Bryce Canyon National Park Review
Here's a quick review of our experience visiting BCNP and some recommended stops.
When we left Zion National Park back in June, we planned to keep heading north through the Dixie National Forest area to Bryce Canyon National Park. This is another place that so many people recommended we visit, and we decided to make it happen.
Thankfully, when we arrived at our motel in Panguitch, Utah, the weather was cooler and not a bazillion degrees, as Donetta would say. There’s nothing fun about roaming in the desert when it’s hot as hell. In fact, there were mornings when we woke up to find it was only 45 degrees outside! It was perfect.
So how was the experience?
My Thoughts About Bryce Canyon
The drive to Bryce Canyon National Park from the Rodeway Inn on UT-12 was very chill, with not much traffic during our stay. The scenery was open with mountain views, but when you turn south on UT-63 and get closer to the park, you’ll start to see plenty of trees and feel like you’re in the mountains. There are several scenic places to stop and take photos along the way.
You’ll arrive at Bryce first; it is a lovely little town for some food and shopping. There are many hotels, campgrounds, and RV parks if you prefer to stay there rather than make a longer drive from Panguitch or other towns.
We decided to park the truck in Bryce at the shuttle station, then take the free ride into BCNP to avoid any traffic and other frustrations. All you have to do is show your pass, and it’s all easy from there.
Entering Bryce Canyon National Park
The shuttle’s first stop is the welcome center. It will take you to most of the main points of interest.
Once you arrive at Sunrise Point, you will discover an array of incredible views, hoodoos, and other out-of-this-world rock formations. From there, you can stop at Sunset Point, Lower and Upper Inspiration Point, and finish it all off at Bryce Point.
Some of the walks to the scenic places can be physically demanding, and if you’re courageous, you can hike some trails that get you right to the edge of the canyons thousands of feet up from the bottom. Of course, Donetta screamed at me to keep 20 feet back at all times. 😂
The hoodoos and rocks are pretty phenomenal to look at. It’s fascinating to think about how they were formed, plus the orange, reddish colors of the canyons are truly captivating. It’s almost like a scene from a science fiction movie. And if you have time, some trails will take you through the canyons to explore up close and personal.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to do this for our visit.
Was it worth it to me?
For the sake of saying I’ve been to Bryce Canyon National Park and seeing what it’s about, it sure was.
On the other hand, the landscape and experience weren’t better than those at the Grand Canyon or around Sedona, which are similar. And taking the shuttle through the park, stopping at each point, was pretty much the same throughout. If you want to save time for other things, hitting the first two stops will be enough to give you the overall experience.
I think it was great, but not someplace I’d say we’d have to go to again.
That’s my two cents on BCNP.
A Quick Bonus Recommendation
If you should happen to take the road trip to Panguitch, then you have to stop at The Cowboys Smokehouse Cafe! Not only is it a historic place with an incredible vibe, but it also has some AMAZING, delicious food. Our recommendations are the Pig Tails, stuffed Jalapeño pepper bites, and a Johnny’s American IPA from Moab Brewing. It’s a perfect pairing. And ask for Stephanie because she’s fantastic.