Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mecham says that September and October are probably the best times to visit
the park. “It's still busy,” he says, “but less crowded on trails.” However, if you
really want to avoid people, you'll feel you have the park all to yourself if you visit
midweek in the middle of the winter. “We plow the roads so people can drive to
the viewpoints and photograph the canyon with snow on it, and people that ski
or snowshoe will enjoy it the most.” He adds, “Skiing is at its best in January and
February, when it's really cold.”
A Tip for Picnickers
On a hot summer day, the best spot in the park for a picnic lunch is Rainbow Point, where you'll find
picnic tables and restrooms. It's also among the coolest areas because, at 9,115 feet of elevation,
it's the highest point in the park.
The Highlights
Everyone should spend at least a little time on the park's
scenicdrive,
following
the canyon rim south to Rainbow Point. There are numerous stops where you can
get of the shuttle or out of your vehicle and gaze into the canyon to view the
varicolored formations. There are also numerous trail heads along the drive that
provide access down into the amphitheaters. (For more information on this and
other drives, see “Seeing the Park by Car,” below; also check out chapter 6, “Hikes
& Other Outdoor Pursuits in Bryce Canyon National Park,” where you'll find de-
tailed information on all the hiking trails and activities mentioned in this section.)
Another top experience is walking the
RimTrail
for at least a short way, to access
different views into Bryce Amphitheater, the park's largest and most colorful nat-
ural amphitheater. Although it's worthwhile at any time of day, the Rim Trail is
especially wonderful just after sunrise, when you can catch the changing angles of
the sun on the hoodoos.
One viewpoint not to be missed is the appropriately named
Inspiration Point
★★★, which provides a splendid view down into Bryce Amphitheater. This view-
point provides the best view of
Silent City,
an area that's packed with hoodoos
and jump-starts the imagination. Some of us, however, believe the view is even bet-
ter just south of Inspiration Point along the Rim Trail, up a little rise, at what is usu-
ally called
UpperInspirationPoint
★★★. We think this is possibly the best view
in the park.
