Bryce Canyon National Park Live Webcams

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Introduction

Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is a mesmerizing landscape of natural amphitheaters, hoodoos, and canyons. Despite its name, Bryce Canyon isn't a traditional canyon; rather, it boasts a collection of giant natural amphitheaters along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

The park's history dates back to June 8, 1923, when it was established as Bryce Canyon National Monument under the administration of the U.S. Forest Service. Its purpose was to preserve the "unusual scenic beauty, scientific interest, and importance." On June 7, 1924, Congress approved the establishment of Utah National Park, but it wasn't until February 25, 1928, that the name changed to Bryce Canyon National Park. At that point, state and private lands within the monument boundaries became federal property. The park covers an area of 35,835 acres (145.02 km²), making it a relatively compact gem in the national park system. Its elevation varies significantly, from 6,620 feet (2018 meters) at Yellow Creek to 9,115 feet (2778 meters) at Rainbow Point. The park's rim varies in elevation from 8,000 to 9,000 feet (2400 to 2700 m), providing breathtaking vistas. In 2018, Bryce Canyon received 2,679,478 recreational visitors.

Bryce Canyon's most iconic feature is its hoodoos—irregular columns of rock. These hoodoos are the largest concentration found anywhere on Earth. The colorful rocks, ranging from red to orange and white—create spectacular views for visitors. These formations result from frost weathering and stream erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rock.

For more information, go to the Wikipedia site.

Hiking

Bryce Canyon nation park is a hiker's dream.  There are a total of 38 hiking trails ranging from a half mile (.8 km) to 23 miles (37 km).  The hikes can be broken down into three categories; Easy, Moderate and Strenuous.  The link to the various categories is below.  Most of the easy hikes are along the rim.  My personal favorites require you to hike into the amphitheater.  Remember you will be hiking at a relatively high elevation.  The visitor center is at 7,894 feet (2,406 m) and Rainpoint is 9,115 (2,778 m).  Shortness of breath is common if you have not climatized to the altitude.  Below are my favorites in each category.  

Easy/Flat The Bryce Canyon National Park offers a variety of easy hikes that are perfect for beginners and families.

Here are four of the most popular ones:

Mossy Cave Trail: This trail is a streamside walk up to a mossy overhang and small waterfall. It is located outside of the amphitheater on highway 12 going toward Tropic. The trail is 0.8 miles (1.3 km) round trip and is partially paved.

Rim Trail: This trail is 11 miles (17 km) round trip and offers spectacular views of the amphitheater and its hoodoos along the rim. The trail is partially paved and has minimal elevation changes. The Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail is a 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip and is paved and fairly level.

Bristlecone Loop: This trail is 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip and takes you through spruce-fir forests to cliffs with bristlecone pines and expansive vistas.

Queens Garden Trail: This trail is 1.8 miles (2.9 km) round trip and is the least difficult trail into the canyon. Using your imagination, you may even see Queen Victoria at the end of a short spur trail.  The elevation gain is 450 feet (137 m).

Moderate

Navajo Loop Trail The Navajo Loop Trail is one of the most popular trails in Bryce Canyon National Park. It is a moderate hike that takes about 1-2 hours to complete and is 1.4 miles (2.25 km) long. The elevation gain is 515 feet (157 m).  The trail begins and ends at Sunset Point.  The trail is a loop trail that descends into the canyon and then climbs back up to the rim. The trail offers spectacular views of the park's most famous hoodoo, Thor's Hammer, and other unique rock formations such as Wall Street, Two Bridges, and Twin Bridges. The trail is open from April to October and is best hiked in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Queen's Navajo Loop This my favorite moderate hike in the park.  It is a moderate hike that takes about 2-3 hours to complete and is 2.9 miles long (4.7 km). The trail begins and ends at Sunrise Point and is a loop trail that descends into the canyon and then climbs back up to the rim. The trail offers spectacular views of the park's most famous hoodoo, Thor's Hammer, and other unique rock formations such as Wall Street, Two Bridges, and Twin Bridges. The elevation gain on the Queen's Navajo Loop Trail is 625 feet (191 m). The trail is open from April to October and is best hiked in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat in the summer.

Tower Bridge The trail is 3.0 miles (4.8 km) long and takes about 1 hour and 51 minutes to complete. The trail begins and ends at Sunrise Point and is actually part of the Fairyland Loop Trail. The trail offers spectacular views of some of Bryce Canyon National Park’s most iconic hoodoo formations such as the Chinese Wall and Crescent Castles. The real star of the show, the Tower Bridge, waits at the halfway point of this hike. A short 200 yard (182 m) spur trail will take you to the base of this formation that bears a striking resemblance to the defining landmark of London. The trail has a total ascent of 760 feet (232 m).

Strenuous

Hat Shop The Hat Shop Trail is a moderately challenging hike that is 4.0 miles (6.4 km) long and takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. The trail begins and ends at Sunrise Point and is part of the Under-the-Rim Trail. The trail offers spectacular views of some of Bryce Canyon National Park’s most iconic hoodoo formations such as the Chinese Wall and Crescent Castles. The real star of the show, the Tower Bridge, waits at the halfway point of this hike. A short 200 yard (182 m) spur trail will take you to the base of this formation that bears a striking resemblance to the defining landmark of London. The trail has a total ascent of 1,380 feet (421 m) .

