Bryce Canyon National Park

One of my all-time favorite national parks, this was the first “wow” moment I’ve ever had when it comes to thinking land is beautiful. I visited Bryce Canyon before when I was 11 years old and have never forgotten the feeling of seeing the contrasting-colored white snow on the tall and skinny bright orange/red rocks, and wondering how such “hoo-doo” structures exist in the world. I drove through here on my third road trip in the heart of winter, from Santa Cruz, California to Salt Lake City, Utah. I also visited multiple times while I was living in Salt Lake City!

Why is it called a hoodoo?

These funny-looking natural structures are called hoodoos because of the Hoodoo spirituality where natural or earthly forms are believed to possess unearthly powers.

Why is it called Bryce Canyon?

Bryce and Mary Ebenezer were serial homesteaders. The canyon filled with majestic hoodoos were this Mormon family’s first piece of land. Bryce and Mary raised twelve children which was a feat among the homesteading life.

Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon

As I will always recommend, try your best to get here early. In the springtime we arrived at the park around 9:30am and there were a moderate amount of spots leftover at a parking lot close to Sunrise Point and Bryce Canyon Lodge. When we returned from the hike around noon there were no parking spots left and the trails were pretty filled up with people.
When here in the wintertime/early spring, bring your winter-ready boots and microspikes or snowshoes.
Bring lots and lots of water when you're hiking in the spring/summer. This desert atmosphere will really make you want to quench your thirst.
Trekking poles were great for the Queens Garden Trail. Although my friend Seth did not use them, I was very happy with my decision as this has a steep downhill slope to start, and we all know when you go down, you must come back up!

What to Do

Hike the Queens Garden Trail

When I came here as a kid, I saw the hoodoos from up above and we did not have the chance to hike in the canyon due to snow. This 1.6 mile there-and-back trail fulfilled my dream. The hike starts at Sunrise Point and takes you down into the canyon to walk among the hoodoos. The structures look so massive when you are down in them. Playing hide and go seek down here would be really fun! Right now the Navajo Loop is closed but that would be a fun trail to hike when it opens.

Watch the Sunrise/Sunset

When in the winter, there’s not too much you can do besides go to the overlooks for sunrise/sunset, and maybe do a snowshoe or cross country ski hike along the rim trail. I chose to go to the Bryce Overlook for sunrise, and Inspiration Point directly after before I headed off on my way to Salt Lake City, my last destination on this road trip. I was told the Sunrise Overlook would’ve been too crowded, so I stayed away. But I am sure that would’ve been a beautiful sunrise as well. My favorite overlook was Sunset Point as you are closest to the hoodoos here.

Where to Stay

Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon

This lovely Best Western had an amazing buffet breakfast in the morning with many more options and fresh fruit than a regular hotel breakfast. I stayed here, went to see the sunrise, then came back for breakfast. This was a great idea as right when breakfast opened, the line to the buffet was pretty packed.

Bryce Canyon Lodge

If you get lucky you will get an opening to stay at Bryce Canyon Lodge. Here it is just a short walk away from one of the most beautiful views in the country. It is located in between Sunrise and Sunset Points.