With towering hoodoos, sweeping amphitheaters, and high-elevation vistas, Bryce Canyon National Park is a place that stuns at every turn. If you only have one day to explore and you’re coming in hot from Las Vegas or another nearby park, it can feel overwhelming to plan your visit. Where do you stop? Is the shuttle worth it? How do you balance iconic views with a doable hike?
If you’re wondering what to do at Bryce Canyon in one day, this hour-by-hour guide breaks it all down—drive, shuttle, hike, lunch, and rim views—so you can hit the highlights without stress or guesswork. Let’s make your Bryce day unforgettable.
Wait! Not quite ready to dive into a full-day itinerary? No problem. Get answers to all your questions about Bryce Canyon, including location, geology, best time to visit, and more.
Okay. Get ready…it’s an early start!
4 am – 9 am | Las Vegas to Sunrise Point
To make the most of your day at Bryce Canyon, plan to leave Las Vegas by 4:00 AM Pacific Time. The 260-mile drive takes about 4 hours—but don’t forget, you’ll cross into Mountain Time, which is one hour ahead. So even though you’ll be on the road for 4 hours, you’ll arrive at Bryce Canyon around 9:00 AM local time.
Fuel & Coffee Stop: Pull off at St. George (Exit 8, I-15) around 6:00 AM PT for a quick caffeine refill and gas-up.
You should arrive near the Bryce shuttle area or Sunrise Point just before 9:00 AM MT, which is perfect for capturing the golden hour glow.
Not driving from Las Vegas? We still recommend arriving at Bryce Canyon by 9 AM at the latest to make the most of your day. You just might not have to leave quite so early, depending on where you’re coming from and whether you’re crossing time zones.
9 am – 9:30 am | Parking vs. Shuttle & Visitor Center
From mid-April to mid-October, Bryce Canyon’s shuttle runs daily. It starts at 8:00 AM and is mandatory during peak season if you’re entering with a vehicle. Even if you’re visiting in the off-season, we still recommend parking and hopping on the shuttle for the added convenience. Instead of watching the road, you can watch the scenery pass by.
Arriving early will make it easier to secure parking at the Visitor Center. But if the main lots are full, you can park at Ruby’s Inn (Shuttle Stop 1).
If you’re visiting in the off-season, you’ll still want to arrive at the park early to snag parking near Sunrise Point. Even if you’ve only got a few hours at Bryce Canyon, the shuttle helps you maximize what you can see with minimal hassle.
TRAVEL TIP: You’re now above 8,000 feet. Drink lots of water and take it slow.
Check the shuttle schedule and tracker.
9:30 am – Noon | Sunrise Point + Queen’s Garden → Navajo Loop Hike
This 2.9-mile loop is a Bryce Canyon classic. Arriving early will help you beat the crowds. Start at Sunrise Point, descend into the amphitheater via Queen’s Garden Trail, and return up the Navajo Loop through the iconic Wall Street switchbacks.
- Elevation Gain: ~625 ft
- Time: 2–3 hours
- Don’t Miss: Thor’s Hammer, hoodoo tunnels, winding walls of orange and red
SAFETY TIP: Safety Tip: Wear sturdy shoes, and carry at least 1 L of water per person. The descent is easy; the climb back is not.
Noon – 1 pm | Lunch & Midday Recharge
After your hike, you’ll want to fuel up and rest.
Option A: Bryce Canyon Lodge Dining Room
Sit down in a rustic, historic lodge just minutes from the trail. Expect sandwiches, soups, and a quiet reprieve.
Option B: Picnic at Sunrise Point Tables
Pack your own lunch and enjoy the views with a breeze. There are plenty of tables and restrooms nearby.
ALTITUDE NOTE: Take a 30-minute break post-lunch to adjust before hopping back in the car or shuttle.
1 pm – 4 pm | Scenic Drive & Top Rim Viewpoints
Now that you’re recharged, it’s time to explore the rim. You can either drive or hop back on the free park shuttle and work south‑to‑north through the Bryce Amphitheater. The stops below are arranged in the order you’ll reach them if you’re returning toward the Visitor Center.
Inspiration Point (Shuttle Stop 7): A classic “sea of hoodoos” panorama from three stacked terraces that looks great nearly any hour of the day.
- Elevation: 8,100 ft
- Walk: 0.1–0.4 miles between terraces
- Trail access: Connects directly to the Rim Trail
Bryce Point (Shuttle Stop 8): Beloved by photographers for the dramatic afternoon light that sweeps across the amphitheater.
- Elevation: 8,300 feet
- Walk: Short paved path to the overlook
- Trail option: Follow the Rim Trail back to Inspiration Point (1.3 miles, mostly downhill)
Natural Bridge: A 125‑foot sandstone arch framed by ponderosa pines. No hiking required and best lit in early‑to‑mid‑afternoon.
- Walk: The viewpoint is just steps from the parking lot at mile 12.25 on the main park road
TIME CHECK: Plan 15 minutes at each overlook, plus 20 minutes of total shuttle drive time.
Got extra energy? Detour 9 miles farther south to Rainbow & Yovimpa Points (park’s highest rim at 9,115 ft) for sweeping Grand Staircase views. Add 45–60 minutes round‑trip.
4 pm – 5 pm | Exit Strategy & Next Moves
You have two choices:
Option 1: Head Back to Las Vegas
Leave by 5:00 PM MT (4:00 PM PT) and expect to be back around 8:00 PM PT.
Option 2: Stay for Sunset & Overnight
If your schedule allows, stay overnight near the park (or camp within the park) and catch the sunset.
Sunset times:
- January: 5:20-5:50 PM
- February: 5:50-6:20 PM
- March: 6:20-7:50 PM (NOTE: the clock shifts forward 1 hour in early March)
- April: 7:50-8:20 PM
- May: 8:20-8:45 PM
- June: 8:45-8:55 PM
- July: 8:55-8:35 PM
- August: 8:35-7:55 PM
- September: 7:55-7:10 PM
- October: 7:10-6:30 PM
- November: 6:30-5:10 PM (NOTE: the clock shifts back 1 hour in early November)
- December: 5:10-5:20 PM
(Source: timeanddate.com)
Golden‑hour spot: Paria View (Shuttle Stop 9) catches the last rays on glowing hoodoos. Arrive about 1 ½ hours before sunset for parking or shuttle seats.
Where to sleep:
- Bryce Canyon City hotels (e.g., Ruby’s Inn) sell out months ahead. Book ASAP if you’re planning to in the peak months of April to October.
- In-park camping: Reserve your site at the North or Sunset Campgrounds on Recreation.gov. You can reserve up to 6 months in advance, but plan ahead if you can—sites fill quickly in the summer.
- Backcountry sites require a permit. You can secure one online up to 3 months in advance via the National Park Service.
SHUTTLE NOTE: The last bus departs the rim around 6 PM in shoulder season and 8 PM in peak summer, so make sure you keep track of the shuttle times if you stay for sunset.
Quick Links & Resources
Not ready to go it alone?
Check out these guided Bryce tours for a stress-free adventure with a pro.
Whether you’re fitting Bryce Canyon into a few hours or planning a full-day visit, the park rewards every traveler who makes the journey. You’ve got the plan. Now go enjoy the hoodoos!
What time of year is best to visit Bryce Canyon? It’s totally up to you based on the kind of adventure you’re hoping to have and your tolerance for variable weather. Our Bryce Canyon Zion National Parks Guide can help you decide.
