Current Conditions

Alerts

 

Current Conditions

Winter Weather Update, 1/25/2023

Road Status: See Alerts above.
Snow in the Bryce Amphitheater area: 26 inches
Snow along the Southern Scenic Drive: 36 inches
Road Conditions: Partially covered in compacted snow, ice possible in shaded areas.
The Southern Scenic Drive (Miles 3 to 18) is expected to remain closed into February. Read more in the "Roads" drop-down section below.
Trail Conditions: Snow-compacted with patches of ice, especially in shaded areas.
Recommended Equipment: Boots and footwear traction devices are recommended for both walkways and hiking below the rim.

Read more about winter activities and trip planning

Roads

Check the Alerts above for current road conditions and closure messages. For road conditions outside the park, visit https://www.udottraffic.utah.gov/

Current Delay to the Reopening of the Southern Scenic Drive (January 24, 2022):

While the iconic Bryce Amphitheater area's viewpoints, roads, and trails are open for winter adventure, estimates for the reopening of the Southern Scenic Drive (Miles 3 to 18 of the Main Road) have been extended from days to weeks due to an inoperable loader-mounted snowblower.

So why is a broken snowblower holding everything up? Well once snow depth gets beyond a few feet, or if the snow is especially wet, plows are no longer able to push the snow from the road. In these situations, our loader-mounted snowblower is the only tool capable of cutting a path that snowplows can then work to widen.

Unfortunately, though a new snowblower was purchased in June, manufacturer supply chain challenges have delayed its arrival to the park. We anticipate that this functional blower will arrive at the end of the month, and we will share an updated timeline when it becomes available. We invite you to read more about The Road to Rainbow Point and park snow removal operations.

Winter Road Closures

Following snowstorms, the main park road closes temporarily at mile marker 3 to allow snow plow crews to clear snow from the higher elevations of the park's scenic southern drive. Closures typically last a day or more, depending on snowstorm durations. Along the first three miles of the main road, the Bryce Amphitheater area (which includes Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point) is the first area to be plowed, so it remains accessible even during temporary closures of the scenic southern drive.

There are only two roads that are closed to vehicle traffic for the entire winter season: the 1 mile (1.6 km) road leading to Fairyland Point and the 0.3 mile (0.5 km) road leading to Paria View. These two spur roads close after snow levels begin to require plow removal, but remain accessible for hikers, cross-country skiiers, and snowshoers.

Trails

Temporary Trail Closures in Effect

• The Wall Street side of Navajo Loop is now closed for the season. The trail typically reopens in April or May, depending on the absence of freezing overnight temperatures and precipitation.
• The 1.5-mile section of Rim Trail between Bryce Point and Inspiration Point is closed due to dangerous snow cornices.
• The Agua Canyon Connecting Trail from Ponderosa Point remains closed due to rockfall.
• Check the Alerts Section for any additional closures.

Backcountry Under-the-Rim Trail Damage and Hiker Advisory

Due to deteriorated trail conditions, those hiking the Under-the-Rim trail must understand that they do so at their own risk. Strong wayfinding skills are a must, and responses to emergency situations may be difficult and delayed.

Fire Restrictions

Lighting or maintaining a fire is prohibited in all areas except:

• Designated campgrounds and picnic areas in government provided grills or fireplaces or personally provided grills. Campfires are restricted to established campfire grates, or personally provided grills.

When conditions of high wildfire dangers are reached within the park, additional fire and smoking prohibitions may be in place. While the public will be notified when such restrictions exist, this may occur without prior public notice.

Read more and find a map of state-wide fire restrictions.

Weather

NOAA provides a current weather forecast for Bryce Canyon and surrounding areas. Our weather page can provide a good idea of what the weather might be like at various times of year.

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Lightning is a year-round possibility, but it's most common (and most dangerous!) during summer thunderstorms in July and August.

Flash Flood Information

Current watches, warnings, and forecasts.

 

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Hazardous Weather Conditions

Lat: 37.64128875732422 Long: -112.168701171875

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Current Air Quality

View from Yovimpa Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah (looking east).

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Latest COVID-19 Update

Garfield County, which includes Bryce Canyon National Park, is in MEDIUM community level transmission. Therefore, wearing a mask in federal buildings at Bryce Canyon National Park is optional.

In areas CDC identifies as high COVID-19 community level, masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings, regardless of vaccination status. In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, but visitors should follow signs and instructions from park staff and volunteers. Visitors and employees are always welcome to wear a mask if it makes them more comfortable.

Mask requirements vary by park based on CDC's COVID-19 Community Level tool. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.