St. George to Bryce Canyon National Park
A wonderland of orange, red, and white hoodoo rock spires unlike anything else on Earth. Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000+ feet, offering cooler temperatures and some of the darkest night skies in the world.
I-15 North → UT-20 → US-89 → UT-12
125 miles
Distance
2 hr
Drive Time
northeast
Direction
May - September
Best Time
8,100 ft elevation
Driving from St. George to Bryce Canyon National Park
Route: I-15 North → UT-20 → US-89 → UT-12
Head north on I-15 to Cedar City, take UT-20 East to US-89 South, then turn onto UT-12 — one of the most scenic roads in America — and follow it to the park entrance. The final miles through Red Canyon offer a preview of the hoodoos to come.
About Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most unique landscapes on the planet. Thousands of delicate rock columns called hoodoos rise from a natural amphitheater, creating a surreal forest of stone spires in brilliant shades of orange, red, pink, and white. The formations were carved by millions of years of frost-wedging and erosion — the same forces that continue shaping them today.
The two-hour drive from St. George is scenic and enjoyable. After passing through Cedar City, you pick up UT-12, consistently rated among the most beautiful scenic byways in the United States. The highway passes through Red Canyon (a miniature preview of Bryce with free roadside hoodoo viewing) before reaching the park. At 8,000+ feet elevation, Bryce offers a refreshing 20-30 degree temperature drop from St. George in summer.
Bryce Canyon is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the best stargazing in North America. On clear moonless nights, you can see over 7,500 stars with the naked eye and the Milky Way in breathtaking detail. The park hosts regular astronomy ranger programs and star parties that draw stargazers from around the world.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Cedar City — 52 miles / 55 min (full services)
- Panguitch — 95 miles / 1 hr 30 min (gas, restaurants, small town)
- Ruby's Inn — 125 miles / 2 hr (gas station at park entrance)
Weather & Climate
Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000-9,100 feet with mountain weather. Summer highs reach 60-80°F (vs. 100°F in St. George). Nighttime temperatures drop to 30-45°F even in July. Winter brings heavy snow and temperatures below zero. Spring and fall are cool and pleasant at 40-65°F.
Best Time to Visit
May - September
June through August offer the warmest weather and ranger programs, but expect afternoon thunderstorms. May and September have fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. Winter transforms Bryce into a snow-covered wonderland — cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are magical among snow-capped hoodoos.
Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.
Must-See Viewpoints & Hikes
Bryce Amphitheater
Free with park entryThe main attraction — a horseshoe-shaped amphitheater of thousands of hoodoos viewed from Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points along the rim. All viewpoints are within a short drive of each other.
Navajo Loop Trail
Free with park entryA 1.3-mile loop trail that descends into the amphitheater through narrow slot-like switchbacks (Wall Street section) among towering hoodoos. Moderate difficulty with 550 feet of elevation change.
Combine with Queens Garden Trail for the best 3-mile loop in the park
Queens Garden Trail
Free with park entryThe easiest trail below the rim at 1.8 miles round trip. Descends through hoodoo formations to a formation resembling Queen Victoria. Often combined with Navajo Loop for a 3-mile loop.
Fairyland Loop
Free with park entryAn 8-mile loop through less-crowded sections of the park with incredible hoodoo formations, natural bridges, and dramatic views. One of the best hikes for experienced hikers.
Natural Bridge Viewpoint
Free with park entryA massive red rock arch framing a green forest below. One of the most photographed features in the park, visible from a roadside pullout. No hiking required.
Stargazing & Night Programs
Astronomy Ranger Programs
FreeFree ranger-led stargazing programs held multiple nights per week in summer. Telescopes provided for viewing planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.
Annual Astronomy Festival
Free with park entryMulti-day event each June with guest astronomers, telescope viewing stations, keynote speakers, and workshops. One of the premier stargazing events in the country.
Milky Way Viewing
FreeBryce Canyon is one of the darkest places in North America. On moonless nights, the Milky Way arcs overhead in vivid detail. Best viewing is June through September, 2 hours after sunset.
New moon dates offer the darkest skies — plan accordingly
Dining & Lodging
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
$175-$300/nightHistoric 1925 lodge right inside the park with cabins and hotel rooms. The dining room serves excellent meals. Book 6-12 months in advance.
Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop
$$Casual spot near the lodge serving pizza, pasta, and espresso drinks. A favorite fueling stop for hikers. Open seasonally.
Ruby's Inn (Best Western Plus)
$120-$250/nightLarge hotel complex just outside the park entrance with restaurants, a general store, horseback rides, ATV tours, and a gas station. The de facto Bryce Canyon base camp.
Stone Hearth Grille (Tropic)
$$$Farm-to-table restaurant in the nearby town of Tropic. Locally sourced ingredients, excellent steaks, and a warm rustic atmosphere. The best fine dining near Bryce.
Bryce Canyon Pines
$$Diner-style restaurant between Red Canyon and Bryce known for their homemade pies. The berry pies are legendary. A tradition for many Bryce visitors.
