News Release

Bryce Canyon full moon hikes moving to Recreation.gov

A full moon rises over Bryce Canyon National Park.

NPS Photo/Gaelyn Olmsted

News Release Date: April 4, 2024

Beginning May 8, those planning to join a ranger-led full moon hike at Bryce Canyon National Park will be able to make reservations online via Recreation.gov. This will replace the old system, in which visitors were required to attend a 4 p.m. ticket lottery at the Visitor Center on the day of the hike. 

Full moon hikes for up to 25 visitors will continue to be offered each month on the night of the full moon. Tickets for each month’s hike will be released in two phases, with 15 tickets released 14 days in advance and an additional 10 tickets released five days in advance. Tickets will be released at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, and will be first-come, first-served. Individual reservations are limited to six tickets each. A $1 processing fee per reservation will cover the cost of Recreation.gov services. 

“This change aligns our popular full moon hike program with the digital pass, private horse ride and campground reservation options already available on Recreation.gov,” said park superintendent Jim Ireland, “By moving reservations online, Bryce Canyon visitors will be able to plan their full moon experiences days in advance rather than orient their vacation plans around an uncertain outcome from a same-day, in-person lottery system.” 

Visitors must be at least 8 years old to join a ranger-led full moon hike. Due to low-light conditions and loose rocks on park trails, participants are also required to wear lug-soled hiking footwear for safety. 

For more information on full moon dates and hike requirements, visit go.nps.gov/BryceMoon.