Only a handful of the two million visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park due so in winter as November through March bring colder temperatures and winter snowfall to the area. However, the park remains open and winter allows for visitors to enjoy magical landscape views and winter activities like cross country skiing.
With appropriate precautions, winter can be a great time to see Bryce without the crowds.
The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival, held annually over what is usually President’s Day Weekend, is a popular time to visit the park during winter.
During the winter, the scenic drive closes past Bryce Amphitheater and Mile 3 following winter storms. Closures typically last between one and three days depending on the storm’s severity until the park service can plow. The main road and the roads and parking lots for Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point and Sunrise Point are plowed immediately after winter storms.
Fairyland Point Road and Paria View Roads close for cross country skiing and the use of snowshoes.
A few frontcountry trails close during the winter. These include the Rim Trail from Bryce Point to Inspiration Point as well as the Wall Street Trail which forms part of the Navajo Loop Trail. On the map, the Wall Street Trail is marked as routinely closed during winter. This is
Bcoucountry trails may also close or warrant careful preparations. The Peekaboo Loop connector may be closed due to slick conditions. The National Park Service also warns about deteriorating trail conditions for Under-the-Rim which would require strong wayfinding skills and would hamper responses in an emergency situation.
Snow is only cleared from the sidewalks at the overlooks and the paved section of the Rim Trail from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. Snowshoes, hiking boots or traction devices are recommended for hiking in the park.
Loop A of the North Campground near the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center remains year round for RV and tent camping. No hookups are available during winter. It is first-come, first served.
Bryce Canyon Lodge, which is run by Forever Resorts in the park, closes from the end of December to early March. Other hotels in the area remain open and rooms can be secured at a discount from prices during the busy summer travel season.
Note: Skiing or sledding off the canyon rim into the canyon is illegal due to the danger of the activity and the potential damage to the landscape.