Bryce Canyon 2-Day Itinerary: Perfect Family Schedule (Hour-by-Hour Guide)

6:30-7:30 AM

Sunrise at Sunrise Point

Why you're doing this: Sunrise at Bryce Canyon is THE most spectacular moment of your trip. The amphitheater faces east—morning light illuminates the orange and red hoodoos perfectly. This is also the least crowded time of day.

Detailed schedule:

• 6:00 AM: Wake up (yes, it's early, but trust us)
• 6:15 AM: Leave hotel (grab coffee/hot chocolate to-go if possible)
• 6:30 AM: Arrive at Sunrise Point parking area
• 6:30-7:00 AM: Walk to viewpoint (5 min from parking), find spot, set up for photos
• 7:00-7:30 AM: Watch sunrise, enjoy hot drinks, take family photos

What kids will see: As the sun rises, the hoodoos change colors from deep purple/blue shadows to glowing orange to bright red. Kids often describe it as "the rocks are on fire" or "it looks like a painting coming to life."

Parent pro tip: Bring breakfast (muffins, bagels, fruit) to enjoy during sunrise. Turning it into a "sunrise picnic" makes the early wake-up feel special rather than a chore.

7:30-8:30 AM

Rim Trail: Sunrise Point to Sunset Point

Distance: 0.5 miles, paved, easy
Time: 20-30 minutes with photo stops
Why you're doing this: Warm up your legs before the bigger hike. Shows kids the amphitheater views from above before they hike down into it (builds anticipation: "We're going to walk among those orange rocks!").

What to look for:

• Point out hoodoo formations from above: "See that tall skinny one? That's Thor's Hammer."
• Show kids where you'll be hiking: "We're going to walk down there, between those rocks."
• Take family photos with the amphitheater backdrop

Bathrooms: Available at both Sunrise Point and Sunset Point. Have kids use restrooms at Sunset Point before starting Queens Garden hike.

8:30-9:00 AM

Return to Car, Drive to Sunrise Point Trailhead

Why: You walked from Sunrise to Sunset on the Rim Trail. Now drive back to Sunrise Point where the Queens Garden trailhead starts.

Use this time to:

• Apply sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours on trail)
• Fill water bottles (1 liter per person minimum)
• Pack snacks in backpack
• Last bathroom break before hike
• Put on hats and comfortable shoes

Prep talk for kids: "We're going to walk down into the canyon for about 45 minutes. We'll see hoodoos up close and find Queen Victoria sitting on her throne. Then we'll walk back up. It takes about 1.5-2 hours total. Bring your water and let's go!"

9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Queens Garden Hike ⭐ Main Event

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Elevation: 320 ft descent, 320 ft climb back up
Time: 1.5-2 hours with kids (including breaks and photo stops)
Difficulty: Moderate - easiest below-rim trail at Bryce Canyon

Why this hike: Queens Garden is the PERFECT introduction to Bryce Canyon's below-rim experience. You walk among the hoodoos (not just view from above), see unique formations up close, and it's short enough that tired kids won't revolt.

Hour-by-hour breakdown:

9:00-9:45 AM - Descent (0.9 miles, downhill):

• Start at Sunrise Point, follow Queens Garden Trail sign
• Gradual switchbacks down into the amphitheater
• Hoodoos get closer and taller as you descend
• Point out formations: "That one looks like a castle!" "See the 'windows' in those rocks?"
• Take photos of kids with hoodoos towering above them
• Milestone: About 0.75 miles in, you reach Queen Victoria formation (looks like a person sitting on a throne). Great photo spot and turnaround landmark.

