Bryce Canyon National Park Travel Guide

Getting Around Bryce Canyon National Park

The best way to get around Bryce Canyon National Park is by shuttle and car. The park's free shuttle system operates from mid-April through late October. If you're visiting outside those months, a car is the best way to get around. To reach the park, you'll need to have your own car since there is no public transportation to the park.

Many visitors fly into McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which are both located about 270 miles from the park. Car rentals are abundant at the airports and in the surrounding areas.

Car

You can reach Bryce Canyon National Park via Interstate 15. The visitor center is located 1 ½ miles inside the park's northern boundary. The National Park Service recommends travelers rely on the free shuttle since there is approximately one parking space for every four cars entering the park. Though the park is open year-round, some roads may be closed after severe winter storms. Following winter weather events, roads are plowed and sanded. No matter the season, you'll want to keep the park's driving safety tips in mind: Observe the speed limits (which generally range from 15 to 45 mph), only stop at designated pullouts and exercise caution when driving on icy roads.

Shuttle

The free Bryce Canyon hop-on, hop-off shuttle takes visitors to the park's most popular viewpoints, trails and facilities. In general, the shuttle runs from mid-April to late October. Service begins at 8 a.m. and stops between 6 and 7 p.m., depending on the time of year. The shuttle starts its round-trip route at a station north of the park, where visitors can park their cars, pay the entrance fee and board the shuttle. There are nine stops on the route.

Bryce Canyon Shuttle

Rainbow Point Shuttle Tour

In addition to the regular shuttle, there is a free guided tour to Rainbow Point that runs twice daily (at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) from mid-April through October. It is a 3 ½-hour, round-trip tour that covers 40 miles and makes about eight stops in the park. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the park ahead of time (up to seven days in advance) or in person at the shuttle offices at Ruby's Inn, Ruby's Campground and the shuttle boarding area. According to the park, this shuttle tour is ideal for backpackers who want to be dropped off near the park's backcountry trails.