What To Pack For Bryce Canyon National Park During Each Season

Planning a trip to Bryce Canyon? You’re in luck! This gorgeous Southern Utah park is gorgeous. It’s characterized by orange and white hoodoos that look like something from another planet. 

While Bryce Canyon may seem like a typical desert, in terms of weather, it’s far from.

Weather varies widely from season to season here, this is thanks to the park’s elevation sitting around 8,000 feet above sea level. Additionally, Bryce sees very different weather compared to its neighboring national parks.

So if you’re visiting Bryce Canyon National Park and wondering what to include on your packing list, you’re not alone.

I’ve visited this park many times, through various seasons, below I’ve broken down what to pack for Bryce Canyon National Park during each season. 

What To Pack For Bryce Canyon National Park

When trying to figure out what to pack for Bryce Canyon, know that no matter the season there’s a few items you’ll always need:

• Water bottle
• Food
• Layers
• First aid kit 
• Lip balm
• Sun protection (such as hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).
• Backpack

Sun protection, hydration, and dressing in layers are essential due to the dry, high elevation in Bryce Canyon National Park.

With that, let’s get into what to pack by season…

What To Pack For Bryce Canyon National Park In Summer

Summer Weather

June: 75° – 45° (Average High / Low F°)
July: 80° – 53°
August: 77° -50°

Bryce sees warm temperatures throughout the summer, although mornings and evenings cool off significantly.

Additionally, rainy season is July – August.

Afternoon storms are common and typically move in very quickly. These brief storms bring very heavy rain and often lightning.

If visiting in summer, hit the trails early to avoid afternoon weather, and bring layers just in case. 

What To Pack In Summer

Light, breathable layers are best for summer in Bryce Canyon National Park. Mornings and evenings will be quite cool in contrast to the hot afternoons.

Be sure to always carry a rain jacket or light windbreaker in case a storm hits.

Sun protection is essential in this park any time of year, but especially so in summer.

Be sure to have plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If you’re sensitive to sun, consider carrying clothing with UPF protection or a cover up.

At 8,000+ feet above sea level, the summer sun becomes more intense. You will burn faster than you would at lower elevations.

Standard hiking boots or hiking sandals are appropriate items to pack for Bryce Canyon.

If you plan to hike into the canyon, as many visitors do, you’ll need shoes with good traction and may want hiking poles. It’s a steep slope in and out of the canyon.

Those who won’t be hiking, but sticking to the viewpoints instead, you’ll be fine with standard tennis shoes.

For my summer hiking gear and hiking outfits, check out My Amazon Storefront: Summer Hiking Gear.

What To Pack For Bryce National Park In Fall

Fall Weather

September: 70° – 42° (Average High / Low F°)
October: 58° – 32°
November: 45° – 23° 

Fall typically brings pleasant and mild weather to Bryce Canyon.

Snow storms are unlikely, although possible, especially during late fall.

What To Pack In Fall

Fall in Bryce Canyon sees much cooler temperatures than summer, for this reason you’ll want warm layers.

Hiking pants, a warm pullover, and hat are recommended.

If snow is in the forecast during your visit, head over to the “What To Pack For Bryce Canyon in Winter” section, below, and check out My Amazon Storefront: Winter Hiking Gear.

Note: Early fall is an excellent time to visit, the weather is still nice, but crowds thin out significantly from summer.

As with summer, standard hiking boots are appropriate for Bryce Canyon in fall.

Poles are recommended if you plan to hike into the canyon.

Tip: If using hiking poles on a cold day, don’t forget gloves.

For my fall hiking gear and hiking outfits, check out My Amazon Storefront: Fall Hiking Gear.

What To Pack For Bryce Canyon National Park In Winter

Winter Weather

December: 36° -15° (Average High / Low F°)
January: 37° – 15°
February: 39° – 17°

While the landscape screams desert, many are surprised to learn that it snows here… A lot.

In fact, the winter’s persistent snow and ice are what continually sculpt the incredible hoodoos.

Bryce Canyon averages 95 inches of snow per year, and snowy periods are most likely December through February.

While you may experience a pleasant, sunny day during winter, there will likely be accumulated snow to contend with.  

You May Also Like: Top Things To Do In Bryce Canyon National Park In Winter

What To Pack In Winter

Bryce in the winter months is incredible. Witnessing the red hoodoo-filled canyon blanketed in snow is a sight you’ll never forget. 

However, to ensure an enjoyable time, warm layers are essential.

