Bryce Canyon National Park Prepares for Summer Visitationand Construction
BRYCE, UT – Visitation remains high at Bryce Canyon National Park as seasonal facilities reopen, hours are extended, and construction projects are scheduled to begin.
Currently the park Visitor Center and Bookstore is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and will extend its hours to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 1st and then to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 29th.
The Bryce Canyon Shuttle will begin its service to the Bryce Amphitheater area of the park on Friday, April 13th. Riding the shuttle bus is free, but requires payment of the park’s entrance fee. Shuttles will run from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily, with hours extending by an hour on May 18th. Twice-daily trips to the park’s southern views on the Rainbow Bus Tour will resume on April 13th. This 3 ½ hour tour is free, but requires reservations, so inquire at the Shuttle Station in Bryce Canyon City or by calling (435) 834-5290. A reminder that vehicles over 20 feet are restricted from the Bryce Amphitheater parking areas (Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points) during shuttle hours, so be sure to take advantage of this service to see some of the park’s most iconic areas.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon will open its doors on March 23rd at 11:00 a.m. to offer full breakfast, lunch and dinner options for the season from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lodging is also available at the Sunset and Sunrise Motels. Reservations can be made by visiting brycecanyonforever.com or by calling Forever Resorts at (435) 834-8700. Adjacent to the Lodge, Valhalla Pizzeria and Coffee Shop will reopen on Tuesday, May 15th, and provide dining options from 6 am to 10 pm. Those looking for trail snacks, groceries, a penny machine, or showers can head over to the General Store at Sunrise Point, currently open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours later in the season.
Paving of Sunset and North Campground roads is tentatively scheduled to begin in June, 2018. Sunset Campground will close first and then reopen, then North Campground will close. Campground reservations are now only being accepted for the month of May. Reservations will be made available on a campground-by-campground basis as construction is completed. Visit recreation.gov for current reservation availability.
Construction projects for wall and walkway work at Inspiration and Rainbow Points as well as parking lot construction at the Visitor Center and Bryce Canyon Lodge are scheduled for the 2018 summer season. Be prepared for short-term closures and alternative parking arrangements at these locations.
Ranger programs, including daily geology talks and rim walks as well as popular astronomy programs will be offered as the season unfolds, and will be celebrated at the annual Astronomy and Geology Festivals in the park. The Astronomy Festival is scheduled from June 13th – June 16th , and the Geology Festival from July 27th – July 28th. Both events will feature guest speakers, special ranger-guided activities, and opportunities for the entire family to enjoy while learning about the unique resources protected within Bryce Canyon National Park.
Additional information can also be obtained by visiting the park’s website at www.nps.gov/brca, or by calling the park’s main information line at (435) 834-5322.