The Ultimate 1-Day Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park
Our visit to Bryce Canyon National Park was part of our unforgettable Utah Mighty 5 National Park Road Trip. We spent just one day here, sandwiched between Zion National Park and Capitol Reef National Park, which ended up being the perfect amount of time to hit all the must-see spots.
Early Morning Start: Sunrise at Bryce Canyon
We kicked off the day bright and early, leaving Zion at 5 a.m. to ensure we arrived in time to watch the sunrise at the iconic Sunrise Point near the Navajo Loop Trailhead. Watching the sun break over the horizon was magical, with the soft light illuminating the unique hoodoos and rock formations that Bryce is famous for. We spent the first 45 minutes soaking in the views and exploring the area around the trailhead.
Pro tip: It can get chilly at sunrise, even in the summer, so bring layers! You’ll thank us when those early morning temps drop before the sun fully rises.
Main Hike: Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail
After sunrise, we began our main hike—the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail. This popular 3-mile loop has about 652 feet of elevation gain and typically takes 1.5 hours to complete, but we took closer to 2 hours since we stopped for photos and to enjoy the incredible scenery. Most hikers take the trail counterclockwise, which allows you to descend the steeper switchbacks of the Navajo Loop first, then gradually climb out of the canyon via the Queens Garden Trail. This direction is definitely the “easier” option - we however hiked the opposite direction (not realizing it was the more difficult route to take) and our legs were feeling it during the switchbacks at the end.
Along the way, you'll pass iconic Bryce Canyon sights like Queens Garden, Thor's Hammer, Two Bridges, and the famous Wall Street. The Queens Garden area is particularly breathtaking with its towering hoodoos and unique rock formations.
Extra Time? Try the Fairyland Loop Trail
If you have a bit more time to explore (4-5 hours), we highly recommend the Fairyland Loop Trail. Located just north of the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail, this more challenging 7.9-mile hike comes with 1,555 feet of elevation gain. It’s ideal for active hikers looking for a longer, more strenuous adventure. Be prepared for plenty of sun exposure—bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat to stay cool.
Pro tip: For both hikes, plan for water and sun protection, especially on the more exposed trails like Fairyland Loop.
Our Quick Visit: Half-Day in Bryce
Overall, we spent half a day in Bryce Canyon before heading toward Capitol Reef National Park. We felt we saw the highlights without feeling rushed. If you're also heading to Capitol Reef, we discovered a hidden gem for a late lunch on the way: Burr Trail Grill. Their French dip and homemade pie were some of the best meals we had on the trip—and we still rave about it years later!
Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks to see everywhere we explored on our road trip.
