Bryce Canyon In The Summer
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
By Guest Blogger Anthony Curione
@CurioneTravel
Utah’s National Parks always seem as if there is something magical about them, especially in Bryce Canyon. Surrounded by tall, jagged orange hoodoos, contrasting with deep green pines, the park displays a truly unique sense of beauty.
Visiting Bryce Canyon in the summertime is a great opportunity to hike breathtaking trails, take in the landscape of the orange canyon, or simply cruise through the park in your car.
This guide is for first timers visiting Bryce Canyon in the summer and will cover everything from weather, hiking trails, pro tips, and beating the crowds!
Table of Contents
WHAT'S SUMMER LIKE IN BRYCE CANYON?
Bryce Canyon in the summer actually stays cooler than most Utah Parks! Why? This is because Bryce Canyon is situated at an elevation of over 8,000 feet.
During my trip to Bryce in late August, I saw temperatures reach a high of around 78 degrees, and no more than that. Most of the time, the air was breezy, and layering with a light jacket was best, especially during overcast conditions.
In the evening, low temperatures reached 50 degrees, making the need for a heavier jacket when going out to stargaze!
If you decide to visit during July and August, which can be a perfect time to go, keep in mind there are occasional afternoon thunderstorms that reach Bryce Canyon because of their monsoon season. A rain jacket is essential during this time.
Summer in Bryce Canyon is also the start of tourist season which can draw in more crowds. Although this may make some of the trails busy with hikers, you can always avoid crowds by starting early, packing your lunch, and visiting midweek to try and avoid busy areas!
BEST TIME TO VISIT BRYCE CANYON IN SUMMER BY MONTH
Bryce Canyon in the summer can bring endless possibilities with cool, breezy mornings, epic sunrises, great trail conditions, and clear night skies for stargazing. If you want more detailed information on Bryce Canyon in the summer by month, here’s what to expect:
JUNE
Crowds: Busy, but not yet at peak — a sweet spot for quieter trails and good weather.
Weather: Mild and dry; highs in the low to mid 70s °F (21–24°C); chilly mornings around 40–45°F (4–7°C).
Sunrise/Sunset:
Sunrise: ~6:00 AM
Sunset: ~8:45 PM
Shuttle Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (starts early May; exact times may vary slightly)
Trail Access: All major trails are open and in great condition.
Best For: Hikers, road trippers, and photographers looking to avoid July crowds and afternoon storms.
JULY
Crowds: Peak season — expect long lines at viewpoints, full parking lots by 9:00 AM, and busier trails.
Weather: Warmest month; highs in the upper 70s–low 80s °F (24–27°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common (monsoon season).
Sunrise/Sunset:
Sunrise: ~6:10 AM
Sunset: ~8:40 PM
Shuttle Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (daily)
Trail Access: All open, but watch for temporary closures during storms due to lightning or flooding.
Best For: Visitors who want full access to activities and services, and don't mind crowds or who can hit the trails early.
AUGUST
Crowds: Still busy early in the month; crowds ease slightly mid- to late August as school starts - we saw no kids during our trip to Bryce Canyon in late August!.
Weather: Similar to July, but slightly cooler toward the end of the month. Afternoon storms are still possible.
Sunrise/Sunset:
Sunrise: ~6:30 AM
Sunset: ~8:00 PM
Shuttle Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (operates through early fall)
Trail Access: Remains excellent; monitor for occasional monsoon-related delays.
Best For: Families finishing up summer vacation and travelers looking for that end-of-season sweet spot.
When is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon in the Summer? I recommend August. Bryce Canyon in August provides less crowds, is slightly cooler, and still has great trail conditions. Although we did encounter some afternoon storms, a little bit of rain didn’t stop us from exploring this beautiful park!
TOP THINGS TO DO IN SUMMER IN BRYCE CANYON
For first timers visiting Bryce Canyon in the summer, hiking is one of the best ways to explore the park.
Luckily, Bryce Canyon provides hiking trails for all skill levels, making it an activity that can be enjoyed by almost everyone.
Make sure not to miss these three hikes!
