Laws & Policies

 

Overview

Rules and regulations are in place to protect the visitors and the resources of Bryce Canyon National Park. Please do your part to protect your park. Have a safe and enjoyable visit to Bryce Canyon. Below are some areas of popular concern.

Superintendent's Compendium

The Superintendent's Compendium is an addendum to the CFR that lists specific rules and regulations for Bryce Canyon National Park, including justification for each.

Aircraft-based Remote-controlled Equipment

Use of remote-controlled equipment (including but not limited to helicopters, drones, and other aircraft-based equipment) within Bryce Canyon National Park is prohibited by law.

Bicycling and e-Bikes

Bicycling is permitted on all park roadways and the Shared-Use Path. All other park trails and off-trail routes are closed to bicycling. Bicycles must ride single file on park roads and stop to let shuttle buses pass.
On August 30, the National Park Service announced a new electric bicycle (e-bike) policy for national parks, expanding recreational opportunities and accessibility. The policy supports Secretary’s Order 3376, signed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt on August 29, which directs Department of the Interior (DOI) bureaus to create a clear and consistent e-bike policy on all federal lands managed by the Department.
At Bryce Canyon National Park this new policy will enable visitors to use e-bikes (low-speed electric bicycles with power assistance) in the same manner as traditional bicycles—allowing them on park roads as well as the park’s Shared-Use Path. An e-bike is defined as a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.) that provides propulsion assistance. The operator of an e-bike may only use the motor to assist pedal propulsion. The motor may not be used to propel an e-bike without the rider also pedaling, except in locations open to public motor vehicle traffic. As with traditional bicycles, e-bikes are not allowed on any surfaces other than park roads and the Shared-Use Path.

Campground Regulations

Camping is allowed in the designated campsites at North Campground, Sunset Campground and with a permit in designated areas of the Under the Rim Trails. Overnight accommodations in Bryce Canyon are typically full from April to October. Camping in pullouts or parking lots is prohibited. We recommend visiting our page on Campground Regulations for more information.

Commercial Filming & Photography

We recommend visiting our page on Commercial Filming & Photography for more information.

Firearms in the Park

On February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, was enacted May 22, 2009 and will became effective February 22, 2010. Section 512 of this law; Protecting Americans from Violent Crimes, supersedes the uniform treatment of firearm possession in the national park system outside Alaska under the regulations found at 36 C.F.R. 2.4.
It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. Firearms may not be discharged in this national park and should not be used as a wildlife protection strategy.
Federal law also prohibits firearms in facilities in this park (such as the Visitor Center, park Lodge, General Store, etc.).

Utah Open Carry	Allowed
Handgun	Yes
Rifle	Yes
In Vehicle	Yes
Age Requirement	None
Utah Concealed Weapon	Allowed
Handgun	Yes
Rifle	No
Age Requirement	21 Years of Age

Utah State Firearms Information

Home page: http://www.utah.gov/index.html
Statutes: Utah Code Index
Firearms Section[s] of State Code:
Utah Code Section 53-5-704
Utah Code Part 76-10-5
Carrying Concealed Firearms: Utah Code Section 76-10-504

Pets

Service animals that meet NPS requirements are exempt from these policies.

• Pets are permitted on all paved surfaces in the park: campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads, paved viewpoint areas, on the paved trail between Sunset Point & Sunrise Point, and on the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point.
• Pets are not permitted on unpaved trails or viewpoints, in public buildings or on public transportation vehicles. These regulations also apply to pets that are carried.
• Pets must be on a leash at all times; the leash must be no longer than 6 feet.
• Pet owners may not leave pet(s) unattended or tied to an object.
• Pets may not make unreasonable noise.
• Pet owners are required to pick-up after their pets (excrement and other solid waste).

Private Riding Stock

We recommend visiting our page on Private Stock Use for more information.

Resource Damage

Damaging the park's natural and cultural resources is prohibited. Activities that damage resources include walking on vegetation, the taking of natural or cultural objects, and graffiti and other vandalism.

Wildlife

Feeding and harassing wildlife is prohibited. Squirrels, mule deer, and other wildlife become aggressive when they become dependent on human food. Interactions with visitors raise the potential for injury, disease transmission, and potential destruction of the animal.

Traffic Laws

Bryce Canyon National Park, as well as other national parks, enforces the same traffic laws as other law enforcement agencies, in addition to other park specific regulations. Below are a few of specific regulations. Please keep in mind that while the location is very different from your home town, basic traffic laws are the same.

Speed

Bryce Canyon has a one way in, one way out entrance/exit with shuttle bus access, visitor crossroads, multiple view points, beautiful vistas, and close up encounters with wildlife. Help ensure your safety and protect the park's wildlife by obeying all speed limits.

Obey Road Signs

All road signs must be obeyed, such as parking signs and lane markings. Help protect the resource by parking only on hard paved pullouts and not parking on vegetation.

Drugs and Alcohol

Possession of any controlled substance is prohibited. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants, or having open containers of alcohol in a vehicle, is prohibited. Help us protect the park resources and other visitors by identifying a designated driver.