[BUS] Shuttle is optional
The park shuttle runs in the Bryce Amphitheater from April 3 to October 18, 2026. It is not required. Buses usually come every 15 minutes. Show an entrance pass when you board outside the park.
FIELD GUIDE / SUMMER 2026
Bryce Canyon National Park
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Conditions change. Follow signs and ranger orders.
Current conditions
Drink one quart of water every one to two hours to prepare for high elevations between 8,000 and 9,100 feet. Vehicles 23 feet or longer face parking limits at major viewpoints during the shuttle season.
[WATER] High elevation and little trail water
The park sits near 8,000 to 9,100 ft. Drink about 1 quart every 1 to 2 hours. Fill bottles at hydration stations before you hike. Afternoon lightning is common in July and August.
[PARK] Long vehicles have parking limits
During shuttle season, vehicles 23 ft or longer cannot park at the visitor center, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, or the lodge unless you are a lodge guest. Paria View has this limit all year.
[X] Under-the-Rim Trail damage
Parts of the Under-the-Rim Trail are in poor condition. You hike it at your own risk. Carry a map. Rescue can be slow.
[CELL] Do not depend on a phone signal
Free public Wi-Fi is at the visitor center and at Bryce Canyon Lodge when those buildings are open. Do not depend on a mobile signal on trails or the south road.
NPS conditions (large page)
Services by place
Major places list all five services. Seasonal services may be closed.
- Bryce Canyon City / shuttle station
Food: Yes Water: Yes Toilets: Yes Fuel: Yes Signal: Strong - Visitor Center
Food: No Water: Yes Toilets: Yes Fuel: No Signal: Limited - Sunrise Point / General Store
Food: Seasonal Water: Yes Toilets: Seasonal Fuel: No Signal: Limited - Sunset Point
Food: No Water: No Toilets: Yes Fuel: No Signal: Weak - Inspiration Point
Food: No Water: No Toilets: Yes Fuel: No Signal: Weak - Bryce Point
Food: No Water: No Toilets: No Fuel: No Signal: Weak
Bryce Canyon City / shuttle station ↑
Do this: Buy fuel, food, and extra water here. Board the shuttle here in season if amphitheater lots are full.
- Food, water: Yes in town.
- Toilets: Yes at the shuttle station and in town.
- Fuel: Yes in town. Nearest dump station alternative is the Sinclair in Bryce Canyon City.
- Signal: Usually better than inside the park.
The best place to board the shuttle is before you enter the park.
Visitor Center ↑
Do this: Stop here first for maps, current trail news, and Wi-Fi. Fill water before you hike.
- Food: No meals. Bookstore only.
- Water: Yes. Hydration stations are in developed areas; start here.
- Toilets: Yes when the building is open.
- Signal: Limited. Free public Wi-Fi when the visitor center is open.
The visitor center is 1 mile inside the park at about 7,894 ft. It is open daily. Check current hours.
Sunrise Point / General Store ↑
Do this: Buy water and snacks at the General Store when it is open. Start Queen's Garden from here.
- Food: Seasonal grab-and-go food at the General Store. Typically closed January through March.
- Water: Yes when the store or nearby facilities are open. Carry more for the trail.
- Toilets: Seasonal at the General Store and historic service station.
- Fuel: No vehicle fuel. The historic service station rents bikes.
- Signal: Limited. Do not depend on it.
North Campground is nearby. The General Store sells camping supplies and bottled water.
Sunset Point ↑
Do this: Use the restroom here, then carry all water for Navajo Loop or the combination hike.
- Water: No dependable trail water. Fill bottles before you leave developed areas.
- Toilets: Yes year-round.
- Signal: Weak or unavailable.
A main trailhead for Navajo Loop and the Rim Trail. Lots fill early.
Inspiration Point ↑
Do this: Park once or use the shuttle. Do not leave a car here for a long hike during shuttle season.
- Toilets: Yes in summer.
- Signal: Weak or unavailable.
