Bryce Canyon: Top 5 Outdoor Things To Do – Best Activities
Bryce Canyon National Park, that wonderland of crimson-colored hoodoos, it’s almost shouting out for exploration. It’s not quite like other national parks; it presents you with this unique, otherworldly charm. But what can you actually *do* there, you may wonder, very beyond just taking a photo? I have created a list of ways to really get involved with Bryce Canyon and appreciate everything that this unique place has on offer, for just about everyone who wants to spend time outside.
1. Hiking the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail
The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail, a combo, really should be at the top of your to-do list if you like stretching your legs a bit. Getting down among the hoodoos is quite something, a more personal encounter with these cool rock formations. It’s roughly 2.9 miles, which, in some respects, sounds short, right? That’s not bad at all. What can catch you out is that the path descends nearly 550 feet into the canyon, that descent becomes quite the climb on the way back up, so, naturally, pace yourself. The views though are outstanding, really they are; you go right through “Wall Street,” that dramatic slot canyon part of the Navajo Loop, then it connects to the Queen’s Garden where the hoodoos almost, very nearly, resemble, so to speak, figures in a royal court. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Bryce Canyon Hiking Details)
Tip: That trail is very popular, you know. Aim to start early, just to sidestep the worst of the crowds and also the midday sun. Also, pack plenty of water – the altitude and the climb, either one will dry you out faster than you might expect.
2. Stargazing: A Celestial Show
Bryce Canyon’s darkness from any city glow gives it unbelievable views of the night sky, I mean, really breathtaking, really. It is designated an International Dark Sky Park, that label means that this location meets the highest standards, so to speak, for limiting light. I’d recommend that you visit during a new moon, you will definitely see the Milky Way stretching above you, what with the naked eye – countless stars, anyway as far as your eyes can see! You could even catch a glimpse of planets and maybe the odd meteor, too it’s almost, basically, a magical experience. Bring a blanket to lie on, perhaps, that would really be something, yet download a stargazing app, basically to guide you through the constellations. Bryce Canyon, often, usually, holds astronomy programs, is that so?, through the summer months, if you wanted to get an expert’s perspective. Read our full review: Bryce Canyon Stargazing Full Review and Details.
Tip: The night is cooler up at elevation, so, arguably, layer up to stay comfy while looking up.
3. Horseback Riding: Seeing Bryce Canyon a bit Differently
If you wish you had a change from walking, anyway what about riding through the park on horseback? A few local outfitters, basically, have guided tours that give you a different view, that definitely makes sense. Riding on horseback it gives you this more calm speed, I mean, you will soak in all the beautiful scenes and you will definitely notice more without puffing and panting your way up a path. Often the routes snake along the rim of the canyon, therefore that gives great viewpoints with nothing obstructing your view. Seriously, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never ridden before because tours cater, still, they cater to every level, is that right? So, honestly, that bit needn’t put you off. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Bryce Canyon Horseback Options)
Tip: Bring sunscreen and a hat, as they’re out in the open air all the time and the sun will be powerful, still.
4. Sunrise and Sunset Points: The Canyon Painted with Light
Sunrise Point and Sunset Point are both named, anyway that alone tells you that these are spots you can’t miss. I mean, seriously, they’re really something, right? I think arriving for either sunrise or sunset sees, really, this totally various face of Bryce Canyon. At sunrise, the light is golden and it catches the top sides of the hoodoos, for example, that makes these glowing silhouettes and shapes; it’s very dramatic, isn’t it? Then as the sun goes down the canyon lights up, but with fire tones as the shadows deepen and this park displays its grandeur. It’s a very cool time, you will get photos which will make everybody envious. The two places are accessible, basically they’re very accessible, just with short walks coming from the main road and also suitable, basically, for everyone. It does get quite crowded, too it’s almost, yet believe me it’s surely worth finding a space, anyway, just to see these brilliant displays. Read our full review: Bryce Canyon Sunrise & Sunset Full Review and Details.
Tip: Find your place beforehand. Especially, very at Sunset Point, people do pitch up early, often an hour or two beforehand, getting this prime spot.
5. Scenic Drive Along Highway 63
Sometimes, I’m aware that not everyone will feel up to strenuous activity and also some people don’t have a great deal of time. So, anyway, the scenic drive along Highway 63 is ideal. This path crosses 18 miles of just beautiful canyon rim offering various overlooks for panoramic canyon viewpoints, you see everything basically from a distance! I suggest stopping, actually, very at places such as Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point, anyway for great overviews, and then Inspiration Point for more layered viewpoints of the hoodoo formations. The trail, as a matter of fact, gives these chances for seeing a diverse bit of terrain, therefore this could include coniferous forests, so that goes up to these desolate canyon areas. In short, just take breaks at lookouts, stretch a little, breathe in, anyway those incredible sights are really wonderful; basically, you get a little sense of what the Canyon has on offer without needing to tackle every challenging hike or perhaps you can prepare yourself, still, prepare yourself to find some other places to have a go at. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Highway 63 Scenic Drive Details)
Tip: Allocate, for instance, several hours to do this journey so you don’t need to hurry, actually, very and also have time, frankly, to just stop for a time at each lookout place.