9:45-10:00 AM - Exploring the "Garden":

• Bottom of the trail = Queens Garden area (dense hoodoo formations, walking paths between "stone towers")
• Kids love exploring the "tunnels" and passages between hoodoos
• Take a 10-15 min break here: drink water, eat snacks, let kids explore safely
• This is the photo-op zone—hoodoos surround you on all sides

10:00-11:00 AM - Ascent (0.9 miles, uphill):

• Now you climb back up to Sunrise Point
• 320 ft elevation gain = moderate workout but very doable for kids 6+
• Encouragement tactics: "Let's count the switchbacks!" "Take 10 steps, then we'll rest." "Look how far we've come—look back at the view!"
• The higher you climb, the better the amphitheater views become (reward for effort)
• Take water breaks every 10-15 minutes on the way up

11:00-11:15 AM - Summit and celebration:

• Reach Sunrise Point rim—you did it!
• Celebrate with kids: "You just hiked into Bryce Canyon! That's amazing!"
• Final photos at the rim with the amphitheater behind you

12:00-2:30 PM

Lunch and Mid-Day Rest

Why this break is essential: After a sunrise wake-up and 1.5-2 hour hike, kids (and parents) need downtime. Returning to your hotel/lodge prevents afternoon meltdowns.

Lunch options:

If staying at Bryce Canyon Lodge (in-park):

• Lodge Dining Room: Sit-down restaurant with burgers, sandwiches, salads. Kids menu available. $12-18/person.
• General Store (near Sunset Point): Pre-made sandwiches, snacks, drinks. Faster and cheaper ($8-12/person). Eat at picnic tables outside.

If staying in Bryce Canyon City:

• Drive back to hotel (15-20 min). Eat at Ruby's Inn (burgers, pizza, buffet), Bryce Canyon Coffee Co (sandwiches, wraps), or your hotel room (if you brought groceries)

Use this time for:

• Lunch
• Bathroom break, change clothes if sweaty
• Nap or quiet time (for young kids)
• Review photos from the morning
• Plan afternoon viewpoint stops

Rest period: 1-2 hours minimum. Don't rush back to the park. This downtime is what allows you to enjoy sunset later.

2:30-4:30 PM

Scenic Drive: Viewpoints Tour

Why now: After the morning hike and lunch break, kids don't have energy for another hike. Driving to viewpoints provides low-effort scenery and covers different parts of the park.

The Route: Drive the 18-mile main park road from the amphitheater area (Sunrise/Sunset Points) south to Rainbow Point, stopping at 4-5 viewpoints.

Recommended stops (in order, south to north):

Stop 1: Bryce Point (5-10 min stop)

• Higher elevation than Sunrise/Sunset Points—you can see the FULL amphitheater from above
• Shows kids the scope of where they hiked this morning
• Less crowded than main viewpoints
• Photo op: Widest amphitheater view for family photo

Stop 2: Paria View (5 min stop)

• Different scenery—looks out over Paria Valley (beyond the amphitheater)
• Shows kids that Bryce Canyon isn't just hoodoos—there's a bigger landscape
• Often skipped by crowds = peaceful

Stop 3: Natural Bridge (5-10 min stop)

• Drive-up viewpoint—you can see the natural arch from the parking area
• Kids love finding the "bridge" (it's a natural arch, not actually a bridge)
• Easy photo opportunity
• Fun fact to share: It's not really a bridge (which forms from water erosion). It's an arch (formed by frost weathering). But everyone calls it Natural Bridge.

Stop 4: Rainbow Point (10-15 min stop)

• Highest point in the park (9,115 ft elevation)
• Panoramic views—you can see 100+ miles on clear days
• Bristlecone Pine Trail starts here (0.5 mile loop, easy, if kids have energy)
• Bathrooms available

Stop 5: Agua Canyon (5 min stop, on drive back north)

• Known for "The Hunter" hoodoo formation (looks like a person)
• Kids enjoy finding the "person" in the rocks

5:00-6:00 PM

Dinner Break

Dinner options:

Bryce Canyon Lodge Dining Room: Sit-down dinner with views. Burgers, trout, steak, kids menu. $15-30/person. Reservations recommended in summer.

Bryce Canyon City (Ruby's Inn area):

• Ruby's Inn Restaurant: Buffet or menu dining. Kids eat free certain nights. $15-25/person.
• Ebenezer's Barn & Grill: BBQ, ribs, chicken. Western atmosphere. Kids menu. $12-20/person.
• Pizza place at Ruby's Inn: Quick, kid-friendly, affordable. $10-15/person.

