Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most unique destinations in the country. With extraordinary rock formations and scenic views everywhere you look, you’ll be blown away by this one-of-a-kind landscape.
To experience Bryce Canyon this winter, we recommend traveling in a campervan! They’re comfortable, convenient, and put you right in the heart of the action!
Keep reading to learn more about road tripping to Bryce Canyon, including where to stop along the way and the awesome activities to enjoy.
About Bryce Canyon National Park
Located in Southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for having the largest display of hoodoos in the world. These are tall, distinctive rock formations that make the park so famous. Beyond these unique features, the area also has excellent camping, hiking, biking, and more!
Where to Stop Along the Way
As you begin your road trip to Bryce Canyon, be sure to check out the following destinations on the ride over:
Driving North
Arizona is packed full of incredible adventure destinations. First, you can’t pass up the town of Sedona. Red rocks scatter the landscape, providing top-notch photo opportunities around every corner. The area is also a hiking mecca, with trails found all over. A few of our favorites are Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge. Another destination you have to check out is Grand Canyon National Park. Even if you only pass through, it’s well worth the visit. Seeing the canyon in person offers some of the most memorable views on the planet!
Heading West
On a western drive, consider stopping in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This massive natural preserve offers exceptional hiking trails, great views, boating opportunities, and much more. Another amazing area along this route is Southwestern Colorado. Here you’ll find exhilarating ski resorts, like Telluride, Wolf Creek, and Purgatory. You should also check out the area’s hot springs for a relaxing soak after a long drive. A few other cool stops along the journey include Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve; and Taos, New Mexico.
Driving South
Headed south? If so, northern Utah offers quite a bit of winter adventure. First off, this area is one of the best skiing regions in the country! That said, we recommend shredding down the slopes at a few famous resorts, such as Park City, Alta, or Snowbird. These are all within a short drive from Salt Lake City! If you pass through the great state of Idaho, you’ll be rewarded with sensational mountain views. We recommend visiting any of the towns near the Sawtooth Mountains.
Heading East
If you’re headed east, consider stopping at Lake Mead. This large reservoir is beautiful to look at, and you can also find multiple hiking trails in the area. Check out Historic Railroad Trail, Redstone, or Owl Canyon. If you’re looking for more awesome winter exploring, stop by Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area outside Las Vegas. This area is a rock climber’s dream! A few other must-see destinations along this drive include Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes, and Kings Canyon National Park.
Outdoor Activities Amongst the Hoodoos
Bryce Canyon National Park is an adventure paradise. With countless hiking trails and exploration around every turn, this place is one of the top outdoor destinations in the Southwest.
If you’re looking to get in on the excitement, check out our favorite activities in the area below:
Hiking
Hiking is by far the most popular activity in the park. You’ll find trails for all ability levels, including long backpacking routes. However, keep in mind Bryce Canyon does get snow, so come prepared with the right footwear and hiking gear. For easy day hikes, we recommend Mossy Cave or Bristlecone Loop. A few moderate hikes are Navajo Loop and Tower Bridge. If you’re looking for something a bit more strenuous, check out Hat Shop or Peekaboo Loop. These hikes feature magnificent rock formations, expansive views, beautiful wildlife, and more!
Sightseeing
Whether from a hiking trail or the seat of your campervan, incredible sights are found all over Bryce Canyon. One spot you can’t miss is Inspiration Point. This fantastic viewpoint puts you high above a beautiful display of hoodoos that fill the landscape before you. If you want to take things a bit higher, visit Bryce Point. This area is actually 200 feet higher than Inspiration Point, offering a unique perspective of the gorgeous terrain.
Wildlife Viewing
Aside from the epic rock formations and scenic views, Bryce Canyon is also home to a number of animals. Hummingbirds, Rocky Mountain Elk, Pronghorn, and Peregrine Falcon are often seen roaming through the forested plateau and amphitheaters. On very rare occasions, you may catch a glimpse of a black bear or mountain lion.
Scenic Drives
If it’s too cold outside, a scenic drive could be the ideal activity. One scenic route we recommend is the Southern Scenic Drive. This route starts three miles from the beginning of the park entrance in the north and goes 15 miles until the road ends. This section of the park features some hidden gems, which are on display at the road’s nine scenic overlooks.
Snowshoeing
As Bryce Canyon National Park does experience snow this time of year, snowshoeing is a beloved activity for many. Keep in mind this activity is best when the park has at least 12 inches of snow. While you can snowshoe on all hiking trails within the park, a few popular routes include Bristlecone Loop, Fairyland Road, and Rim Trail.
Camping
If you’re looking to camp in Bryce Canyon, there are two campgrounds available, but only one is open year-round—North Campground. This campground offers 100 first-come, first-served campsites; 50 RV sites and 46 tent-only sites. However, only 30 sites remain open during the winter months. This campground features flush toilets, fire grates, and potable water.
Travel Tips
Follow these travel tips to have the time of your life in Bryce Canyon:
- Make reservations well in advance
- Use the park’s shuttle service during busy periods
- Check out Navajo Loop Trail and Queens Garden Trail to see the most famous hoodoos in the park
- Go stargazing for a memorable nighttime show
These useful travel tips can help you enjoy the very best of Bryce Canyon!
Map
Check out these links and locations of the area’s top attractions:
Hiking Trails
- Mossy Cave: Located in the northern end of the park off SR 12
- Navajo Loop: Begins at Sunset Point
Campgrounds
- North Campground: Located across the road from the visitor center
- Sunset Campground: Found 1.5 miles south of the visitor center
Visitor Centers
- Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center: Located near the park entrance
Hidden Gems
Looking for some lesser-known spots in Bryce Canyon? Check out these must-see hidden gem hiking trails below:
- Upper Calf Creek Falls
- Coyote Gulch
- Willis Creek
These trails are a sure way to find some peace and quiet!
Experience Bryce Canyon in a New Campervan!
If you’re ready for a winter adventure in Bryce Canyon National Park, Rec Van wants to help you get there. We’re happy to carry a wide variety of new and used campervans! Whether you need a basic RV or an adventure van with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered.
Browse through our van inventory today, and give us a call with any questions!
