One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park In Winter (Easy Day Trip Itinerary!)

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best national parks to visit in winter. Witnessing the red hoodoo-filled canyon blanketed in snow is a sight you’ll never forget!

Even though a majority of the park is closed in winter, the small portion that’s open has outstanding beauty and is easier to explore than you may think.

I lived in Utah as a kid and have family who still live in nearby St. George, so I’ve visited this park a handful of times, winter is especially amazing!

Below is an itinerary for a day in Bryce Canyon National Park in winter based on a previous visit.

One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park In Winter

Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center

No matter how you plan to spend your day in Bryce Canyon, it’s wise to stop by the visitor center before heading out.

Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center is located just past the park entrance. Here you’ll find books and souvenirs, plus basic winter supplies and restrooms.

Most will start their day here no matter the season, but it’s especially important for anyone who plans to do winter hiking. If you have any questions regarding trail conditions or would like tips, the on-site park rangers are the best people to ask.

Sunrise Point

After you’ve stopped by the visitor center, head to the next stop, Sunrise Point.

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for jaw dropping viewpoints which show off the canyon’s red hoodoos, fins, and caps. The overlooks are especially spectacular in winter when the park is covered in snow.

Best of all these viewpoints, including Sunrise Point, are just a short walk from the parking lot.

If you’re up for a hike, which I highly recommend, you’ll begin here at Sunrise Point.

Hike Queens Garden Loop via Navajo Loop

The most popular hike in the park, no matter the time of year, is Queens Garden Loop via Navajo Loop.

This 2.9 mile trail takes you from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point, using Rim Trail to complete the loop. The hike is spectacular and allows visitors to get up close to the bizarre and colorful geological features while descending into the otherworldly canyon.

Once at the bottom of the canyon, you’ll be surprised to find the canyon green and full of plant life. Portions of the hike look like a forest, something I didn’t imagine when looking into the canyon from the upper viewpoints.

The trail is pretty easy to follow even in winter thanks to snowpack. However, it is very important to have traction devises and hiking poles, this trail is very slippery and icy.

Note: The Wall Street side of Navajo Loop is closed in winter.

Sunset Point & Rim Trail

To complete the Queens Garden Loop, you’ll exit the trail at Sunset point, which has similar views to Sunset Point. Then follow Rim Trail back to Sunrise Point to complete your hike.

Be warned, it’s often very windy along Rim Trail, it especially has a bite to it in the cold of winter.

If you skipped the hike into the canyon, you can follow Rim Trail to Sunset Point or drive here via Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive.

Hike Mossy Cave

Next, hike Mossy Cave. This is a 1 mile out-and-back hike that takes you along a river and past a small waterfall, ending at a cave covered in huge icicles. The hike is short and easy, an excellent way to end the day in Bryce Canyon.

To access this trail you’ll exit the park and turn right on Highway 12, after 3.5 miles you’ll easily spot the trailhead on the right. 

As with Queens Garden, you’ll want traction devises on this trail, it’s often covered in snow and ice.

Bryce Canyon Winter Weather

December – February averages highs in the mid 30°F’s and low in the teens. While there’s plenty of sunny days, snowstorms are not uncommon. The park, which sits around 8,000 feet above sea level, averages 96 inches of snow per year.

We visited in late January and experienced a sunny, 40 degree day. The canyon rim was very cold and windy, though we found much more comfortable conditions as we hiked into the canyon.

Did You Know? These unusual hoodoos have been formed by the repeated freezing and thawing of water. Meaning the cold weather and snow has largely attributed to the unique landscape we find here today.

What to Pack for Winter In Bryce Canyon National Park

Warm Layers

To ensure an enjoyable day in Bryce Canyon, warm layers are essential. Below I’ve listed everything I wore including the extra items I kept in my day pack in case anything were to get wet. 

Note: The visitor center has some warm gear and crampons available for purchase in case you forget anything. 

• As a base you’ll want non cotton layers to keep dry as you sweat.
• On top of that I wore a thick fleece jacket and kept an extra fleece in my pack. 
• For your outermost layer, plan on a water proof winter jacket and possibly snow pants.
• Because we visited on a sunny and relatively warm day, I was comfortable in light, breathable pants. If there’s a chance of snow, be sure to have snow pants. 
• For extra warmth I also wore gloves, a hat, and a scarf. I kept an extra hat and gloves in my bag.
• I wore my regular hiking boots, which are waterproof and reach my ankle. Be cautious about wearing any low ankle boot or shoes that are not water resistant. With my boots I wore wool socks and kept an extra pair of socks in my day pack. 
• I also hiked with traction devises and hiking poles (more information below).

Gear For Traction

Everyone in our group used crampons for traction. Despite the foot of snow in the park, trails were packed down, so snowshoes weren’t necessary.

Of course, the trail conditions will vary so bring snowshoes as a back up. Conversely, you may find the trail melting resulting in a combination of ice and mud, bring traction devises just in case.

Last, no matter what footwear you use, I’d recommend trekking poles to help maintain your balance.

These are the traction devises I use: Spikes/ Crampons

These are the hiking poles I use: Hiking Poles

Where To Stay In Bryce Canyon National Park

The only in-park lodging is Bryce Canyon Lodge, which is closed in winter.

There’s in-park camping available year-round, although I wouldn’t recommend this in winter due to weather. 

Just outside the park you’ll find a small town, Bryce Canyon City, home to a few lodging options. Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon and Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn are typically open in winter.

You can also stay in nearby towns such as Panguitch, Brian Head, or Cedar City. For more information, check out my guide to Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park.

Getting Around The Park In Winter

There’s one park entrance that leads to a 20 mile, out-and-back road through the park.

In winter, only the first three miles of this road are plowed and open for vehicles. But don’t worry, this small section provides access to some of the park’s most popular attractions.

The park shuttle does not run in winter months.

Don’t let the winter weather in Bryce Canyon intimidate you, this is a magical park year-round and well worth the visit. I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your one day in Bryce Canyon National Park and have the best time!

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Utah and national park guides or head on over to Bryce Canyon NPS!

More Information For Your Visit To Bryce Canyon National Park:

• Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park
• What To Pack For Bryce Canyon National Park

More Information For Your Utah Vacation:

• Arches National Park Guides
• Canyonlands National Park Guides
• Moab, Utah Guides
• Zion National Park Guides