Picnic option: If you packed sandwiches or bought food from the General Store, have a picnic at Sunset Point before sunset viewing (next activity).

Timing note: Eat dinner BEFORE sunset (which is typically 7:00-8:30 PM depending on season). You don't want hangry kids during sunset.

6:30-8:00 PM

Sunset Viewing ⭐ Perfect End to Day 1

Best sunset viewpoints:

• Sunset Point: Most popular (name says it all). Faces west, perfect light on amphitheater. Can get crowded—arrive 30 min before sunset to claim a spot.
• Bryce Point: Higher elevation, less crowded, wider views. Great alternative if Sunset Point is packed.
• Inspiration Point: Three levels of viewpoints. Upper level has best sunset views and fewer people.

What happens during sunset:

• Hoodoos change colors: Orange → deep red → purple → dark silhouettes
• Shadows creep across the amphitheater, creating dramatic contrast
• Temperature drops 10-15°F—bring jackets!
• Total viewing time: 30-45 minutes (arrive before sunset, stay until 15 min after)

Make it memorable for kids:

• Bring hot chocolate or juice boxes
• Let kids take photos with your phone/camera
• Play "color spotter": What colors do you see? How are they changing?
• After sunset, if it's dark, look up—Bryce Canyon has incredible stargazing (Dark Sky park)

7:30-9:00 AM

Breakfast and Preparation

Sleep in slightly: No sunrise commitment today (you already did that on Day 1). Let kids sleep until 7:00-7:30 AM.

Breakfast options:

• Hotel breakfast: If your hotel includes breakfast, eat there
• Bryce Canyon Lodge: Dining room opens at 7 AM
• Bryce Canyon Coffee Co: Bagels, pastries, coffee (in Bryce Canyon City)
• Grab-and-go: If departing after hike, pack breakfast to eat in the car

If checking out of hotel today:

• Pack car before heading to trailhead
• Check out by 9:00 AM
• Park at Sunset Point for final hike

Prepare for hike:

• Fill water bottles (1+ liter per person)
• Pack snacks
• Sunscreen, hats, comfortable shoes
• Last bathroom break

9:00-9:30 AM

Inspiration Point

Drive to Inspiration Point parking area (just south of Sunset Point, 5 min drive or 0.75 mile Rim Trail walk).

Why visit Inspiration Point: Three levels of viewpoints connected by paved trail. Each level offers a different perspective of the amphitheater. Upper level has the widest view.

What to see:

• Lower level: Close-up hoodoo views
• Middle level: Balanced view of amphitheater
• Upper level: Widest panoramic view (best for family photos)

Time needed: 20-30 minutes to see all three levels

Kid activity: "Count how many hoodoos you can see from here!" (Spoiler: Hundreds. But counting keeps them engaged.)

9:45 AM-12:30 PM

Navajo Loop Hike OR Queens Garden + Navajo Loop Combo ⭐ Choose Your Adventure

Now you have a choice based on your kids' ages and fitness level from Day 1's Queens Garden hike:

Option A: Navajo Loop Only (Moderate Families)

Distance: 1.3 miles loop
Elevation: 550 ft descent/ascent
Time: 1.5-2 hours with kids
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steeper than Queens Garden)
Best for: Kids ages 7+ who did well on Queens Garden but aren't looking for a huge challenge

Why this hike: Navajo Loop is Bryce Canyon's most iconic below-rim hike. You see Wall Street (narrow canyon with Douglas fir trees), Thor's Hammer, and Two Bridges tunnel section. It's steeper than Queens Garden—the ascent back to the rim is a workout.