PRO TIP: Aim to hit the trails before 8 AM. Sunrise hikes are not only gorgeous but far less crowded.
Must Do Hikes
1. Navajo Loop + Queens Garden Trail
Distance: ~3.0 miles round trip
Elevation change: ~600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail type: Loop
Time to complete: 2–3 hours
This is the most popular hike in Bryce Canyon, and for good reason — you descend into the heart of the amphitheater and walk among the towering hoodoos. During this hike you’ll be able to see Thor’s Hammer, Wall Street (steep switchbacks through slot canyon walls), and the Queen Victoria hoodoo in Queens Garden.
Wall Street section is one-way only (down) during summer, and may close after heavy rain due to rockfall risk. However, this was my favorite part of the hike and should definitely be done if it’s open!
Tips:
Start early to beat the crowds and summer heat.
Go clockwise: begin at Sunset Point (Navajo Loop), end at Sunrise Point (Queens Garden), and return along the rim.
2. Rim Trail (Sunrise Point to Sunset Point section)
Distance: ~1.0 mile (round trip)
Elevation change: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Trail type: Out and back or connector
Time to complete: 30–45 minutes
Highlights:
This paved, family-friendly path was a perfect warmup hike during our trip to Bryce Canyon in the summer and connects two of the park’s best viewpoints — Sunrise Point and Sunset Point— with spectacular views into Bryce Amphitheater the entire way.
The Rim Trail is perfect for visitors who want iconic vistas without a strenuous hike. It is also wheelchair-accessible between these two points.
Tips:
This trail can be done as part of a loop after doing Navajo/Queens Garden.
Ideal for catching sunrise or sunset without needing to hike deep into the canyon.
3. Peekaboo Loop Trail
Distance: ~5.5 miles round trip
Elevation change: ~1,500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trail type: Loop
Time to complete: 3–4 hours
The Peekaboo Loop Trail is a challenging but stunning trail that is definitely less crowded than the Navajo Loop but still offers great views of the surrounding canyon.
Along the way, you’ll be able to see some impressive hoodoos, The Cathedral, Wall of Windows, and a network of steep switchbacks and ridges.
We decided to hike the Peekaboo Trail by itself, but you can connect with the Navajo/Queens Garden Loop for an extended adventure (often called the Figure 8 Loop).
Tips:
● Hikers must descend into the canyon first — no easy bailout once you're in.
● Summer heat and elevation can make this one tough — bring lots of water.
● Horse traffic is common on this trail, so be prepared to share the path.
Other Activities
Apart from hiking, Bryce Canyon in the summer is also a great time to enjoy Ranger Talks, stargazing, and horseback riding.
Ranger Talks
Bryce Canyon offers free ranger-led programs throughout the summer, including geology talks, guided walks, and evening amphitheater presentations. They're a great way to learn about the park’s unique hoodoos, wildlife, and cultural history from the experts. Schedules are posted daily at the Visitor Center.
Stargazing
Thanks to its high elevation and low light pollution, Bryce Canyon is one of the best stargazing spots in the U.S. On clear summer nights, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even meteor showers.
During the night, we decided to throw our jackets on and head to Inspiration Point, one of the best spots for stargazing in the park. Here, you’ll find 360-degree views of the night sky! And on a clear night, be sure to look for the milky way among the countless bright stars.
Horseback Riding
If you want a more adventurous way to explore Bryce Canyon in the summer, try horseback riding! Guided trail rides are offered daily during summer from local outfitters, taking visitors down into the canyon on scenic routes like the Peekaboo Loop. Expect the tours to range from 1.5 to 3 hours. Here is my recommendation if choosing to ride through Bryce Canyon on horseback: Bryce Canyon National Park Horseback Rides
WHAT TO PACK FOR BRYCE CANYON IN SUMMER
When visiting Bryce Canyon in the summer, you want to make sure you have everything you need in order to make the most of your time in the amazing park!
To make your life easy, I've created a checklist of all essential items for traveling to Bryce Canyon in the summer.
