Bryce Canyon Activities

Ranger Programs

Ever wonder why the rocks are red? Where we got the name hoodoo? What's a deer's favorite food? Well, you're not alone! The magic of Bryce Canyon sparks the imagination and wonder in park rangers as well as visitors. Spend a few minutes or a few hours with us as we share what we've learned about your national park. Ranger programs are a great way to expand your exploration of Bryce Canyon. They're free too!
Our summer schedule is packed! Check our Ranger Program board in the park's visitor center for current locations and times.

Geology Talks
When: Daily - Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall
Where: Inspiration or Sunset Point
Duration: ½ hr.
Hoodoos, ancient lakes and something called frost wedging? Geologists have spent years studying the unique story of Bryce Canyon. Spend a half hour with a ranger as we discuss the current scientific explanation behind Bryce Canyon's worldly unique geologic history. Check at the visitor center for current information.

Sunset Walk
When: Daily - Spring, Summer & Fall
Where: Sunset Point
Duration: 1½ hrs. - 1 mile Roundtrip
Great views, fascinating plant and wildlife stories, a touch of geology, a smattering of cultural history - what more could you want? Join a park ranger for an overview of Bryce Canyon as you stroll along the rim of the Bryce Amphitheater.

Geology Hike
When: 1-2 per week - Summer & Fall
Where: Sunset or Sunrise Point
Duration: 2 hrs. - 2 miles RT
Join a park ranger for a hike down into the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater. See the slot canyons from inside. Enjoy face to face encounters with hoodoos. Immerse yourself in a labyrinth of breath-taking views and engaging stories about all that surrounds you.

Family Programs
When: Almost Daily - Summer
Where: North Campground Picnic Area
Duration: 1 hr.
All of Bryce Canyon's ranger programs are family friendly, but these in particular are fun for kids and parents alike. The programs are as unique as the rangers who develop them including: Paleo-Indian role playing to the wonders of scat. Check at the visitor center for program topic and age requirements. In person reservations required. Sign up at the visitor center.

Evening Programs
When: Nightly - Summer & Fall
Where: Varies
Duration: 1 hr.
Evening programs offer an in-depth look at some of the compelling stories and interesting resources that Bryce Canyon protects. Check at visitor center for topics, start times, and locations.

Astronomy Programs
When: Mon, Wed, Fri except near full moons -- Spring, Summer & Fall
Where: Varies
Duration: 1 hr. multimedia show + stargazing with telescopes
Join a park ranger for a celebration of Bryce Canyon's unparalled night sky. In this last grand sanctuary or natural darkness you can see stars like few places on Earth!

Full Moon Hikes
When: Monthly - Summer & Fall
(Full moon night & night before)
Where: Locations Secret
Duration: 1½ - 2½ hrs. 1-3 miles
The moonlit exploration of our hoodoos is Bryce Canyon's most popular event. Many plan their vacations around these ranger guided activities. Group size is limited to 30 people and in-person reservations can only be made at the visitor center the morning of the intended hike.

Snowshoe Hikes
When: Weekly (if enough snow) - Winter
Where: Varies
Duration: 1½ - 2½ hrs. 1-2 miles
Winters offer crystal blue sky, solitude, and most of the time, enough snow for snowshoeing! Accompany a park ranger for a snowshoe hike and we will supply the snowshoes! Learn about the winter ecology of our park and how our hoodoos are the product of the winter struggle between ice and sun.