If you want to truly experience the wonder and beauty of Utah’s national parks, you’ll head off on a hiking trail or two. Hiking is the best way to immerse yourself in nature and get a look at parts of the parks that you’d never see from your car. Bryce Canyon National park is no exception, and the park service offers special Full Moon Hikes every month throughout the year. Keep reading to see how you can participate.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a true gem. Encompassing almost 56 square miles, its hoodoos and spires are some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the Beehive State.
Bryce Canyon National Park/Facebook
The park is stunning year-round, but in the wintertime it's particularly pretty. Because of its elevation (from 6,620 to 9,105 feet), Bryce gets snow throughout the winter.
Bryce Canyon National Park/Facebook
With fewer visitors during the winter months, it's a great time to explore the park. Just strap on some snowshoes and go for a hike!
Bryce Canyon National Park/Facebook
For a truly unique adventure, join a park ranger for the monthly Full Moon hikes.
Bryce Canyon National Park/Facebook

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Offered on two nights every month, year-round, the full moon hikes pair park rangers with a small group of hikers for a special glimpse into Bryce after dark.
Bryce Canyon NP
Participants are limited on these special one or two mile hikes. From November through March, you can sign up at the Visitor Center Auditorium at 4 p.m. on the day of the hike.
Bryce Canyon National Park/Facebook
For Full Moon Hikes April through October, you must participate in a lottery held at the Visitor Center. Each group (up to six people) must be there, along with the footwear they plan to wear on the hike. The ranger will give each group a number, then draw in a lottery system for the hikes.
During winter months, you'll need snowshoes to participate, and you'll want to dress warmly in layers - it gets really cold at Bryce after dark! Participants must be at least six years old, and able to navigate steep and rocky trails.
Bill Geneczko/flickr
No lights or lanterns are allowed, but you won't need any artificial light - Mother Nature provides plenty of moonlight!
Bryce Canyon National Park/Facebook

For more information, call the park’s Visitor Center at (435) 834-5322, and to see the 2019 calendar and get more information, visit the Full Moon Hike page of the Bryce Canyon National Park’s website.

Learn more about the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon‘s amphitheater in our feature article.

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Bryce Canyon Full Moon Hikes

Sarah M. | November 15, 2022

What are some other amazing hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park?

One of the most unique and awe-inspiring places in the country, Bryce Canyon National Park is a sea of red rocks, pink cliffs, and endless vistas. It’s a hiker’s paradise, a fantastic place to camp, and boasts incredible views and top-notch stargazing. Here are a few of our must-take hikes in Bryce Canyon:

  • The Queens Garden-Navajo Loop Trail. This visitor-favorite is nothing if not scenic, and with its varied topography, it's a fun adventure, too. On the 3.5-mile Navajo Loop & Queen's Garden Trail, which is ranked as moderately difficult, you'll drop right down amongst the hoodoos along the three-mile loop trail, and feel as though you've entered the pages of a bizarre -- yet wholly wonderful -- Dr. Seuss fantasy. This loop starts with a fairly steep clockwise climb, but it leads to some impressive overlooks.
  • Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. Another popular trail in the Utah national park, this mile-long hike is a nice, easy trek, perfect for someone short on time who still wants the reward of a breathtaking view.

 

What are some other ways to experience Bryce Canyon after dark?

The Full Moon Hikes are certainly a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the nocturnal scenery of Bryce Canyon, but so is camping! The park has two campgrounds, North and Sunset, located in close proximity to the Visitor Center. Sunset Campground accepts reservations up to six months in advance, while North Campground is first-come, first-served. The park is also acclaimed for its stellar stargazing; hosting an annual Astronomy Festival several years now. For those who prefer to stargaze on their own, the skies above Bryce Canyon are some of the darkest in Utah!

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