For base layers you’ll want light and breathable, which will keep you dry as you sweat. On top of that, plan on a warm layer such as a fleece jacket.

For your outer layer, plan on a waterproof winter jacket and possibly snow pants.

If your visit lands on a sunny and relatively warm day, then light, breathable pants are appropriate.

If there’s a chance of snowfall, or it’s particularly cold, you’ll need snow pants in addition. 

For extra warmth you’ll also need gloves, a hat, and possibly a scarf.

Consider carrying an extra hat, jacket, socks, and pair of gloves in your pack. When winter hiking, I keep a few extra items in my backpack as replacements in case my gear gets wet.

Waterproof, ankle-high hiking boots paired with wool socks are best for hiking Bryce Canyon in winter.

Additionally, you’ll need spikes or snowshoes for traction.

Despite large amounts of snow in the park, popular trails are often packed down. If the snow is packed, spikes (Yaktrax or crampons) will work best.

Of course, trail conditions will vary, so consider bringing snowshoes just in case. You can also rent gear just outside the park at Ruby’s Inn.

No matter what footwear you use, I highly recommend trekking poles to help maintain your balance. 

Tip: Stop by the visitor center before heading out, park rangers are able to offer guidance regarding what gear is most appropriate for conditions that day.

For my winter hiking gear and hiking outfits, check out My Amazon Storefront: Winter Hiking Gear.

What To Pack For Bryce Canyon National Park In Spring

Spring Weather

March: 45° – 23° (Average High / Low F°)
April: 54° – 29°
May: 64° – 37°

Spring is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of weather.

Early spring, March and April, are very winter-like and often bring a handful of very heavy snow storms.

Whereas warmer weather and afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in summer, are more likely in May. 

Additionally, depending on winter snow totals, you may experience snow pack, or you may get muddy trails.

What To Pack In Spring

What to pack for spring in Bryce Canyon will vary widely.

If visiting in early spring (March through early-April), snowstorms are common and the park is likely to be covered in snow.

You’ll want to read the “What To Pack For Bryce Canyon in Winter” section for appropriate gear, and check out My Amazon Storefront: Winter Hiking Gear.

Alternatively, if you plan to visit in late spring, late April through May, snow is less likely.

You will still need warm layers, but snow gear will probably be unnecessary.

If days are warming up and the snow is melting, plan to pack warm, breathable layers.

It’s likely the morning and evenings will be very cold, with the daytime temperature warming up nicely.

Waterproof hiking boots with good traction are best for spring in Bryce.

If there’s still significant snow and ice in the park, spikes will be necessary.

If snow has melted, there’s a good chance you’ll experience mud, so trekking poles will be very helpful for maintaining balance.

Tip: If using hiking poles on a cold day, you will need gloves.

For my spring hiking gear and hiking outfits, check out My Amazon Storefront: Spring Hiking Gear.

Additional Packing Tips For Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon Elevation 

Bryce is considered the high desert mountains, the canyon rim ranges from 8,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level.

At higher elevations temperature swings and quick changes in weather are very likely.

Do I Need Hiking Boots For Bryce Canyon?

If you plan to hike, I would recommend hiking boots or comfortable tennis shoes with good traction.

If you do not plan to hike, and just visit the viewpoints instead, you do not need hiking boots.

Most viewpoints are just a short walk from the parking lot on flat trails.

Do I Need Bear Spray In Bryce Canyon?

There are bears in Bryce Canyon but it’s very unlikely you’ll see one.

If you are hiking into the canyon on popular trails such as Navajo Loop & Queens Garden Trail, you do not need bear spray.

However, if you’re backpacking, bring bear spray.

Things To Do In Bryce Canyon National Park

Now that you’ve figured out what to pack, these are some of the top things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park:

• Go for a scenic drive along Bryce Canyon Road.
• Take in the famous viewpoints such as Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Point, and Inspiration Point.
• Go for a hike along Rim Trail, Queens Garden and Wall Street via Navajo Loop Trail, Fairyland Loop, or take a short hike to Mossy Cave.
• See Natural Bridge.
• Winter visitors, enjoy cross-country skiing or winter hikes.

Those planning a winter trip, be sure to check out my Bryce Canyon National Park Winter Guide.

You’re in for a treat no matter which season you visit Bryce Canyon National Park, this is one of the best places in the US in my opinion.

I hope you enjoy your visit and have found this information helpful in planning what to pack for Bryce Canyon National Park.

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Utah and US Southwest guides or head on over to National Park Service: Bryce Canyon!