Just 265 miles northeast of the Las Vegas Strip lies over 35,000 acres of natural and scenic wonder. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the breathtaking marvels of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah! The drive from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon is approximately 4 hours, with most of the drive consisting of the I-15 interstate.

History

Bryce Canyon National Park, located in south-central Utah, was initially deemed a national monument in 1923. Administered by the U.S. Forest Service, their goal was to preserve the "unusual scenic beauty, scientific interest, and importance" of this landscape.

In June of 1924, Bryce Canyon National Monument was transferred to the National Park Service and became "Utah National Park." Four years later, Utah National Park was officially renamed "Bryce Canyon National Park" after pioneer Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded in the area.

Geology

Bryce Canyon National Park attracts travelers from all over the world to experience its one-of-a-kind geological formations. Bryce Canyon is home to the most extensive collection of hoodoos; tall and thin spires of limestone, dolomite, and siltstone layers. The hoodoos found at Bryce Canyon are approximately 60 million years old and get their fantastic shape from decades of weathering and erosion. Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon are typically bright orange and light tan, and can be anywhere from 5 to 150 feet tall!

Things to Do

There are many ways you can explore and experience the grandeur of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. Some Bryce Canyon bucket-list activities include sightseeing, hiking, horseback riding, and a helicopter charter!

Sightseeing

Bryce Canyon National Park's most iconic section is Bryce Amphitheater, home to the greatest concentration of hoodoos found anywhere on Earth! It contains thousands of chiseled rocks, spires, and pink granite cliffs. This area got its name from its unique bowl shape, formed by weathering over time.

Not only is Bryce Amphitheater a popular location for sightseeing, but it is also very convenient to visit! It is located southwest of Bryce Canyon National Park's visitor center and North Campground. In addition, the Bryce Lodge and General Store sit near the rim above the Bryce Amphitheater.

Hiking

A popular and family-friendly hike at Bryce Canyon National Park is the Navajo Loop Trail. The Navajo Loop Trail is a 1.4-mile loop from the rim at Sunset Point down to the floor of Bryce Canyon. On the Navajo Loop Trail, you will come across famous hoodoo formations such as Thor's Hammer and an impressive slot canyon known as Wall Street. This hike takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and is best hiked from April through October, as snowy weather conditions can frequently call for partial trail closures.

If you are looking for a day hike, consider trekking along the Fairyland Loop! The Fairyland Loop begins at Fairyland Point, located in the northern section of Bryce Canyon National Park. This hike will take you through incredible hoodoos and into the canyon. This hike is a 7.8-mile loop and takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to complete.

Fairyland Loop is considered a moderate backpacking hike due to its various elevation changes and windy trails. Note each hiker should carry plenty of water and sunscreen, especially during the warmer months, to avoid dehydration and sunburn.

Horseback Riding

If you are looking for a different perspective of Bryce Canyon National Park and interaction with some incredible wildlife, horseback riding is for you! Canyon Trail Rides offers visitors guided horse and mule rides into the Bryce Amphitheater and other breathtaking locations. In addition to this fun journey, experienced local cowboys will also educate you on the history and geology of Bryce Canyon. Horseback rides are available from April through October, depending on the weather.

Helicopter Charters to Bryce Canyon

If you are looking for an efficient and exhilarating way to get from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park, consider a luxury helicopter charter! A helicopter charter from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes one-way or 3 hours and 30 minutes roundtrip.

The benefits of a helicopter charter from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon include the following:

• A memorable experience for up to 7 guests per aircraft
• Convenient departure and landing between our private terminal and Bryce Canyon Airport
• Unparalleled bird’s-eye views between Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon
• Minimizing travel time between Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon

As you can see, there are many reasons why you should embark on a day trip from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon. We hope you found this helpful information and are inspired to create your own Bryce Canyon National Park bucket list!