Hour-by-hour breakdown:

9:45-10:15 AM - Descent:

• Start at Sunset Point, follow Navajo Loop Trail sign
• Choose descent route: Two Bridges OR Wall Street. Recommendation: Go DOWN via Wall Street (more iconic), come UP via Two Bridges (slightly less steep).
• Wall Street section: Narrow canyon with towering walls. Douglas fir trees grow between the rock walls (kids find this amazing—"How do trees grow in rocks?!"). 26 switchbacks going down.
• Photo opportunity: Look up from bottom of Wall Street—narrow slot of sky between 100-ft walls

10:15-10:45 AM - Bottom loop:

• Walk through the hoodoo garden at the base
• See Thor's Hammer (iconic balanced hoodoo)
• Kids love walking the "tunnels" between formations
• Take water/snack break here before the climb back up

10:45-11:45 AM - Ascent:

• Climb back to Sunset Point via Two Bridges route
• 550 ft elevation gain in 0.6 miles = steep workout
• Kid encouragement tactics: Count switchbacks, take breaks every 10 minutes, point out how views improve as you climb
• Two Bridges has a short tunnel section (kids enjoy walking through it)

Option B: Queens Garden + Navajo Loop Combination (Adventurous Families)

Distance: 2.9 miles
Elevation: 650 ft descent/ascent
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours with kids
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Best for: Kids ages 8+ who LOVED Queens Garden yesterday and are strong hikers

Why this hike: This is THE ultimate Bryce Canyon family experience. You combine the two best below-rim trails into one loop, seeing the full range of hoodoo formations. Start with easier descent (Queens Garden), finish with harder ascent (Navajo Loop).

The Route:

1. Start at Sunrise Point
2. Descend Queens Garden Trail (0.9 miles, easier grade) - you did this yesterday so kids know what to expect
3. At the bottom, connect to Navajo Loop trail (follow signs)
4. Walk through the connecting section, see additional hoodoo formations (0.7 miles)
5. Enter Wall Street section of Navajo Loop (narrow canyon)
6. Climb Navajo Loop switchbacks back to Sunset Point (0.6 miles, steep)
7. Walk Rim Trail from Sunset back to Sunrise (0.5 miles, paved, easy finish)

Hour-by-hour timing:

• 9:45-10:45 AM: Descend Queens Garden (familiar from yesterday)
• 10:45-11:30 AM: Walk connecting trail and explore bottom section
• 11:30-12:30 PM: Climb Navajo Loop (Wall Street section + ascent)
• 12:30-12:45 PM: Walk Rim Trail back to Sunrise Point

12:30-1:30 PM

Lunch

Lunch options:

Bryce Canyon Lodge Dining Room: Sit-down lunch. Burgers, sandwiches, salads. $12-18/person.

General Store (Sunset Point): Grab sandwiches, snacks, drinks. Eat at picnic tables. $8-12/person. Faster option if you're departing soon.

Ruby's Inn (if driving out): Full restaurant or pizza. On the way out of the park.

Picnic lunch: If you packed food, eat at any viewpoint picnic area.

1:30-3:00 PM

Final Viewpoints OR Departure

Depending on your schedule, you have two options:

Option 1: Staying Longer (Extra time at Bryce Canyon)

Visit any viewpoints you missed on Day 1:

• Bryce Point: If you didn't stop here yesterday
• Paria View: Different scenery, quiet
• Farview Point: Another southern viewpoint with expansive views

OR explore easy trails:

• Bristlecone Loop Trail: 0.5 miles, easy, at Rainbow Point. Ancient bristlecone pine trees (some over 1,000 years old).
• Mossy Cave Trail: 0.8 miles, easy, near park entrance. Small waterfall, cave opening. Good for young kids.

Option 2: Departing Bryce Canyon

Leave by 2:00 PM to reach next destination before dark:

• Driving to Zion: 85 miles, 1.5-2 hours (arrive by 4 PM)
• Driving to Grand Canyon North Rim: 150 miles, 3 hours (arrive by 5 PM)
• Driving to Las Vegas: 270 miles, 4 hours (arrive by 6 PM)
• Driving to Salt Lake City: 270 miles, 4 hours (arrive by 6 PM)

Before you leave:

• Stop at visitor center for Junior Ranger badge if kids completed the program
• Fill up gas in Bryce Canyon City (next gas is 25+ miles away)
• Use bathrooms one last time
• Take final family photo at Sunset Point