Location: Bryce
Top Things to do in Bryce
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What to do and see in Bryce, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Bryce Canyon City, sometimes shown as Bryce on maps, is a town in Garfield County, Utah, United States, adjacent to Bryce Canyon National Park. The town, formerly known as "Ruby's Inn", was officially incorporated on July 23, 2007 under a short-lived state law. The population was 198 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Bryce
1. Natural Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
Natural Bridge (elevation 8627') is a viewpoint on the scenic drive in Bryce Canyon National Park that overlooks an arch formed when natural forces carved away the red rock. "Bridges" are formed when the rushing water of streams or rivers erodes the rock. Technically, this formation is an "arch" because it was created by a combination of factors. First, water in the cracks of the rock froze and thawed, expanding and weakening the fissures. Then over time rainwater ate away at the top and sides of the soft limestone. Ultimately, gravity caused the weaker sections of rock to collapse, leaving the hole in the center. I enjoyed seeing young quaking aspen trees at this location as well. There's a small parking area at the site. You can't really see the arch when just driving by in the car because it's below the road level, but the overlook is only a few steps from the parking lot. The walkway is paved and wheelchair-accessible. This viewpoint is located about 12.4 miles south of the park entrance sign on Utah State Route 63. Entrance fees are required to access this area ($30/car, valid 7 days, or use NPS passes). Note that the regular park shuttle does not visit this location, but you can reserve a seat on the free Rainbow Bus tour that visits the southern end of the scenic drive twice per day (435-834-5290).
2. Dark Ranger Telescope Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 169 reviews
See our Universe's wonders through BIG telescopes in the darkest/best stargazing location in USA -Utah's Bryce Canyon region. Watch live multimedia presentations about astronomy and nocturnal animals. Learn constellation stories during laser sky tours. Work on your Astronomy Boy/Girl Scout Badge. By capping attendance at 42, our knowledgeable and entertaining astronomers provide the premium astronomy experience. Private Tours up to 150 people also available by special request.
Reviewed By LisaVADC - Arlington, Virginia
Saturn, exploding stars and a galaxy far far away! That and more is exactly what I saw with my own eyes thanks to the great Dark Ranger Telescope Tours. Kevin the Ranger really helps to make this a wonderful experience. Very knowledgeable and truly entertaining! We learned and I laughed!. I was really looking forward to this as a part of my Bryce vacation and I was not disappointed. I do not like the cold and thanks to repeated advice, I was prepared – so follow the advice and you will be warm enough to enjoy the magnificent skies, lessons and humor. I also found Kevin is very open and responsive to questions as you plan your trip as well as during the night tour. I wish I lived closer so I could do this again and again! I highly recommend this to any visitor to Bryce area.
3. Bryce Canyon National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By csb123 - Gainesville, GA
We loved seeing the unique hoodoo rock formations. The Queens garden – Navajo loop trail from sunrise to sunset point was great. We loved the park. However, the entire family was ready to move on after one day.
Be aware that there are limited lodging and restaurant options near the park.
4. Agua Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China
Aqua Canyon is the location of one of the very good viewpoints along Highway 63 at Bryce Canyon National Park. This particular stop is situated between Natural Bridge an Ponderosa Canyon Overlooks and is well worth a stop for the outstanding views of impressive stacks of hoodoos and other land formations as well as the landscape views into the lower Aqua Canyon area below
During our early April visit last year, we were treated to a light layer of snow on the main canyon rim. This contributed to very good pictures we were able to make at the Aqua Canyon viewpoint.
Note, the viewpoints along Highway 63 are each on the east side of the road. As such, its best to simply drive all the way down south to Rainbow and Yavimpa Point first. Then make your way north pulling over into whichever viewpoints you are interested in. I would give Aqua Canyon at least 4-5 minute stop.
5. Navajo/Queens Garden Loop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
2.9-mile hiking trail that leads to rock formations shaped like Queen Victoria and her garden.
Reviewed By RetiredTravelerTN - Nashville, TN
One of our favorite experiences at Bryce Canyon was the combined Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail. The rock formations are beautiful from above, but walking below the rim gives an entirely different perspective. Make the whole loop if you can. If mobility is an issue, begin at the Queen’s Garden trailhead and go just far enough to get an impression of the view below the rim.
6. Ruby's ATV Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Ruby’s ATV Tours are a great way to explore the Bryce Canyon area. Turn your stay into an adventure you will not soon forget.
Reviewed By Susan N - Green Valley
What a great experience! Marty, our guide was the best. He made our hour go so fast! He was fun, informative and entertaining. We loved the trails, did this with our daughter and granddaughter, who is 7 years old. Just so much fun! Will definitely do this again when in the Canyon!
