Snow covered hoodoos in Bryce Canyon – magnificent view!
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is one of my favorite parks! I’ve visited and hiked in Bryce many times but it is never enough; I always go back for more. With viewpoints like Inspiration point and Bryce point, where you can look onto a thousand hoodoos frozen in time, Bryce Canyon stirs up awe and inspiration that goes deep into one’s heart.
Red rock hoodoos contrasting against pure white snow
Winter transforms Bryce Canyon into an otherworldly fairyland. Anthropomorphic hoodoos look even more stunning when covered with a dusting of fresh white powder. As always, there are different stories behind how these unique formations were created. The interesting version says that the hoodoos are actually ancient “Legend People” who were transformed into stone by the Coyote God as punishment. The scientific version says that these totem-pole spires have been crafted over aeons of time by the combined forces of frost wedging and acidic rainwater. Whichever version you may want to believe, know that Bryce Canyon is one of the few places in the world which has such a high concentration of these impressive hoodoos.
Hiking on a steep snow covered trail like this one is no cakewalk!
Most of the popular hiking trails in Bryce Canyon are open in winter but can be accessed only when wearing waterproof hiking boots or snow boots, with additional traction devices. Proper equipment is of paramount important since Bryce Canyon gets a fair amount of snowfall in winter and trying to hike these trails without wearing the right shoes is extremely dangerous. Whether you decide to hike the easy Queens Garden Trail (2 mile roundtrip) or strenuous Fairyland Loop (8 mile roundtrip), make sure you have excellent traction on your shoes because the trails are steep and descend into the canyon rapidly. These trails provide superb closeup views of the hoodoos providing a completely different perspective compared to viewing them from afar.
Throwing snowballs along the Rim Trail hike
Popular easy hikes at Bryce Canyon for winter include the Rim trail which goes all along the canyon rim from Fairyland to Bryce point (11 miles roundtrip). We hiked the section of the trail from Sunrise point through Sunset point to one of the most scenic vista viewpoints in the entire park – Inspiration point.
Exquisitely carved hoodoos seen from Inspiration Point
The view from Inspiration point is absolutely breathtaking! Dense hoodoos are huddled close to one another, pristinely formed and exquisitely multicolored with shades of pink, gold, orange and red. Unending mountain ranges and lush evergreen trees in the background complete the panorama. Inspiration point is also a great place to view gorgeous sunrises and sunsets in the park. Remember that the Rim Trail will be covered with snow, but tamped down with footsteps of many who have passed before you. This trail provides one of the best views into Bryce Canyon’s amphitheater where you can peek into the canyon and admire the hoodoos. Do not be tempted to walk off of the trail towards the canyon rim, dangerous drop-offs are usually hidden under a thick layer of snow and not always visible.
A handful of fresh powder!
There are also a host of ranger-led hiking activities in the park in winter. Snow-shoeing and Cross-country skiing are both very popular and an excellent way to explore the park in the company of knowledgeable rangers. Equipment is provided by the park. More information on hiking with a ranger can be found here. Ranger-guided activities also include exciting full-moon night hikes! Go here for the park’s schedule of full-moon hikes and information on how to sign up.
All smiles at Sunset Point
The night sky at Bryce Canyon is regarded as one of the darkest and blackest in all of the country. Far away from the bright lights of urbanization there is no better place to see the faint band of our Milky Way galaxy or spot hundreds of familiar star constellations. The park offers superb star-gazing opportunities where rangers setup high-powered scopes and binoculars for visitors to peek into the darkest depths of space. On a clear night, you will be able to spot marvelous planets (if it is red, you are looking at Mars!), orbiting double-moons, dreamy distant galaxies and more.
Stunning views of the Grand Staircase and Pink/White/Verimillion Cliffs from Yovimpa Point
After an exhilarating day of hiking in the park, you can drive further south to admire many more of Bryce Canyon’s stunning viewpoints along the road, stopping at Rainbow & Yovimpa points, Agua Canyon, Natural Bridge, Paria View and more. Rainbow & Yovimpa are the southernmost viewpoints (18 mile drive one-way) in the park, and provide a magnificent overview of the park in its entirety. The vast landscape stretches to include jaw-dropping views of the Grand Staircase, the Pink Cliffs, White Cliffs and Vermillion Cliffs.
Admiring the uniquely shaped “Hunter” and “Rabbit” hoodoos of Agua Canyon
As you drive back north from Yovimpa, make sure to stop at Agua Canyon that is home to two unique and prominent hoodoos. Some of these hoodoos had been given names like “Hunter” and “Rabbit” but time and weather took their toll and the hoodoos lost their original forms, making the names irrelevant. Imposing Navajo mountain is faintly visible in the background. Although there are no trails to hike around here, the views alone are worth a stop.
Natural Bridge which is actually an Arch
Driving further north along the road, another popular stop is the Natural Bridge which is actually an arch. A classic example of erosion and weathering, this beautiful reddish arch will continue changing shape as rainwater, frost and natural elements continue to chip away at it bit by bit. In a couple hundred years, this will be transformed into a collection of hoodoos where the arch once stood.
Sunset over Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos from Rim Trail near Inspiration Point
Bryce Canyon is a must-visit park when in Utah. Winter is an excellent time to visit, when crowds are gone and the hoodoos whisper among themselves. I can never get enough of the grand vistas, serene solitude and incredible landscapes in Bryce Canyon National Park. I hope you feel the same way after your visit. I’m willing to bet you will leave the park knowing in your heart that one day you will be back again.
If you go: – Wear sturdy waterproof snow boots and use traction devices when walking on snow & ice. – Read more information on outdoor winter activities in Bryce Canyon National Park. How to get to Bryce Canyon: Bryce Canyon is just a 1.5 hour drive from Zion National Park (along Hwy 9 East and Hwy 89 North). Hikes to do in winter: – Rim Trail (Sunset point, Sunrise point, Inspiration point) – Queens Garden Trail – Fairyland Loop Viewpoints of interest: – Inspiration point – Bryce point – Rainbow & Yovimpa points – Agua Canyon – Natural BridgeHappy Hiking!
~ Trupti