A Day In Bryce Canyon
✨ Part of my Zion & Bryce adventure series:
If you’ve been following along, this is the third stop on my Utah journey — a day trip to Bryce Canyon that capped off my time in red-rock country.
- Start with Gateway to Zion and Bryce to see where it all began.
- Don’t miss Chasing Waterfalls in Zion, my unexpected detour after the rains.
- And circle back here for A Day in Bryce Canyon, a one-day road trip through hoodoos and forested canyons.
On my second full day in the area, I set out early for a day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, using the weather forecast as my compass. I wanted to save the best conditions — and the ideal river flow — for my hike through the Narrows, so Bryce became the perfect adventure for the day.
I chose to drive out via Interstate 15, which meant entering the park through the Dixie National Forest — a route that gave me my first glimpse of what was to come. The landscape shifted from the arid brush of southern Utah to tall pines and red hills, a beautiful transition that made me appreciate just how varied this region can be. I also wanted to experience both routes between Zion and Bryce, taking the Mount Carmel road on my return for a completely different perspective.
Unlike Zion, where shuttles and trailheads set the pace, Bryce lets you drive the length of the park, pulling over at any overlook that catches your eye. I began at the far end, Rainbow Point, and worked my way back slowly, stopping often to take in the sweeping views of vast amphitheaters filled with thousands of hoodoos — those whimsical spires that glow in shades of coral, gold, and rose as the sun moves across the sky. My final stop was Sunrise Point, where a trail dips down into the heart of the hoodoos. Walking there feels like stepping into another world — quiet, surreal, and endlessly photogenic. Rookie mistake — as the sign shows, Bryce sits much higher than Zion and one should plan for a shift in temps! Thankfully my tolerance for cold weather and the sunny day helped counteract for my lack of planning in that front.
While the Navajo Loop Trail wasn’t in the cards for me this time, it’s one that definitely caught my attention. The switchbacks weaving through the hoodoos look both fun and challenging — a trail I’ve already bookmarked for a future visit.
Though I didn’t stay overnight, I can see why many travelers choose to book a room at the Bryce Canyon Lodge inside the park. Watching the sunrise from there must be nothing short of magical. As part of my planning for this trip, I joined a few Facebook groups dedicated to Zion planning and overall experience sharing. This beauty of a photo was shared by Andrew Rothwell in one of those groups. And with his permission I am sharing it here. A photo that captured that perfect moment, the canyon bathed in fiery light.
For my return, I took the Mount Carmel route, a dramatic contrast to the highway. The switchbacks and tunnels reveal the grandeur of Zion’s east side — a thrilling finale before heading back to Springdale for a couple more days in Zion.
A Note on the Experience
Despite the federal government shutdown, Bryce Canyon and Zion were buzzing with visitors — proof of its timeless appeal and the dedication of those keeping it open. Thanks to the efforts of local organizations like the Zion Forever Project and the State of Utah, the park remained accessible, and the rangers on site couldn’t have been more helpful. They patiently answered my questions about how best to explore Bryce and offered advice on the optimal day to hike the Narrows based on recent rainfall and river conditions.
Their generosity and knowledge reminded me that national parks aren’t just about the landscapes — they’re about the people who protect, share, and cherish them.