Last updated: February 27, 2024
Thing to Do
Go For a Winter Hike
Many hikes are available to visitors during the winter season, in both the front and backcountry, but might require some additional equipment.
After a big snowfall most of the park's day hiking trails require snowshoes. However, after a few days of melt, and with continued use, the trails become so well packed and icy that snowshoes are no longer effective to provide traction and stable footing.
Traction Devices
For much of the winter the most popular trails are so icy that steep sections cannot be safely traversed without some sort of additional traction device for your hiking shoes or boots. Mountaineering crampons or other, lighter options which fasten over your winter footwear work well. We recommend wearing these devices throughout the park, especially in parking lots and other paved areas to avoid injuries from slipping and falling.
Traction devices are available for purchase at the Bryce Canyon Association's bookstore at the Visitor Center.
Winter Backpacking
Traversing Bryce Canyon's backcountry is challenging year-round. Winter conditions include deep snow and sub-zero temperatures. Finding and following the trail can be extremely difficult in deep snow. Losing the trail makes it difficult to find the key routes back up to the rim and the Rainbow Point Road. For this and other reasons (open fires are prohibited, the Rainbow Point Road may be closed for several days after a big storm, etc.) winter backcountry permits are issued to only the most experienced and well-prepared adventurers. Ski and/or snowshoe equipment is highly recommended.
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