Fairyland Loop This my favorite long hike in the park.  The trail is a moderately challenging hike that is 8 miles (13.4 km) long and takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. The trail begins and ends at Fairyland Point and offers spectacular views of the hoodoos as they loom overhead. It’s a surreal landscape and almost looks like it has been sculpted, but it’s actually the result of thousands of years of erosion. The trail has a total ascent of 1,900 feet (579 m).

Peakaboo Loop The trail is a 5.5 mile (8.9 km) loop trail located in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, United States. The trail has an elevation gain of 1,560 feet (474 m) and takes around 3 hours to hike.  The trail is known for its stunning views of the hoodoos from topmost rim points. During the hike, you’ll be weaving between spires, arches, and ridges. There is an incredible variation of landscape and rock formations from peak to valley.  The trail is open from April through October 

Figure-8 Loop The Figure 8 Loop Trail is a 6.4-mile (10.3) loop trail located in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, United States. The trail has an elevation gain of 1,575 feet (480 m) and takes around 3.5 hours.  The trail is open year-round, but snow and ice can make it difficult to navigate during winter months.

Backpacking

There are two main trails for hiking with Bryce Canyon.  Both trails are strenuous and have an elevation from 6,800 feet (2,073 m) to 9,115 feet (2,778m).  They are not located within the amphitheater area but along a forested area.  Overnight trips require a backcountry permit from recreation.gov.

The Under-the-Rim Trail is 22.9 miles, with an elevation gain of 5,500 feet (1,676 m).  Most hikers require two nights to complete the hike.  

The Riggs Springs Loop Trail is 8.8 miles (37 km), with an elevation gain of 2,248 feet (685 m).  The trail begins and ends at Yovimpa Point.  Midway Spring, at the halfway point, usually has water (ask a ranger beforehand).  Water must be treated.

Accommodations

There are two campgrounds in Bryce Canyon, North and Sunset Campground.  Our personal favorite is Sunset, but you cannot reserve it beforehand.  North Campground is a not as close to the rim but you can reserve it from recreation.gov.  Below is an overview of the two campgrounds

North Campground is a popular campground located in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. It offers 125 campsites and is divided into four loops: A, B, C, and D. Loops A and B are for RV campers, while loops C and D are for tent campers. Tents are permitted in all loops.  There are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups available at the campsites. However, a dump station is available in summer months near North Campground, and potable water is available near the dump station. The campground is located across the road from the Visitor Center and is close to the General Store and Fairyland Loop/Rim Trail. The campground is open year-round, but reservations are required from May 19th through October 7th. Sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov. North Campground offers first-come, first-served camping from October 8th through May 18th. The campground has no ADA accessible campsites, but campsites in Loop A and B are paved. Campsites in Loops C and D are unpaved, natural sediment. Campground roads are paved.

Sunset Campground offers 100 campsites and is divided into three loops: A, B, and C. Loop A is primarily for RVs, while Loops B and C are for tent campers.  There are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups available at the campsites. However, a dump station is available in summer months near North Campground, and potable water is available near the dump station. The campground is located west of Sunset Point, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) south of the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center. The campground is open year-round, but reservations are required from April 15th through October 31st. Sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov. The campground offers first-come, first-served camping from November 1st through April 14th.

Hotels  

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is a historic structure offering 114 rooms including lodge suites, motel rooms, and cabins. The Lodge and its surrounding motel structures are located a short walk from the park's iconic Bryce Amphitheater.  The Lodge at Bryce Canyon was designed by famous park architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood and built in the mid-1920s. It is a National Historic Landmark and the only one of the Union Pacific Railroad’s.  The dining room at the is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A gift shop is available at the Lodge. The Lodge is open year-round, but reservations are highly recommended.

Restaurants and General Store

There are two places to eat within the park, the Lodge at Bryce Canyon and Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee shop.  There is one general store located near the visitor center.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon offers a dining room that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dining room has a grand stone fireplace and can seat up to 180 guests. The restaurant is open year-round, but reservations are highly recommended. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon Restaurant offers a variety of menu items, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. The restaurant is located a short walk from the park's iconic Bryce Amphitheater.

Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop is a restaurant located in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. It offers freshly baked artisanal pizzas, salads, homemade baked goods, and a selection of beverages. The restaurant is open year-round, but its hours of operation may vary depending on the season. Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop is located directly adjacent to the Lodge at Bryce Canyon and offers pizza, salads, beer, wine, pastries, coffee, and espresso drinks. The restaurant is typically closed between October and May.

The General Store is located near Sunrise Point and North Campground. It serves "grab-and-go" hot and cold foods such as pizza, soup, ice cream, and sandwiches. Beverages such as soda, water, beer, and coffee are also available. Visitors can also find restrooms, showers, camping supplies including firewood, and souvenirs.