The Bryce Amphitheater in Summer and Winter ![]() ![]()
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Planning a Winter VisitThe stark white of freshly fallen snow, red rocks, blue sky, and evergreen trees--some say Bryce Canyon is even more beautiful in winter! Here at 8,000 feet (2,438 m) the scenery changes dramatically in the colder months, providing unique opportunities to see the park and requiring a very different packing list. Begin by reviewing regular closures and regulations, read about typical weather, and then explore the many ways you can experience this winter wonderland.A Typical Winter VisitA shorter visit should focus on the first 3 miles (4.8 km) of the park, known as the Bryce Amphitheater. After a stop at the Visitor Center just past the fee booths for restrooms, the park gift shop, and other amenities, continue 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the turn for Bryce Point. The road to Bryce Point is 2 miles (3.2 km) long and ends at one of the park's most popular overlooks.
Return toward the main road, then turn right to then see Inspiration Point. Inspiration Point provides easy walks along the rim and a steeper (often icy) walk south to a higher overlook. Continue on to the main road, and turn right back toward the Visitor Center. Your next right turn will be for Sunset Point. In addition to a beautiful view, visitors can enjoy a flat 1.0 mile (1.6 km) walk along the Rim Trail to Sunrise Point and back. For more moderate hikes, the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trails descend from Sunset and Sunrise Points, respectively. Note that the Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop closes every winter. See the Alerts and Conditions page for trail statuses. We strongly recommend traction devices for all winter hikes within the park. Enjoy the suggestions above, and combine with a (40 minute) drive on the Southern Scenic Drive to Rainbow Point, with stops at scenic viewpoints like Natural Bridge on the way back. Note that the Southern Scenic Drive temporarily closes after winter storms. See the Alerts and Conditions page for road statuses.
Enjoy a the Junior Ranger Program or a Ranger Program such as Ranger-led Snowshoe Hikes or rent snowshoes or cross-country skis in Bryce Canyon City (information below). Those who are prepared with traction devices and good winter clothing might enjoy longer, more strenuous day hikes. Stargazing can be spectacular with winter's cold, clear skies. In winter, we face out toward the dimmer outer arms of the Milky Way galaxy. Seeing the faint winter Milky Way is a privilege only available in truly dark places, like Bryce Canyon. Overnight temperatures are very cold, so we recommend Sunset and Inspiration Points as good stargazing locations with nearby parking lots. If you're staying overnight, you can find nearby lodging accomodations or camp within the park. Annual Winter EventsIn addition to daily activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival and Christmas Bird Count are two popular annual events. Seasonal Closures and Operations
![]() Download a Larger Winter Access Map (921 KB) Winter RegulationsSkiing, snowboarding, sledding, etc. off of the rim, into or within the canyon is illegal due to the highly dangerous nature of such activities and the damage to the resource they can cause. The daily freeze-thaw cycles that form our unique hoodoos also make steep sections of the canyon susceptible to slides and rockfalls. WeatherThe weather can change quickly in any season at this high elevation, but winter storms can create some of the most challenging conditions. Review historic weather data below, and check out the 7-day forecast as your visit approaches.
![]() Winter HikingAfter a big snowfall most of the park's day-hiking trails require snowshoes. However, after a few days of melt, and with continued use, the trails become so well packed and icy that snowshoes are no longer effective to provide traction and stable footing. Traction DevicesFor much of the winter the most popular trails are so icy that steep sections cannot be safely traversed without some sort of additional traction device for your hiking shoes or boots. Mountaineering crampons or other, lighter options which fasten over your winter footwear like the one pictured here work well. We recommend wearing these devices throughout the park, especially in parking lots and other paved areas to avoid injuries from slipping and falling. Traction devices are available for purchase at the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association's bookstore at the Visitor Center. SnowshoeingSnowshoeing is allowed throughout the park on all trails. But be aware that though snowshoes make it possible to travel through deep powdery snow, snowshoeing is still a highly strenuous activity. Most snowshoers enjoy walks along the Rim Trail, Bristlecone Loop, Fairyland Road, and Paria Road. Ranger-led Snowshoe Hike Basics
When programs are offered, registration is required as group size is limited and hikes are subject to cancellation. When snow depth and weather permit, sign-up will be offered at the Visitor Center the day of the program beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing until full. No advance sign-up or reservations are available. Full Moon Snoeshoe HikesOne of the rarest ranger programs is a full moon snowshoe hike. Both the full moon date and the weather have to cooperate to create the necessary conditions. Review the Required Equipment for a snowshoe hike, then check out the full moon hike calendar. Cross-country SkiingAnother great way to explore Bryce Canyon is on cross-country skis. Though it is illegal to ski off of the rim into the canyon, you can enjoy a variety of routes above the rim. These include sections of the Rim Trail along the edge of the Main Amphitheater, the Bristlecone Loop Trail; Paria Ski Loop; and the unplowed Paria View and Fairyland Point roads. Snowshoe and Cross-country Ski RentalsThe closest option for renting snowshoes and crosscountry skis is Ruby's Inn Winter Adventure Center in Bryce Canyon City. Winter BackpackingTraversing Bryce Canyon's backcountry is challenging year-round. Winter conditions include deep snow and sub-zero temperatures. Finding and following the trail can be extremely difficult in deep snow. Losing the trail makes it difficult to find the key routes back up to the rim and the Rainbow Point Road. For this and other reasons (open fires are prohibited, the Rainbow Point Road may be closed for several days after a big storm, etc.) winter backcountry permits are issued to only the most experienced and well-prepared adventurers. Ski and/or snowshoe equipment is highly recommended.
Winter AstronomyLong winter nights show off Bryce's beautiful dark skies to perfection. When staffing and weather conditions permit, we offer winter Astronomy Programs. For availability, check the Calendar page or at the Visitor Center upon arrival. Full Moon Hikes also continue year-round. For safety reasons, inclement weather and/or air temperature/wind chill below 10° F (-12° C) may force cancellation of the event. ![]() NPS / Keith Moore |
Last updated: February 13, 2023