What is better than seeing red hoodoos on a bright sunny day? It is seeing them covered with pristine snow against a calm, bright sky! Yes! We are talking about the towering orange rocks of the Bryce Canyon National Park in winter. The beauty of the park in winter is majestic.
Also, like in every other national park, the off-season has no rush of visitors. It presents an excellent opportunity to explore the place with your friends and family without hassle. Hiking during winter can be tricky, but it is worth it!
So, are you ready for a snowy adventure this season? We will guide you on everything about visiting Bruce Canyon in winter.
Stick till the end to learn all about it!
Note: Do you visit national parks frequently? We recommend buying an “America the Beautiful Pass.” A yearly pass gives you access to all the registered sites.
Is Bryce Canyon National Park Open in Winter?
Yes! Bryce Canyon is open in winter. Most of the U.S National Parks remain open all year. It is a great time to beat the crowds at the parks. Some areas of the park might close temporarily in case a snowstorm strikes. However, this is a rare occurrence. Generally, the park is open for visitors except for a few areas (we’ll get to that too!).
If the weather gets terrible, the park administration might have to close a few trails for moving snow. It just takes a while, and they get reopened again. Other than that, there is nothing to worry about!
Still, we suggest you read a complete weather guide before leaving (scroll down to read the weather conditions for every winter month).
Visit the website of the Bryce Canyon National Park for further details.
What Facilities Are Closed in Winter?
Some park facilities might get closed in case of a snowstorm or extreme weather. You should keep in mind the following areas.
- The Sunset Campground in the Bryce Canyon is closed from November to April. However, the North Campground remains open.
- The General store at the Sunrise Point of the park is closed in winter.
- The Lodge and its dining facility remain closed in the winter season. The Sunset Lodge, however, remains open.
- The restrooms at the General Store, Peekaboo Loop, and the Inspiration Point are closed (Sunset Point, Farview Point, Rainbow Point, Visitor Center, and the North Campground remain open)
You can confirm the seasonal closures at Bryce Canyon National Park here.
Does It Snow in Bryce Canyon National Park?
It snows several inches in Bryce Canyon National Park. On average, there can be around 100 inches of snow or a little less. There are a few exceptions, for instance, when Bryce Canyon alone got just 82 inches of snow in January.
The three coldest months are December, January, and February. These months receive the highest amount of snowfall. November and March are also chilly, but their weather conditions are highly variable.
The temperature falls below the freezing point in all the winter months. However, if you are a winter adventurist, there is nothing to worry about!
All you need is winter gear and some essential winter items to make your Bruce Canyon trip memorable.
What Should I Pack for Winter Trip to Bruce Canyon?
Are you taking a winter tour for the first time? We recommend that you pack the following items with you.
Sunscreen
First of all, sunscreen is a must! Although it’s winter, the sun shines bright in high altitudes. So, take good sunscreen with you to protect your precious skin!
Power Bank
Another essential item (to take on any tour) is a high-quality power bank. Well, life revolves around phones now, and who doesn’t want to take photos? So, don’t let your phone battery die, and pack a Power Bank with you!
Fleece Sweater
No doubt winter is cold, but you are visiting a park. This means you are going to hike, trek, and camp. So we always recommend that you layer up! You can always add or take off layers as you please. We recommend you pack a fleece sweater and a lightweight jacket to go on top of it.
Hiking Boots
Water-proof hiking boots are very important for hiking in winter. Good quality hiking boots help you prevent slipping and sliding on the ice. Don’t know how to find the best hiking boots? Check out our complete guide on buying the best pair for yourself!
Crampons
It is better to take crampons, too, if you are planning to hike on ice. They will help keep a solid grip to prevent slips and falls.
Socks and Gloves
While we are on the topic of packing, don’t forget your socks and gloves. Keep a few pairs as they come in handy when your hands or feet get wet.
Trekking Poles
If you are not an expert hiker, trekking poles will be super handy! Take them with you just in case. We recommend the Cascade Trekking Poles due to their excellent build.
First Aid Kit
Last but not least, pack a first aid kit. Cuts and bruises are common while visiting parks, so protecting yourself is better. Take a simple kit with essential items, and you’re good to go!
It is always advisable to check the current weather forecast before leaving in winter. But, for your ease, we have also broken down the average weather conditions of each winter month below!
It will give you an idea of what to expect in Bryce Canyon National Park in winter. You can go through them and plan your trip accordingly.
What Is Bryce Canyon National Park Like in December?
December is one of the coldest months in Bryce Canyon. The complete weather details are as follows.
Average Temperature
The average temperature in December ranges from 5°C (40°F) to -6°C (21°F). The coldest time of the day is at night and early morning, especially between 9 PM to 9 AM. Weather experts describe the temperature as extremely cold with a slow breeze.
