Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6: Hikes & Other Outdoor Pur-
suits in Bryce Canyon National Park
OneofthewonderfulthingsaboutBryceCanyonisthateventhoughhiking
isthebestwaytoexploreit,youdon'thavetobeanadvancedbackpacker
toreallygettoknowthepark.Thereareampleopportunitiestoexperience
muchoftheparkoneasywalks,andmanypeopleseetheparkfromthe
backofamuleorhorse.Inthewinter,thepark'strailsareopentosnow-
shoers and cross-country skiers.
Several national adventure tour operators offer guided hiking, backpacking, and
biking trips in and near the park; see “Package & Adventure Tours.”
Day Hikes
Remember that all trails below the rim have at least some steep grades, so you
should wear hiking boots with a traction tread and good ankle support to avoid
ankle injuries, the most common accidents in the park. During the hot summer
months, you'll want to hike either early or late in the day. Not only is it cooler at
those times, but there are also fewer people on the trails, and the morning and late
afternoon lighting on the hoodoos can produce dramatic effects. Bryce's rangers
have recently stopped rating hiking trails as to their difficulty, saying that what is
easy for one person may be difficult for another. Ratings here are provided by the
authors and other experienced hikers, and are entirely subjective.
Note:
“RT” stands for round-trip in the following trail listings.
Central Canyon
