The Ultimate Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park

Some tips for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park:

-If you're hiking, especially down in the canyon, definitely remember water, snacks, sunscreen, and tons of water... and maybe take advantage of the bathrooms on the rim before you hike down. Amenities inside the canyon are few and far between! -And bring a map, just in case you lose your orientation among the hoodoos. The pioneer who discovered Bryce Canyon described it as a "hell of a place to lose a cow" so come prepared. GPS might not be reliable in the park, with limited reception. -During the summer, park rangers offer stargazing programs. Take advantage, because the night skies in Bryce Canyon are incredibly bright, and you can see thousands of stars. They'll even set up telescopes for you to use! -There's a free shuttle that runs around the park. This is a great way to get between scenic overlooks and trailheads in the park. It cuts down on congestion on the roads, and saves you gas and money! In some cases you have to reserve seats, so plan ahead.

Yeah, Bryce Canyon is in a desert, but it's still home to plenty of plants that aren't cacti; take, for example, the Ponderosa Pine. Not only are they magnificently tall (I'm talking 150 feet tall, although from above the canyon they certainly don't seem that big), and great at providing shade after a sweaty hike into the massive Bryce Canyon amphitheater, they also have a distinctive aroma... some say it smells reminiscent of vanilla and butterscotch. Yes, really! Sniff them for yourself on your visit to the park-- you'll find tons along the trail in Ponderosa Canyon.

This famed scenic route through Utah stops at Bryce Canyon on its way from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to Capitol Reef National Park. This "All-American Road" traverses Utah's incredibly distinctive red rock landscapes. Along the way, you'll find Native American ruins, ghost towns, and Wild West charm. It's seriously a magical byway.

The view down into the canyon through Natural Bridge is one of the most swoon-worthy in all of Bryce. This is only one of seven natural arches in the park, but since it's just off the main road, a short 20-minute drive south from the Lodge, it's just as convenient to reach as it is gorgeous.

Pick up the Queens Garden Trail at Sunrise Point (after you spend a bit soaking in the view, that is). This is the easiest trail that takes you down into the canyon, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you can see a stone formation that looks a bit like a queen on a throne. It's less than a two miles out and back, and the view from among the hoodoos is worth it.

If you're really short on time during your visit and can only make one stop, make it Bryce Point. It offers endless views of the natural amphitheater, which is filled with spiraling sandstone hoodoos in striking shades of red and orange. It's also the trailhead for the Peekaboo Loop Trail, which is steep, but offers views of some notable features in the amphitheater.

Located along the Navajo Trail, Wall Street is a slot canyon that makes for a wild bit of hiking. Steep switchbacks lead into the shady canyon, where you'll be able to look up and marvel at the massive fins and hoodoos above you. Remember to bring water, and to take your time on the way back up, especially if you're not adjusted to the high elevation of Bryce Canyon National Park.