One of the four main amphitheater overlooks in the first 3 miles of the road.
Bryce Point ↑
Do this: A popular sunrise viewpoint. Carry water. Do not depend on services here.
- Toilets: No dependable toilets at the point.
- Signal: Weak or unavailable.
Overlook and trailhead. Vehicles 23 ft or longer cannot park here in shuttle season.
Other places
- Rainbow Point — Fill the tank and carry food and water before you leave the amphitheater. This is the end of the 18-mile road. Water: No dependable drinking water. · Toilets: Yes year-round when the south road is open. · Signal: Unreliable or unavailable. Elevation is over 9,000 ft. Farview Point and Rainbow Point restrooms depend on winter road conditions. The shuttle does not come here.
- Mossy Cave — Treat this as a separate stop. Carry water. Do not expect food or fuel. Water: No dependable drinking water. · Toilets: Yes year-round at the trailhead. · Signal: Unreliable or unknown. A separate trailhead, not on the main 18-mile road or the shuttle.
- North Campground — Reserve a site before you arrive. Leave the car and use the shuttle in season. Food: Seasonal food at the nearby General Store. · Water: Yes at the campground when operating. Open year-round. Reservation only in 2026. Sunset Campground is nearby and closed in winter.
Drive times
Summer estimates without long stops. Traffic, wildlife, weather, and road work can cause delays.
Bryce Canyon City to visitor center
Bryce Canyon City / shuttle station → UT-63 south → 1 mile inside the park → visitor center
The visitor center is 1 mile inside the park boundary. Buy fuel and extra water in town first.
Visitor center to Sunset Point
Visitor center → short drive or shuttle → Sunrise Point → Sunset Point
These stops sit in the first 3 miles of the main road. Parking can fill. Use the shuttle in season.
Amphitheater shuttle
Shuttle station → visitor center → Sunset Campground → Bryce Point → Inspiration Point → Sunset Point → lodge → Sunrise Point
The shuttle serves the amphitheater only. It does not go to Rainbow Point.
Visitor center to Rainbow Point
Visitor center → 18-mile Southern Scenic Drive → Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point
Drive the full road, then stop at viewpoints on the way back. The south road can close after winter storms.
Amphitheater to Mossy Cave
Visitor center → leave the main park road → Mossy Cave Trailhead
Mossy Cave is a separate trailhead. It is not on the shuttle. It has a year-round restroom.
Help
Emergency: call 911. Tell the dispatcher your location, direction of travel, vehicle, and problem.
Park information: 435-834-5322
This independent guide is not the National Park Service and is not an emergency service.
Permits
Entrance pass
An entrance pass is required. There is no timed entry and no reservation to enter the park. This park does not accept cash.
Shuttle boarding
The shuttle is free with park admission. Show your pass when you board outside the park. A vehicle pass covers the people in that vehicle.
Campground reservation
North and Sunset campgrounds require a reservation. Book on Recreation.gov. North Campground is open year-round. Sunset Campground is closed in winter.
Backcountry permit
Overnight backcountry travel needs a permit from the visitor center. Peak-season permits can be reserved on Recreation.gov up to three months ahead. Check in at the visitor center before you start.
Oversize vehicles
Vehicles 23 ft or longer have parking limits in the amphitheater during shuttle season. Paria View has this limit all year.
Short hikes
Distances are one way unless marked as a loop. Check trail closures.
- Sunset Point / Queen's Garden / Navajo Combination Loop: 2.9 mi loop. Most popular day hike. High elevation. Steep return. Carry water.
- Sunset Point / Rim Trail, Sunset to Sunrise: 0.5 mi. Paved. Pets are allowed on this section. Other trails are not open to pets.
- Rainbow Point / Bristlecone Loop: 1 mi. Hard surface. Some grades are steep. No shuttle. No water.
- Mossy Cave / Mossy Cave Trail: Short. Separate trailhead. Year-round restroom. Carry water.