Looking for a fun day trip from your Springdale resort? Bryce Canyon is just one of the many great options.

This often-overlooked national park is known for its stunning natural amphitheater and incredible rock formations. Bryce Canyon National Park is just two hours away from our Utah villas. This makes it the perfect destination for a day trip during your stay at Watchman Villas.

Ready to start planning a day trip during your stay in our Utah villas? Keep reading to learn what to do, how to get around, and how to choose the best hotels near Bryce Canyon.

Getting to Bryce Canyon National Park

Getting to the park from your choice of hotels near Bryce Canyon is easy. If you’re staying in the Utah villas at Watchman Villas, you’ll want to drive through Zion National Park first. Head to the park’s Upper Canyon via Utah State Route 9. This route will take you through the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, past some of the park’s most iconic spots, including Checkerboard Mesa.

After exiting the park, you’ll continue on State Route 9 to Mt. Carmel Junction. Here, head north on US 89. This historic highway is worth a visit on its own. You’ll travel through a variety of landscapes, and past stunning vistas. Turn onto Utah State Route 12, which will make you into the town of Bryce. Bryce Canyon is located on Utah State Route 63 S.

Entering Bryce Canyon

Like all of Utah’s national parks, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee at Bryce Canyon. For personal vehicles with up to 15 passengers, the cost is $35. Motorcycles pay $30, while individuals entering on foot or bike pay $20 per person. 

You can also present a valid national park annual pass. For just $80 per year, this pass allows you and all occupants of your vehicle or up to three guests on foot to all national parks, including Zion and Bryce Canyon. A national park annual pass also called an American the Beautiful Pass, can be purchased online or at any national park entrance where an entrance fee is charged. Some individuals, including veterans and seniors, may be eligible for a discounted annual pass.

If you’re planning a stay at hotels near Bryce Canyon, you’ll be able to use the pass to enter Zion, Bryce Canyon, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and even Capitol Reef National Park during your visit.

What to See

There’s no shortage of amazing things to see in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Bryce Canyon Amphitheater is the icon of the park. This incredible natural canyon is located just past the entrance to the park. It’s filled with towering rock formations called hoodoos. These look like stacks of individual rocks, and were formed over thousands of years by wind and erosion in the canyon. Bryce Canyon is home to the world’s largest collection of these formations.

Another must-do during your visit is a ride on the Southern Scenic Drive. This drive is the park’s main road and travels 18 miles from the park’s entrance into the park. There are a number of overlooks on the road that offer stunning views of the park’s landscapes.

Bryce Canyon also has plenty of hiking trails to choose from. One of the most popular is the Rim Trail or Bryce Amphitheater. This 5.5-mile trail follows the edge of the Bryce Amphitheater and takes you to some of the park’s most famous overlooks.

Getting Around Bryce 

Similar to Zion, Bryce Canyon also has its own shuttle system. But unlike its neighbor to the south, the Bryce Canyon shuttle isn’t the only way to get around the park on a busy day.

Instead, this optional shuttle is designed to help hikers get around without having to find parking at small lots at trailheads. If you just want to enjoy a ride through the park, skip the shuttle. But if you plan to do some hiking and are visiting on a busy day, utilize this free shuttle service to save yourself time.

Choosing Hotels Near Bryce Canyon

Before you start planning a trip to this beautiful park, you’ll need to choose your hotels near Bryce Canyon. While there are several lodging options just outside of the park, the town of Bryce is fairly remote. Compared to Springdale, you won’t find nearly the number of services here, like shops, restaurants, or other attractions. Lodging options are also limited here.

Instead, the best hotels near Bryce Canyon are located in Springdale. Here, you’ll enjoy easy access to any services you might need, as well as Zion National Park. But you’re still just two hours from Bryce Canyon, making it easy to day trip to the park a day or two during your stay.

Planning a Day Trip to Bryce Canyon National Park

A day trip to Bryce Canyon can be an incredible addition to your Watchman Villas stay. Our Utah villas are one of the best options for hotels near Bryce Canyon. You can easily visit the park for a day or two during your visit, without giving up easy access to Zion National Park and all that Springdale, Utah has to offer.

Still trying to decide where to vacation in Utah this year? Right now, there’s one more big reason to book a stay at Watchman Villas! When you book a stay of four or more nights before June 30, you’ll enjoy a 25 percent discount on your stay! Book today to take advantage of these savings.