Cloudiness
The sky in December is pretty clear, with scattered clouds during the day. The cloud cover also remains constant and does not show much variation. The percentage of sky remaining “mostly cloudy” is 38%.
Rainfall and Snowfall
On average, there are more chances of snowfall in December than rain. Typically, there is a 14% chance of rainfall and snowfall. Weather reports show a 4% chance of rain and a 10% chance of snowfall in December.
What Is Bryce Canyon National Park Like in January?
January is the coldest month of the season. The weather is snowy and freezing. The complete breakdown of the January weather is as follows.
Average Temperature
The average high temperature in Bruce Canyon National Park ranges from 1°C to 2°C, but it hardly goes below -5°C. The average low temperature in January remains around -12°C. The nights are much colder than the days.
Cloudiness
The sky remains primarily clear in January. The atmosphere is “mostly sunny” nearly 55% of the day (13.2 hours). The cloud cover is also constant and does not show much variation. The sky is “mostly cloudy” almost 40% of the time during January.
Rainfall and Snowfall
There is a lesser chance of rainfall in January than snow. The chances of a wet day in January are 10%, and there is a 14% chance of rainfall or snowfall in January.
What Is Bryce Canyon National Park Like in February?
The weather in February is almost similar to January. If you plan to visit the park in February, here are the details.
Average Temperature
The average high temperature in February is 3.6°C (38.5°F). However, the low temperature is below freezing, just like in January, at around -8.5°C (16.7°F).
Cloudiness
The cloud cover is less than 50% during February. The sky remains sunny or partly cloudy nearly 57% of the time (13.7 hours).
Rainfall and Snowfall
February is the month of snowfall in Bryce Canyon. The snow falls for approximately 6.2 days and aggregates up to 18 inches. Rainfall is expected for almost 6.7 days, and the average recorded precipitation is 34.3mm.
What To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park in the Winter?
Now here comes the exciting part! What activities can you plan for your trip to Bryce Canyon National Park in winter? Bryce Canyon offers multiple fun activities, each more adventurous than the last. Here, we will mention a few that you definitely should not miss!
Visit the Inspiration Point
Going to Bryce Canyon and not visiting the inspiration point is not possible! The inspiration point has the most stunning view of red hoodoos from the top. And since it is a winter trip, imagine them frosted with snow all over. Stop at the inspiration point to take in the beauty of frozen hoodoos and bright blue sky.
Enjoy Cross-Country Skiing
Another snowy adventure inside the park is cross-country skiing. The Bryce Canyon Park offers 30 kilometers of trails for visitors to enjoy the sport. Skiing is also the best way to get acquainted with the park views.
Stargazing
Are you interested in astronomy? Bryce Canyon offers great nocturnal adventures! There are more than 100 astronomy-related programs offered at the park. Stargazing is one of the most popular and unique things to do. Just visit at the time of the new moon or a few days before that, and you can witness the magical night sky.
Take On a Winter Hike
If you are fond of hiking, there is nothing better than a winter trek at Bryce Canyon. A few hiking trails close in winter, but plenty stays open during the winter season. Take your hiking essentials and enjoy the snowy trails!
Hiking Bryce Canyon National Park in the Winter
Winter Camping
Set up a tent at Bryce Canyon National Park in winter! The north campground offers winter camping facilities at the park. It is located near the Bryce Amphitheater, and you can only access this site on a first-come, first-served basis.
Winter camping is enjoyable but demands some solid camping skills. Fortunately, we have camping guides about everything! Visit our website to read all about camping in the parks, such as:
- What is a Rainfly on a Tent? How to Put it to Good Use
- How to Keep a Tent From Blowing Away
- How to Keep a Campfire Going
That is not it! Check this YouTube video for even more thrilling ideas for your trip to Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon National Park – 10 Things to Do!
What Is the Best Time of Year To Visit Bryce Canyon National Park?
Every season at national parks has pros and cons, and visiting Bryce Canyon is no exception. It depends on what you prefer!
The summer at Bryce Canyon brings nice warm weather, but it also gets extremely crowded at the park. You won’t be able to enjoy the sights properly and would have to wait in lines at multiple spots.
July to October is hot and humid. It is also the time with most rainy days. So, there is no guarantee that unexpected rainfall won’t ruin your trip.
Winter is the off-season at Bruce Canyon National Park. You can beat the crowds and enjoy the snow as well. Plus, cheap accommodation and amazing photography are also a given. So, we suggest that if you’re not afraid of a bit of winter adventure, try out this park from December to February.
Final Thoughts
Are you planning a snowy getaway? Try Bryce Canyon National Park in winter!
The park is beautiful all year round, but winter presents some iconic sites. The red-colored hoodoos covered with snow look magical against the clear winter sky. The park offers some thrilling adventures too. You can hike, camp, ski, and even stargaze at night!
So beat the crowds and let the snowy adventure begin!