Essentials
National Park Pass or entry fee
Map of Bryce Canyon (or download offline in AllTrails)
Reusable water bottle (2–3 liters per person)
Lightweight daypack
Trail snacks (nuts, granola bars, jerky, etc.)
Sunscreen (high SPF – you’re at 8,000 ft elevation!)
Lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses
Hat with a wide brim
Hiking poles (optional, but helpful on steep trails)
Summer Clothing
Moisture-wicking T-shirts or long sleeves
Lightweight hiking pants or shorts
Fleece or hoodie (cool mornings and evenings)
Rain jacket or windbreaker (for summer storms)
Breathable socks (wool or synthetic)
Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes (broken-in!)
Extras
Smartphone or camera (with extra battery or power bank)
Binoculars (for spotting wildlife or distant viewpoints)
Small first aid kit
Flashlight or headlamp (great for sunrise or stargazing)
Towel or blanket (for picnics or relaxing at viewpoints)
Trash bag or ziplock (Leave No Trace!)
WHERE TO STAY IN BRYCE CANYON IN SUMMER
During my trip to Bryce Canyon in the summer, I found some great places to wind down after a long day of fun in the park. I scoped out campsites, hotels, lodges, and more to find the best stays around Bryce Canyon. Here are my top picks:
Inside The Park: Bryce Canyon Lodge
Bryce Canyon Lodge is the only lodging inside the National Park. Just steps away from Sunrise and Sunset Points, it's one of the best places to stay for enjoying the summer in Bryce Canyon,
That's if you can get your hands on it. The lodge typically sells out 3-6 months in advance, so make sure to book this stay very early if you want this opportunity!
The lodge features historic rooms with no TV or Wi-Fi (part of the charm) and cozy cabins with fireplaces.
Nearby Towns: Tropic, Airbnb Farmhouse
On my trip to Bryce Canyon in the summer, I stayed in Tropic, one of the closest towns outside of the park. Located around 10 minutes from the entrance of the park, it's still a very convenient place to stay.
The town of Tropic also has great coffee spots, pizza joints, and bars to unwind after a day in Bryce Canyon!
Camping: North Campground,
If you’re looking for the best campsite experience in Bryce Canyon, North Campground Loop A is a top pick — especially for tent campers.
It’s set among towering ponderosa pines, offering shade, quiet, and that classic national park vibe. What makes it stand out is its walkable access to Sunrise Point and the Rim Trail, so you can catch a sunrise without ever getting in your car.
It’s also close to the Visitor Center and shuttle stop, making it a convenient base for exploring the park. Sites are first-come, first-served in summer, so arrive early in the day to snag a spot.
CONCLUSION:
With its towering orange hoodoos, tall green pine trees, and bright blue skies, summer in Bryce Canyon is one of the best times to enjoy the park.
Hike the Navajo Loop Trail and get up close and personal with the unique rock formations, or throw on a jacket to head into the night and peek at the bright night sky at Inspiration Point.
However you choose to spend time during your summer in Bryce Canyon, you won’t be disappointed. Make sure to follow these tips to make your adventure as fun and memorable as possible!
Have questions about visiting Bryce Canyon in summer? Or maybe a favorite trail or tip to share? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear from you! And if this guide helped with your trip planning, feel free to share it or tag @CurioneTravel on Instagram so I can follow your journey!
AUTHOR BIO
Hi, I’m Anthony, the explorer behind Curione Travel! With over 15 countries visited and countless national parks explored, I’m passionate about helping travelers like you discover unforgettable adventures while avoiding common travel headaches. Whether it’s hiking the scary-but-amazing Angels Landing in Zion National Park, or road-tripping for two weeks across the northern United States, every tip I share comes from firsthand experience. I specialize in National Park, road trip, and international travel, combining practical advice with honest reviews of the gear, stays, and experiences I actually use on the road. I create content to make sure you feel prepared, inspired, and confident. My work has been featured in top travel blogs to bring trusted recommendations to my readers and more audiences. Everything on Curione Travel is designed to be helpful, transparent, and real—so you can focus on making memories.
Connect with Anthony:
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