Plan a Kid-Friendly Trip to Bryce Canyon National Park

Queen's Garden Trail begins at Sunrise Point and descends 320 feet into the canyon. It's named as such because one of the formations reminded someone of Queen Victoria looking over her garden. Considered an out-and-back, you can hike to the end of this trail and go back out the same way. For more diversity, connect with Navajo Loop at the bottom of the canyon, and head back on that trail.

  • If you only have time for one hike, and you want to finish where you started, start on Queen's Garden Trail, connect with Navajo Loop and return to Sunrise Point via the Rim Trail.

Nighttime Adventures

Bryce Canyon's remote location, clear, dry air and high altitude make it an excellent place for stargazing. Bryce Canyon hosts ranger-led Astronomy programs, with large telescopes, year round. 

"The night sky at Bryce is so dark we can see 7,500 stars on a moonless night! Here the Milky Way extends from horizon to horizon like a vast silver rainbow! Here Venus, and even Jupiter, are bright enough to cause you to cast a shadow," according to Bryce Canyon's website

Bryce Canyon National Park also offers full moon, ranger-led hikes year-round. If you visit Bryce Canyon during a full moon, don't miss this opportunity. There are three things to know before you go: 

  • Snowshoes and poles are provided in the winter months. 
  • Tickets are free and children as young as six years old can participate.
  • Tickets are given on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the hike, so plan ahead. 

More: 10 Unforgettable Family Campgrounds

Explore the Park

Bryce Canyon's main road extends 18 miles from the park entrance to the farthest scenic viewpoint, Rainbow Point. Many visitors don't venture that far, since there's plenty of scenery and hiking closer to the park entrance. 

  • Those who do make it to the end of the road will be rewarded with panoramic views far beyond the park's borders. Your family might find more solitude on trails such as Bristlecone Loop or Riggs Springs Loop, which are both located here.

Personal vehicles are a good way to see the park with kids in tow. However, during spring and summer, it may be difficult to find parking at popular spots. To avoid parking hassles, consider using the Bryce Canyon shuttle, which makes it possible for families to get off at one stop, hike portions of the Rim Trail and get back on at another stop. 

The shuttle runs from mid-May through mid-October and makes frequent stops at all of the viewpoints between the visitor center and Bryce Point. The shuttle runs to Rainbow Point twice each day.  

More: Camping Activities for Your Next Outing

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