Winter Closures - 2010

Date: October 6, 2010
Contact: Virginia Thiel, 435.834.5322

MANY SUMMER SERVICES TO END SOON AT BRYCE CANYON

Bryce Canyon, Utah – While Bryce Canyon National Park remains open year round and showcases some of its most striking vistas during the winter season, some peak season facilities and amenities will close soon in preparation for winter's cold and snow.

The final day for shuttle service in the park, including the Rainbow Point Shuttle Tour, is Sunday, October 10. Shuttle service will resume in the spring.

Reservations for the Bryce Canyon Lodge, operated by Forever Resorts, will be accepted through the night of November 13. The lodge restaurant & gift shop, general store & showers and the Sunrise Motel will all close at 12 noon on Sunday, November 14. The Western Cabins and the Sunset Motel portion of the lodge will close at 12 noon on Monday, November 1. The final day for horseback and mule rides operated by Canyon Trail Rides will be Sunday, October 31, subject to weather cooperation. Snowstorms or other adverse weather may hasten the closing date for the trail rides.

The Visitor Center and Bryce Canyon Natural History Association Bookstore as well as the Backcountry Permit desk will remain open throughout the winter. Starting Sunday, October 3, operational hours will be reduced to 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Ranger-led programs will be offered throughout the winter, transitioning to snowshoe hikes as weather permits. Visitor Center hours will change to 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting Sunday, November 7.

Sunset Campground will close for the season Friday, October 15. North Campground will remain open throughout the winter, with some loops closing as visitation decreases and snowfall makes loop roads impassable. The North Campground dump station will also close October 15, or possibly earlier if adverse weather requires the water system to be drained to prevent frozen pipes. Dump facilities are available outside the park during winter months.

Bryce Canyon National Park's main road will remain open through the winter, subject to road closures after heavy snowfall. The Fairyland Point and Paria View spur roads will be closed and intentionally left unplowed to provide a surface for cross-country skiers.

Once snow and daytime freezing temperatures increase, hikers are encouraged to prepare by dressing warmly and hiking with snowshoes or under-boot traction devices. Trails dropping below the rim are open to snowshoeing and hiking, but hikers are encouraged to check with the Visitor Center for weather updates and avalanche conditions. Cross country skiing is permitted and encouraged above the rim, but no skiing, snowboarding, or other sliding is allowed over the rim down the canyon slopes.

Additional information can also be obtained by visiting the park's website at www.nps.gov/brca or by calling the park's main information line at [phone].