Ride Your Bike in the Park

The Shared-use path passes the Bryce Amphitheater between the Visitor Center and Inspiration Point

NPS Photo / Peter Densmore

Enjoy Bryce Canyon at your own pace by riding your bike! Whether you're riding along the first few miles of the park on the Shared-Use Path or taking a longer ride on the main park road, there are biking opportunities for riders of all levels.

Riding the Shared-Use Path

The best way to cycle within the first three miles of the park is by using the Shared-Use Path. It provides 5 miles (8 km) of vehicle-free two-lane path connecting the shuttle station north of the park with the Visitor Center, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point. Note that there is no off-pavement mountain biking, etc. in the park. All cyclists must stay to paved surfaces.

The Shared-Use Path provides a scenic opportunity for pedestrians, leashed pets, cyclists, roller or in-line skaters, longboards, non-motorized scooters, wheelchairs, and cross-country skiers to access the park and surrounding areas.
This 18 mile (29 km) path connects the hoodoos of Red Canyon on the western edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau with Inspiration Point within the park and it generally follows SR-12 and UT-63.

A Typical Visit

Most park visitors will enjoy some portion of the 5 mile (8 km) section connecting Bryce Canyon City and the Shuttle Station to the park Visitor Center, Sunrise Point, Lodge, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point.. If you want to enjoy a bicycle ride but didn't bring one, you can rent an Ebike or Standard bike at the Historic Service Station. Winter visitors might consider cross-country ski and snowshoe rental in Bryce Canyon City.

The path generally climbs in elevation from north to south (Shuttle Station to Inspiration Point), gaining 746 feet and descending 266 feet. For those looking to enjoy more downhill than up, the park shuttle runs from April to October and can accomodate 2 bicycles on its front rack. In this way, one could enjoy a shuttle ride to Inspiration Point and a mostly downhill 5-mile ride back to the shuttle station. Bike racks are located at Inspiration, Sunset, and Sunrise Points as well as the Lodge, Visitor Center, and Shuttle Station.

Shuttle Station to Inspiration Point

• From the Park Shuttle Station it is 2.4 miles (3.9 km) to the Visitor Center, ascending 336 feet and descending 97 feet.
• From the Visitor Center it is 0.8 miles (1.3 km) to the Sunrise Point General Store, ascending 104 feet and descending 26 feet.
• From Sunrise Point it is 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to Inspiration Point, climbing 343 feet and descending 168 feet.

E-bikes and other regulations

• This is a shared use pathway for non-motorized transportation. E-bikes with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.) are also permitted. Please be considerate and watch out for each other.
• Rules for Cyclists: cyclists pass on the left and announced presents when passing. Be careful of your speed especially on downgrades and curves bicyclists are allowed on this path and other paved surfaces within Bryce Canyon National Park use extreme caution on roadways shared with motorized vehicles within the park. Bicycles are not allowed on unpaved surfaces. Please park your bike and walked to scenic viewpoints near the path.
• No horses on the path, no motorized vehicles on the path except for mobility purposes, and pets must be leashed.

Riding the Main Park Road

Riding your bike on the main park road can provide you access to the park beyond Inspiration Point (we recommend the Shared-use Path for the first 3 miles [4.8 km] of the park), but requires you to take your own safety very seriously. Many areas of the main park road have a very narrow shoulder, so you'll be riding along with traffic.

The Main Road

From the northern boundary of the park on UT-63, the main park road is 18 miles (29 km) long. Traveling north to south it ascends 3,091 feet (942 m) and descends 1,759 feet (536 m) with a maximum elevation of 9,135 feet (2,784 m). This is a mountainous road with many curves that may preserve ice and slick conditions in the shade.

Regulations and Safety

• Cyclists must observe all traffic regulations.
• Cyclists must ride single file on all park roadways. 
• Groups of cyclists using park roads must break into groups of 6 riders or less with groups separated by one quarter mile.
• Pull off the road if four or more vehicles stack up behind you.
• During periods of low visibility or between sunset and sunrise, a white light or reflector visible from a distance of at least 500 feet (152 m) in front and a red light or reflector visible from at least 200 feet (61 m) to the rear must be exhibited on the operator or bicycle.
• Wearing a helmet is strongly advised.
• Attach a bright flag on a pole and wear light-colored clothing.
• Watch for falling rocks, drainage grates, and ice on road.

Details

Activity

Biking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

• Pets are permitted on all paved surfaces in the park: campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads, paved viewpoint areas, on the paved trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, and on the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point.
• Pets are not permitted on unpaved trails or viewpoints, in public buildings or on public transportation vehicles. These regulations also apply to pets that are carried.
• Pets must be on a leash at all times; the leash must be no longer than 6 feet.
• Pet owners may not leave pet(s) unattended or tied to an object. Pets may not be left in vehicles while their owners hike. Be aware that idling and generator use is not permitted in park parking lots.
• Pets may not make unreasonable noise.
• Pet owners are required to pick-up after their pets (excrement and other solid waste).

Activity Fee

Yes

Park admission provides access to this activity.

Location

Historic Service Station

Bikes can rented at the Historic Service Station.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

In winter the Shared-use path is typically covered with snow. Cross-country skiers may enjoy this path at that time.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

There are no lights along the Shared-use Path other than those on structures along it such as the Lodge and Visitor Center.

Accessibility Information

Within the park, the Shared-use path has a maximum grade of 5%, a maximum cross slope of 2%, a tread width of 10 feet, and is primarily asphalt with some concrete.