Get a slice of fresh berry pie — you will not regret it
Scenic Drives & Activities
UT-12 Scenic Byway
FreeThe highway connecting Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef is consistently rated one of the top 10 scenic drives in America. Narrow hogback ridges, Grand Staircase views, and the Escalante canyons.
Red Canyon (Dixie National Forest)
FreeFree hoodoo viewing just 10 miles before Bryce Canyon. Two tunnels carved through red rock, hiking trails, and mountain biking. Many visitors think this IS Bryce Canyon.
Horseback Riding
$65-$100Guided horseback rides into the Bryce Amphitheater available from Ruby's Inn and other outfitters. See the hoodoos from a unique perspective.
Mossy Cave Trail
Free with park entryAn easy 1-mile round-trip hike to a waterfall and cave with hanging moss. Located near the park's north entrance along UT-12. Great for families.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Bryce Canyon National Park Drive
Bryce Canyon is at 8,000-9,100 feet elevation — bring a jacket even in July when St. George is 100°F
The Navajo Loop + Queens Garden combo trail is universally considered the best intro hike in the park
Stay for a ranger-led night sky program — Bryce has some of the darkest skies in the entire US
UT-12 between Bryce and Capitol Reef is a bucket-list scenic drive worth extending your trip
Red Canyon on UT-12 is free and offers a sneak preview of hoodoo formations before you reach the park
Park entry is $35 per vehicle (7 days) — your receipt also covers Capitol Reef
Sunrise Point lives up to its name — arrive 30 minutes before sunrise for golden light on the hoodoos
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July-August — plan hikes for the morning
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Bryce Canyon National Park
How far is St. George from Bryce Canyon?
Bryce Canyon National Park is 125 miles (approximately 2 hours) from St. George via I-15 North and the scenic UT-12 highway through Red Canyon.
Can I do a Bryce Canyon day trip from St. George?
Yes, a Bryce Canyon day trip is very popular. Leave St. George by 7-8 AM, arrive by 9-10 AM, hike the Navajo Loop/Queens Garden combo and visit viewpoints, and return by afternoon. The scenic drive makes it enjoyable.
How cold is Bryce Canyon in summer?
Summer highs at Bryce reach 60-80°F — significantly cooler than St. George. Nights drop to 30-45°F. Always bring warm layers, even in July and August.
What is the best hike at Bryce Canyon for beginners?
The Navajo Loop + Queens Garden combo (3 miles) is the best introduction. It descends into the hoodoos through dramatic switchbacks and returns via a gentler trail. Queens Garden alone is the easiest below-rim trail.
Is Bryce Canyon good for stargazing?
Bryce Canyon is one of the best stargazing destinations in the world. The park is an International Dark Sky Park where you can see 7,500+ stars and the Milky Way with the naked eye. Free ranger-led astronomy programs run throughout summer.
Nearby Destinations from Bryce Canyon National Park
Cedar City
Home of the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival, Southern Utah University, and the gateway to Brian Head and Cedar Breaks. Cedar City runs 15-20 degrees cooler than St. George with a growing arts and dining scene.
Capitol Reef National Park
The least-visited of Utah's Mighty Five national parks is arguably the most rewarding. A 100-mile geological wrinkle in the earth, pioneer orchards where you can pick free fruit, and legendary homemade pies at the Gifford House.
Kanab
Known as "Little Hollywood" for its Western film history, Kanab is a charming gateway town to The Wave, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Bryce Canyon National Park
St. George to Bryce Canyon National Park — 125 miles, 2 hr Drive
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most unique landscapes on the planet. Thousands of delicate rock columns called hoodoos rise from a natural amphitheater, creating a surreal forest of stone spires in brilliant shades of orange, red, pink, and white. The formations were carved by millions of years of frost-wedging and erosion — the same forces that continue shaping them today.
The route from St. George, Utah to Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah covers 125 miles and takes approximately 2 hr via I-15 North → UT-20 → US-89 → UT-12. Head north on I-15 to Cedar City, take UT-20 East to US-89 South, then turn onto UT-12 — one of the most scenic roads in America — and follow it to the park entrance. The final miles through Red Canyon offer a preview of the hoodoos to come.
Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
Must-See Viewpoints & Hikes: Bryce Amphitheater, Navajo Loop Trail, Queens Garden Trail. Stargazing & Night Programs: Astronomy Ranger Programs, Annual Astronomy Festival, Milky Way Viewing. Dining & Lodging: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop, Ruby's Inn (Best Western Plus). Scenic Drives & Activities: UT-12 Scenic Byway, Red Canyon (Dixie National Forest), Horseback Riding.
Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
June through August offer the warmest weather and ranger programs, but expect afternoon thunderstorms. May and September have fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. Winter transforms Bryce into a snow-covered wonderland — cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are magical among snow-capped hoodoos.
Travel Tips
Bryce Canyon is at 8,000-9,100 feet elevation — bring a jacket even in July when St. George is 100°F. The Navajo Loop + Queens Garden combo trail is universally considered the best intro hike in the park. Stay for a ranger-led night sky program — Bryce has some of the darkest skies in the entire US. UT-12 between Bryce and Capitol Reef is a bucket-list scenic drive worth extending your trip.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Cedar City, Capitol Reef National Park, Kanab.