – their activities include:
- Horseback Riding
- ATV Trails
- Mountain biking Bryce Canyon
- Scenic Flights
With professional guides leading you every step of the way, you can get your adrenaline fix and still be home in time for dinner!
Enjoy a Slower Pace?
If you prefer your feet firmly on the ground and prefer activities at your own pace then why not plan a hiking expedition? The National Park Ranger Service have prepared numerous day long hikes allowing you to see the very best that the canyon and the park have to offer. Hikes are graded ‘Easy’, ‘ Moderate’ and ‘Strenuous’, that allow you to pick the type of experience that you want.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Maybe you enjoy the colder climates, in which case, why not visit during the winter months and experience Bryce Canyon National Park in a crisp blanket of snow. There is a plethora of winter themed activities that take place during the cold weather months including:
- Snowshoe Hiking
- Cross-country Skiing
- Winter back country camping – for the brave and experienced, permits are required
- Winter Astronomy Programs
As with any snowy landscape, the park can be very dangerous in winter, so be sure to wrap up warm and know which trails are open and closed during these months.
There are also a number of themed festivals for those of you with particular passions. The annual Prairie Dog Day is a popular event where rangers and local enthusiasts offer their expertise to help you find the best locations to observe the prairie dog.
If rocks are more your thing, then be sure to book your vacation during Bryce Canyon’s Geology Festival held in the summer months. There are opportunities to meet professional geologists who will take you out on hikes to discover how some of the canyon’s most famous features were formed.
So next time you’re planning a vacation away, be sure to seriously consider Bryce Canyon National Park. Sure, the views are outstanding, and worth the trip alone; but there is much, much more for you to experience and do. You’re guaranteed an awesome time.