Bryce Canyon National Park Ready To Welcome Spring, But Winter Is Still Visible

Spring, a time when temperatures can be warm but snow still visible, can be a great time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. NPT file photo.

Spring is here, at least according to the calendar, but at Bryce Canyon National Park there's a mixing of seasons, which makes it a perfect time to visit.

Park folks say early spring is perhaps the most beautiful time to visit Bryce Canyon. Melting snow on the colorful red hoodoos creates a beautiful contrast.

The park's snow pack is rapidly melting on the north end of the plateau under the average daily high temperatures of 40–55° Fahrenheit, while overnight lows are dipping into the mid-20s.

Fairyland and Paria View roads remain unplowed for visitors wishing to cross-country ski and snowshoe. All other park roads and viewpoints are open, though the main road to Rainbow Point may be temporarily closed due to snowstorms. Visitors are reminded to prepare for winter driving conditions and to dress warmly for the cold temperatures at high elevation.

Day hiking trails are open, but may be icy and muddy. Hiking boots or snow boots with traction devices, as well as hiking poles, are highly recommended.

The Wall Street side of the Navajo Loop Trail is closed during the winter and will open later in the spring. Cross-country ski trails in the park are on ungroomed 2-track trails. The slope between the Plateau Rim and 7600 foot contour elevation is closed to skiing, snowboarding, sledding or sliding devices. Below the rim, cross-country skiing is permitted on the Under-the-Rim Trail and Riggs Spring Loop.

Park rangers present geology talks daily and evening and night sky programs on Saturdays at the Visitor Center auditorium. The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and extending to 6 p.m. on April 1st.

The Bryce Canyon Lodge, restaurant, gift shop, general store and public showers/laundry reopen today, the last day of March. Horseback rides will resume once trails are free of snow and ice. For more information, please visit the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/brca or call 435-834-5322.