Full Moon Hikes

NPS Photo / Gaelyn Olmsted

 

You are cordially invited to celebrate Bryce Canyon's thrilling Night-Life! Check your calendar and join us for a uniquely "Bryce" experience.

During full moons, (1-2 consecutive nights each month), when the mix of shadows and moonlight cause the hoodoos to take on spooky personalities, we offer 1-2 mile-long moonlit hikes.

Typically (but depending on staffing) the park offers two hike options--a more strenuous hike that descends down into the canyon along steep and rocky trails and an easier hike that travels along the rim of the plateau.

 

Example of a permissible shoe for full moon hikes. You must wear or bring your lug traction footwear when getting your lottery ticket.

General Rules

Due to the nature of this special activity all participants must agree to the following rules:

• Children 7 and younger are not permitted.
• Hiking boots or hiking shoes (lug soles) in good condition are required for your safety and the safety of Park Staff and other Participant(s).
• White light flashlights, headlamps are not allowed to be used during the hike (you may bring them for later use). Red light flashlights and headlamps are permitted as necessary. Flash photography may be permitted under key restrictions.
• Bring drinking water and a jacket - night time temperatures can be cold.
• Due to steep and rocky trails this activity is not wheelchair accessible.

 

Full Moon Lottery Information

The number of visitors we can accommodate on our Full Moon Hikes is limited for safety reasons.
Full Moon lotteries are held at 4 p.m. in the Visitor Center theater. All those hoping to join a Full Moon Hike must arrive at the Visitor Center a few minutes before 4 p.m. (Mountain Time) to be included in the lottery. Latecomers will not be allowed to participate.

Each person in your group must be present at the lottery with the hiking shoes/boots they plan to wear. Once your footwear has passed inspection, one lottery ticket will be issued per group. See section above for more information on footwear.

The Ranger giving you the lottery ticket will write the number in your party (maximum of 6) on the back of your lottery ticket. If your lottery ticket is drawn, only the number of people written on the back of the winning lottery ticket will be issued hiker tickets.

Contact us for more information about the lottery at [e-mail].
Hikes are canceled for cloudy skies or temperatures less than 10 degrees Farenheit (-12C).

 

2023 Moon Hike Schedule

DAY	DATES	TICKET INFO	ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
4/Wed	Jan	Ticket Required	For registration, read lottery info above.
4/Sat	Feb	Ticket Required	For registration, read lottery info above.
7/Tue	Mar	Ticket Required	For registration, read lottery info above.
NA	Apr	No Hike Offered	No hike offered due to staff training
5/Fri	May	Ticket Required	For registration, read lottery info above.
3/Sat	Jun	Ticket Required	For registration, read lottery info above.
3/Mon	Jul	Ticket Required	For registration, read lottery info above.
1/Tue	Aug	Ticket Required	For registration, read lottery info above.
29/Fri	Sept	Ticket Required	For registration, read lottery info above.
NA	Oct	No Hike Offered	No hike offered due to staffing.
	Nov	No Hike Offered	No hike offered due to staffing.
NA	Dec	No Hike Offered	No hike offered due to staffing.

*Dates and Program(s) are subject to change. Check the Visitor Center for up-to-date information.

 

Winter Full Moon Snowshoe Hike

Possible November - March (snowpack depth must exceed 16")

During Winter full moons when snow levels are at 16" or higher, we offer our full moon hikes as a snowshoe activity for free. All other moon hike details remain the same, but the addition of snowshoes does make this a more strenous activity. Come visit the Visitor Center or explore our website for additional Winter Activity information.