Make Sure to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park During Your Next St. George, Utah Vacation

If finding things to do in St. George, Utah proves a bit challenging, then you’re in the right place. You can turn to Ledges Vacation Rentals for St. George vacation rentals and more, all just minutes from the best attractions in the area. First off, did you know that the Bryce Canyon National Park is just minutes away from our properties?

In fact, this park’s right in the center of the whole St. George district region itself and shows countless hoodoos (the technical term to describe large rocks of irregular shapes and mass) you can’t miss.

This park holds the most hoodoos on Earth, the locals say, a distinct landmark in itself.

About the Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

This is one of the best places when it comes to top national parks near St. George, Utah. Open 24/7 (but closed Thanksgiving and Christmas), right off Highway 63, Bryce Canyon National Park is the ideal place to visit solo, bring a partner, or even come with an entire crew. If you adore the beauty of the mountains and love fresh elevated air and tranquil space (along with quiet serenity and awe-inspiring views at every turn), then this annual pass park is the one for you when you’re in Utah. 

There are 18+ miles to walk here if you are looking for an active attraction. The road goes from north to south and back, and it’s hard to get lost. Everything here is so neatly labeled and even mapped out by locals (you can also ask for a map at the visitor center). Once you pass those first three miles, you will come across their one and only Bryce Amphitheater, perhaps the very best lookout point of all. From this amazing spot, you can so easily come to notice the varied overlooks of the entire area. There are four main attractions, such as the Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points. 

Don’t forget to later pass by and take pictures of Rainbow Point, one of the most colorfully vivid (hence the fitting name) spots around in the entire park. You can see some small creatures and other wildlife, too, if you are lucky. This is one of the best places in the park to have that digital camera handy, so don’t forget to pack it before coming. 

Hiking

There’s no better way to hike the whole site than by doing it with others. If you don’t have any human companions coming along with you, then consider a pet. Pets are allowed here, as long as they’re leashed and restrained and never leave your side. They can walk next to you on permitted paved surfaces of the park (see the main site for more details on restrictions and limitations here). You must clean up after your pet accordingly. 

If you like to hike in groups but don’t have anyone with you on this trip, then consider taking on their Ranger-led hiking tours or field trips. These are perfect for when you want to learn some history on the area and get to learn a few distinct features on certain markers along the way (which you may have missed or ignored otherwise if taking a self-guided hike). This classroom-like experience and hike can also make it easier to meet a friend who shares the same love for the outdoors. 

Horseback Riding

You can take a guided trail ride through their vendor, Canyon Trail Rides, and the price varies per participant. This excursion involves looping trails and horse trails, and the best part is you can choose the trail and either ride by horse or mule. These rides are usually offered from April to October but can change if the weather poses risks. Call in advance to see if horse rides will be offered the day or week you plan to go.

Book a slot any time, from every half hour, on the hour (from 5-7:30 p.m.). For instance, if you miss the 5:30 p.m. open window for booking, just wait until 6 p.m. and try booking. Sometimes slots fill up, so you may not get the slot you want right away. Either way, just give it another half hour and see. Try to book days in advance (even before you’re in St. George). 

The horseback riding section has a nice little Mixing Circle included, which is where you can park, load, and unload. It’s all marked and easy to see. This makes the process much more convenient.

Directions to Bryce Canyon National Park 

It’s time to talk about how to get to Bryce Canyon National Park from Ledges, in case you don’t have a handy Bryce Canyon National Park map on you. First of all, you’ll start by taking I-15 N right from UT-18 S and Red Hills Pkwy; it’s about 17 minutes of drive time to start off. Then, you will need to follow the same I-15 N until you get to UT-20 E in Iron County, about an hour and 12 minutes of additional driving. Take exit 95 from there. Stay on UT-20 E, US-89 S, and UT-12 E til you get to UT-63 S (found in Garfield County as you’ll see the signs come up), which is another hour. So in total, you’re looking at around 2.5 hours in drive time (and about 150 miles). Trust us: the journey is more than worth it!

Keep in mind that, toward the very end of the drive, to get to UT-12 E, you’ll need to make a left turn; so once you see the signs come up, go straight for that left lane and stay in it. You will see a big traffic circle start to come up short, and when you do, you will want to go for that first exit off of it, which takes you straight to UT-63 S. You will then see signs for the Bryce Canyon National Park overhead. 

St. George Vacation Rentals

Finding top-notch rentals in St. George, Utah should be your next goal after checking out the park in all its glory. After all, you can’t go hiking near St. George, Utah without having the right home to stay in. It’s all a part of the perfect paradise experience. If you need to plan quickly, we’ll help. Our team is always fast and efficient. We’ve got many homes to show you, some even with 4 beds, ideal for large groups.  

There’s never been a better time to explore Bryce Canyon National Park and everything else that Southern Utah has to offer. Get in touch today to book your trip!