Go For a Winter Hike

Two visitors enjoy a winter hike along the Queen's Garden trail.

NPS

Many hikes are available to visitors during the winter season, in both the front and backcountry, but might require some additional equipment.

After a big snowfall most of the park's day hiking trails require snowshoes. However, after a few days of melt, and with continued use, the trails become so well packed and icy that snowshoes are no longer effective to provide traction and stable footing.

Traction Devices

For much of the winter the most popular trails are so icy that steep sections cannot be safely traversed without some sort of additional traction device for your hiking shoes or boots. Mountaineering crampons or other, lighter options which fasten over your winter footwear work well. We recommend wearing these devices throughout the park, especially in parking lots and other paved areas to avoid injuries from slipping and falling.

Traction devices are available for purchase at the Bryce Canyon Association's bookstore at the Visitor Center.

Winter Backpacking

Traversing Bryce Canyon's backcountry is challenging year-round. Winter conditions include deep snow and sub-zero temperatures. Finding and following the trail can be extremely difficult in deep snow. Losing the trail makes it difficult to find the key routes back up to the rim and the Rainbow Point Road. For this and other reasons (open fires are prohibited, the Rainbow Point Road may be closed for several days after a big storm, etc.) winter backcountry permits are issued to only the most experienced and well-prepared adventurers. Ski and/or snowshoe equipment is highly recommended.

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

Yes

Season

Winter

Accessibility Information

Because of the park's natural terrain, only a 1/2 mile section of the Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points is wheelchair accessible. The one-mile Bristlecone Loop at Rainbow Point has a hard surface and could be used with assistance, but several grades do not meet standards.

Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Please visit the accessibility page for more information.