Bryce Canyon National Park Public Health Update

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Bryce Canyon Offers Full Park Access with COVID-19 Precautions in Place

Following the guidance of state and local public health authorities, Bryce Canyon is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Current Regulations

In accordance with the President's Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, face masks are now required in all federal buildings and facilities. Masks are also required on public lands when physical distancing cannot be maintined, including narrow or busy trails and overlooks. Read more.

 

Bryce Canyon Operations as of November 9

Download a Larger Access Map (1.3 MB)

 

Current Park Information

Current Access to the Park

Key Areas and Services that visitors currently have access to:

• All regularly open roads, trails, and viewpoints. Note seasonal closures are now in effect. Check the alerts section for latest information. Regular closures include:

  Main Road at Mile 3	Closes after snowstorms until plow crews reopen safe access.
  Fairyland Road	Open.
  Paria View Road	Open.
  Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop Trail	Closed due to extreme rock fall hazard.
  Rim Trail between Inspiration and Bryce Points	Closed due to snow cornices/steep and narrow cliffs.

• Visitor Center and NHA bookstore: outdoor and indoor operations from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The theater remains closed, and in accordance with regional public health guidance on group gatherings, indoor visitor occupancy will be limited for retail or restroom access only.
• In the Bryce Amphitheater area, restrooms are available at Sunset Point (24 hrs) and the Visitor Center (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

• Along the southern Scenic Drive, restrooms are available at Farview and Rainbow Points (24 hrs)

• North Campground is open for first-come-first-serve-camping.
• Backcountry camping permits are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Visitor Center
• The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is still offering lodging, but has ended restaurant service for the season.
• Fee booths are currently open and collecting fees / inspecting park passes

Ranger Programs

Visit the Ranger Program page or visit the Calendar page for programs, program details, and how to sign up.
Social distancing markers will be in place at program locations and enforced by rangers. Masks are strongly recommended.

Visitation Tips

• Consider buying your park admission in advance by visiting recreation.gov/pass
• Early bird gets the worm: sunrise and early mornings before 10 a.m. are a great time to visit and find less visitors along trails and at popular overlooks.
• Take a scenic drive (when not closed after a snowstorm) to the southern end of the park during the busiest times between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and enjoy some of the quieter overlooks and picnic areas. Visitors are encouraged to drive the entire 18-mile scenic drive to Rainbow Point and work their way back to the park entrance so that all overlooks will be on your right-hand (east) side of the road.
• Be prepared for the weather! Check a current forecast at our Current Conditions page.

 

Credit RecreateResponsibly.org

Recreate Responsibly

While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, please follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

• Know before you go. Visit NPS.gov/findapark for current park conditions and availability of restrooms and other facilities. Make a plan, follow the 10 Essentials, and if you are sick, stay home.
• Keep it close. Follow the state and county orders governing the open status of the area you’re considering visiting. The National Park Service is working closely with governors and state and local health departments as we increase access and services across the National Park System.
• Keep your distance. Recreate with the people in your household. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail, at a boat launch, or in a parking lot. Follow the CDC social distancing guidelines for staying six feet away from others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth if you’re near others.
• Know your limits. Postpone challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks, and communities continue to concentrate on responding to the pandemic.
• Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas . Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Visitor and Resource Protection Rangers are conducting regular and targeted patrols to enforce closures and park regulations

Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations authorizes a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to six months in prison for misdemeanor violations.

National Park Service Public Health Service Officers Recommend that Everyone Should Take the Following Routine Precautions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use >60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or do so into your elbow. Dispose of the tissue and wash your hands again.
• In the office, keep 6 feet of separation between yourself and others to reduce the potential spread of infection.
• Use virtual tools instead of holding in-person meetings.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Most important, if you experience flu symptoms or any serious infection or virus, please stay home to avoid exposing others.

More tips on how to Recreate Responsibly in your national parks.