Bryce Canyon National Park - Outdoor Activities (U.S. National Park Service)

RANGER PROGRAMS
Ever wonder why the rocks are red? Where we got the name hoodoo? What’s a deer’s favorite food? Well, you’re not alone! The magic of Bryce Canyon sparks the imagination and wonder in park rangers as well as visitors. Spend a few minutes or a few hours with us as we share what we’ve learned about your national park. Ranger programs are a great way to expand your exploration of Bryce Canyon. They’re free too!

Our summer schedule is packed! Check our Ranger Program board in the park’s visitor center for current locations and times.

Park Ranger describing geological features to an audience of visitors to Bryce Canyon

nps photo

Interpretive program at Inspiration Point

GEOLOGY TALKS
When: Daily - Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall - Occasionally in the Winter
Where: Inspiration or Sunset Point
Duration: ½ hr.
Hoodoos, ancient lakes and something called frost-wedging? Geologists have spent years studying the unique story of Bryce Canyon. Spend a half hour with a ranger as we discuss the current scientific explanation behind Bryce Canyon's unique geologic history. Check at the visitor center for current information.

Park Ranger interacting with visitors during an Interpretive progam along the rim of Bryce Canyon

nps photo

Park Ranger interacting with visitors during an interpretive walk along the rim of Bryce Canyon

RIM WALK
When: Daily - Spring, Summer & Fall
Where: Sunset Point
Duration: 1½ hrs. - 1 mile Roundtrip
Great views, fascinating plant and wildlife stories, a touch of geology, a smattering of cultural history – what more could you want? Join a park ranger for an overview of Bryce Canyon as you stroll along the rim of the Bryce Amphitheater.

Park Ranger interacting with children during an interpretive program

nps photo

Ranger and children enjoying a Family program

FAMILY PROGRAMS
When: Almost Daily - Summer
Where: North Campground Picnic Area
Duration: 1 hr.
All of Bryce Canyon's ranger programs are family friendly, but these in particular are fun for kids and parents alike. Rangers present a wide range of programs appealing to a variety of interests. Check at the visitor center for program topic and age requirements. In person reservations required. Sign up at the visitor center.

Ranger conducting evening program at outdoor amphitheater located at Sunset campground

nps photo

Park Ranger conducting evening program at Sunset Campground amphitheater

EVENING PROGRAMS
When: Nightly - Summer & Fall
Where: Varies
Duration: 1 hr.
Evening programs offer an in-depth look at some of the compelling stories and interesting resources that Bryce Canyon protects. Check at visitor center for topics, start times, and locations.

Visitor using Telescope during night sky program

NPS

Visitor looking through a telescope

ASTRONOMY PROGRAMS
When: click on "more" to see schedule
Where: Varies, check at Visitor Center for specific information
Duration: 1 hr. multimedia show + stargazing with telescopes
Join a park ranger for a celebration of Bryce Canyon's unparalleled night sky. In this last grand sanctuary of natural darkness you can see stars like few places on Earth! more...

NPS

Full Moon Hike

FULL MOON HIKES
When: click on "more" to see schedule
Where: Locations Secret
Duration: 1½ - 2½ hrs. 1-3 miles
The moonlit exploration of our hoodoos is Bryce Canyon's most popular event. Many plan their vacations around these ranger guided activities. Group size is limited to 30 people and in-person reservations can only be made at the visitor center the morning of the intended hike. more...

Snowshoe outing along the rim at Bryce Canyon National Park

nps photo

Snowshoe "Hikers" along the rim

SNOWSHOE HIKES
When: Weekly (if enough snow) - Winter
Where: Varies
Duration: 1½ - 2½ hrs. 1-2 miles
Winter at Bryce is unique.You are treated to a crystal blue sky, solitude and most years, enough snow for snowshoeing! Accompany a park ranger for a snowshoe hike and we will supply the snowshoes! Learn about the winter ecology of our park and how hoodoos are the product of the winter struggle between ice and sun.