Know Before You Go: Bryce Canyon National Park Tour

Established as a national park in 1929, Bryce Canyon is one of the lesser-visited of the Utah Mighty Five, but it’s one of the most spectacular.

With Shaka Guide, we’ll take you to viewpoints to see Bryce’s famous hoodoos, you’ll have the option of hiking six trails and you can stop by the visitor center to learn more about the park and speak with a ranger!

Here’s what you need to know if you’re taking Shaka Guide’s Bryce Canyon National Park Tour!

Start Planning!

The tour starts in Bryce Canyon City.
There is a $35 per car entrance fee for Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon is open 24 hours per day, however, we do not recommend exploring the park at night.
The visitor center is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with extended hours in the summer.
We recommend starting the tour by 8 a.m. to visit all the stops in one day and find parking (arrive earlier if you want to watch the sunrise over Bryce Amphitheater).
Please check weather conditions and the NPS website in advance - some trails close due to inclement weather.
If you're driving an RV, you cannot park in any of the Bryce Amphitheater lots unless it's before 8 am or after 8 pm.
Do not touch or feed the wildlife in the park.
Please observe all speed limits both within and outside of the park.

Check out our Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary to see where the tour goes!

What to Expect

1. Start Early!

The park gates open at 8 a.m. and we recommend getting there right at opening.

That way, you’ll be able to maximize your time and see all 13 viewpoints without worrying about finding parking.

2. Spend the Day at Bryce!

Most people spend about 4-5 hours at Bryce Canyon, but we recommend setting aside at least 8 hours to be able to explore all of the viewpoints, some hiking trails, and the surrounding Bryce Canyon City.

While Bryce can be seen in just a day, several days is recommended – especially for those who enjoy hiking and exploring.

Shaka Guide’s Bryce Canyon National Park Tour will give you all the highlights for a day trip.

3. Hit the Trails!

Our tour takes you through the Heritage Highway and Scenic ByWay12, so by the time you get to Bryce Canyon, you’re going to want to stretch those legs!

There are numerous hiking trails that take you all over and through the famous Bryce Canyon hoodoos. We’ll recommend 6 hikes on the tour.

But in the park, you’ll find hikes that vary from very easy to very strenuous, so there’s a little something to get the blood pumping for all skill levels!

4. Sample the Local Fare!

While there is a restaurant inside the park gates, the surrounding Bryce Canyon City is home to several dining options for every budget and palate, including an ice cream parlor - save room for a scoop after a full day of touring.

5. Learn Everything You Can!

Bryce Canyon National Park boasts numerous conservation efforts and educational programs.

We encourage you to spend some time in the Visitor’s Center, where you’ll be able to wander through educational exhibits, watch films about the local wildlife, and chat with the park rangers about the geological talks and special events they host every day.

On the tour, we’ll tell you stories about the spots you’re visiting and you’ll learn all about the park’s unique geology.

Budgeting

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs:

$35.00 per car: Bryce Canyon National Park Entrance Fee
$25.00: Lunch/snacks
$30.00: Dinner
$80.00-$100.00: Horseback tours through the canyon
$80.00-$100.00: Guided ATV tours through the canyon
$50.00: Souvenirs

Safety Information

Bryce Canyon’s National Park Tour is much more than just a tour inside the park, which means that you’ll do a lot of driving.

Hiking Safety: Bring water. Hike in groups. Stay away from ledges. Don’t overdo it; if you’re not comfortable with the difficulty of a hike, don’t attempt it.
Driving Safety: Always observe the speed limits. Some of the tour is along a school bus route, so please be mindful and respectful of sudden stops.
Wildlife: Do not feed or pet wildlife.

Start Packing!

Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.

Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots
Hiking Clothes: lightweight layers and pants with pockets
Backpack
Phone or camera
Hiking stick
Refillable water bottle
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Sun Glasses and/or Hat
Snacks
Car Charger *Very Important*
Phone Mount

Shaka Guide’s Bryce Canyon National Park Tour By The Numbers

Let us break it down for you! This tour features:

14 amazing viewpoints of some of the most unique geological features in the entire world
6 hiking trails for all ages and skill levels
2 scenic drives full of historical stories

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Ready to take our Bryce Canyon National Park Tour? Bryce is right in the middle of Zion National Park and Capitol Reef National Park, so often folks will plan to visit all three parks during their Utah trip.