The summer months in southern Utah bring dry, hot weather, sunny skies, and hordes of RVs, tour buses, and camera-toting tourists. Bryce Canyon National Park remains a mandatory stopover on the summer road-tripping circuit, but in the winter, the park’s towering hoodoos, miles of trails, and epic views see only a handful of people per day.
A pair of snowshoes or cross country skis might seem like a useless tool in what is normally an arid desert landscape, but with deep snow that provides a stark contrast to the surrounding red and orange walls, they can be your ticket to total solitude. Miles of ski trails line the rim of Bryce Canyon, and the park’s entire network of summer trails remains open to snowshoers.
Overview
If you’re looking for a multi-day outing, the 22.9-mile Under-The-Rim Trail and the 8.8-mile Riggs Springs Loop Trail both offer multiple backcountry campsites. The 5.5-mile Peek-A-Boo Loop and the 8-mile Fairyland Loop are the top picks for long day hikes.
Aside from the scenic rim trails, most treks begin at one of the park’s multiple view points, wind down through steep switchbacks to the canyon floor, then wander through ponderosa pines and a mind-boggling maze of towers, arches, and other stunning rock formations. On a winter weekend, you’ll likely see more mule deer than other hikers. When traveling after big snowstorms, be sure to bring a map along and watch carefully for trail indentations, as you may be the first to pack down the path. Consult the visitor’s center before your hike to get a better idea of current trail conditions.
Essential Gear
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe – The Lightning’s light, serrated aluminum frame and steel crampon give you maximum traction while its Televator heel lifter makes short work of steep trails.
Black Diamond Expedition Ski Pole - This light three-section pole handles everything from a ski tour to a backpacking trip making it a perfect quiver-of-one set of poles. In Bryce, it’ll help you navigate the steep, sometimes icy switchbacks leading in and out of the canyon.
Mountainsmith Quickfire Camera Bag - Bright blue skies, brilliant white snow, and fiery red and orange rock formations as far as the eye can see. Yep, you’re gonna want to bring the SLR on this trip, and this padded bag will keep your baby safe and sound.
Logistics
Maps
National Geographic Trails Illustrated #219 – Bryce Canyon National Park
Permits
Permits are required for overnight winter camping in the backcountry, but for daytime travel you only need to pay the $25 park entry fee.
Lodging
The park’s campgrounds are closed during the winter, but backcountry camping is available with a permit on certain trails. For day-trippers, the budget option is winter car camping outside the park. Otherwise Ruby’s Inn just outside the park has cheap rooms, a restaurant, and the obligatory cheesy national park gift shop.
Getting There
Bryce Canyon is in southwest Utah, about five hours from Salt Lake City and about four hours from Las Vegas.
Shop Snowshoe & Cross Country Ski Gear on Backcountry.com.
Related Posts:
Tags: hiking national parks, snowshoeing, Trip of the Month
