The answer to the question “Is Bryce Canyon open in the winter?” is yes with provisions.  Bryce Canyon National Park is indeed open year round but not all of the park is open.  Bryce Canyon has an average elevation of 7700 feet.  However, at it’s highest point, it’s almost 9000 feet above sea level.  This elevation breeds some bad winter weather and difficult road conditions in the wintertime.

What’s Closed in Bryce Canyon During Winter

Much of Bryce Canyon National Park closes for the season once the snow starts flying.  Examples of closed areas include:

• Inspiration Point
• Bryce Point
• Rainbow Point
• Fairyland
• Dangerous hiking trails (Navajo trail, Queen’s Garden, Peekaboo Loop, Wall Street, the Rim Trail, etc.)
• Backcountry areas
• Campgrounds

All of these areas of the park have a couple things in common during winter: bad road conditions and poor accessibility at best.  This means that you have a much greater risk of having a problem and a much lower chance of being rescued.  This is why those areas of the park are closed to visitors.

What’s Open in Bryce Canyon During Winter

Since we’ve covered what’s closed during the winter, it only seems fair to let you know what is open.  Since the park is open year round, there must be something to see.  Examples of open areas include:

• Sunrise Point
• Sunset Point
• The Lodge
• The Visitors’ Center
• Mossy Cave Trail
• Hiking trails deemed safe
• Safe portions of otherwise dangerous hiking trails (Thor’s Hammer on the Navajo trail)

All of these open locations are generalizations and subject to change year to year depending upon individual conditions.  So, don’t take this list as more than a suggestion of what’s USUALLY available to see at Bryce Canyon during the winter.  If you have any questions about whether or not a particular attraction or hiking trail is open currently in the winter, please check with the park.  They will be able to tell you the most current information regarding park attractions closures.

My Confirmation

I can confirm 100% that Bryce Canyon is open to the public during the wintertime.  If it wasn’t, then I would not have been able to capture the following landscape photos in my portfolio.

In conclusion, if a wintertime visit to Bryce Canyon National Park sounds like your thing, then you can safely book your plans knowing that you’ll be able to see several amazing portions of the park in conditions which people usually don’t see the park in.  Please keep in mind that there is little in the way of winter sports in the area so don’t plan on skiing, ice skating, or several other winter activities during your trip.