7. Ponderosa Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China
This is one of the delightful viewpoints you can enjoy along the Scenic Drive (Highway 63) within Bryce Canyon National Park. It is situated south of the Aqua Canyon Viewpoint, near the southern end of the drive.
We visited in early April and greatly enjoyed the snow covered views from this viewpoint at 8900 feet above sea level. From here you can see some impressive stacks of hoodoos as well as subtle erosion of the hillside where future hoodoos will take shape and form many thousands of years from now.
In the end, Ponderosa Viewpoint is somewhat similar to Aqua Canyon Viewpoint. We've give both a quick stop. You can conveniently enjoy in 3-5 minutes and be on your way to the next viewpoint or hiking stop in the park.
Note: The viewpoints along the Scenic Drive are all on the east side of the road. As such, it is best to drive straight through to Rainbow and Yavimpa Points first. Then start making your way back north, pulling over to the right hand side for viewpoint stops.
8. Inspiration Point
Overall Ratings
5 based on 942 reviews
Scenic overlook in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
Inspiration Point is a breath-taking viewpoint overlooking the Bryce Canyon maze of colorful hoodoo formations. It is understandably one of the most popular areas in Bryce Canyon National Park. There are 3 overlooks: lower, middle and upper. The lower viewpoint has a paved trail less than 300' long that leads to an overlook (wheelchair-accessible). The trail to the middle and upper viewpoints is unpaved, steep and rough (about 1225'). The elevation at Inspiration Point is 8100'; be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness (fatigue, headache, shortness of breath, etc.) and drink plenty of fluids. A restroom is available in the parking area.
To get to Inspiration Point, you will have to pay park entrance fees ($30/car, valid 7 days, or use NPS passes). Enter the park headed south on Utah State Route 63 from Bryce Canyon City, drive 2.8 miles past the park entrance sign and turn left on Bryce Point Road (6th left). Go .1 mile and turn left. The parking area for Inspiration Point will be .2 mile ahead. The free park shuttle goes to Inspiration Point (stop 4) so it is possible to park elsewhere (i.e. Bryce Canyon City or the park visitor center) and ride to the viewpoint. There is also a paved multi-use path suitable for bicycles that goes about 5.5 miles from Bryce Canyon City to Inspiration Point (bike rentals available at Ruby's Inn).
The Rim Trail passes through Inspiration Point and can be followed to/from other viewpoints on the canyon edge: Bryce Point (1.6 miles, closed in winter), Sunset Point (.7 mile), Sunrise Point (1.2 miles), and Fairyland Point (3.9 miles). Distances are one-way. These attractions have separate Tripadvisor reviews with more information.
9. Bryce Wildlife Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Category: ATV Rentals Unguided, World-Class Natural History Museum Everything Is Real, Hand Feed Live Deer, Brand-New Studio For Rent Sleeps 4 With Living Room, Kitchen, Bath, Washer/Dryer, DirectTV.
Reviewed By SSScarano - Coral Gables, Florida
My husband and I enjoyed four comfortable nights in a clean and well set up studio. It was perfect, after a day of hiking and visiting the Bryce area the 7 minute drive to our private studio was like an oasis. Owners Terri and Robert are lovely people and knowledgeable about the everything to do at Bryce. We rented ATVs which they let us take out on our own. The equipment (ATV and helmet) were clean and sanitized. The studio feels very new and has everything you need.
10. Navajo Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 605 reviews
The 2.2-mile trail takes hikers down 521 feet into the magnificent canyon, so make sure you bring lots of film.
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
The Navajo Loop Trail is a hiking route inside the amphitheater of fantastic hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park. Well-known landmarks on this hike include Thor's Hammer, Wall Street and Two Bridges. This trail is 1.3 miles long round-trip, and is rated moderately difficult with an elevation change of 550'. Hiking the loop in a clockwise direction is recommended. The trail is hard-surface and descends into the canyon in a series of switch-backs. There is a steady grade; remember you will have to climb back up and pace yourself. The elevation at the trail head is 8000'; be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness if you aren't acclimated (fatigue, headache, shortness of breath) and drink plenty of fluids. Pets are not allowed on this trail, and it is not wheelchair accessible. This is a popular area and it can get quite crowded so I suggest starting as early as possible.
The trail head for Navajo Loop is located at Sunset Point, an overlook on the Rim Trail. You must pay park entrance fees to access it ($30/car, valid 7 days, or use NPS passes). To reach Sunset Point, enter the park headed south on Utah State Route 63 from Bryce Canyon City. Drive 2.3 miles past the park entrance sign and turn left into the Sunset Point parking area (restroom available). A trail leads about 450' from the parking lot to Sunset Point. From Bryce Canyon Lodge, Sunset Point is about .3 miles south via the Rim Trail. During the warmer months of the year (April-November), Sunset Point can also be reached via the free park shuttle (stop 6).
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