We visited Bryce Canyon National Park in the first week of November. It was part of our 10-day RV road trip through Utah.
Although we’re hesitant because of the cold weather, we’re happy we decided to go. November turned out to be a surprisingly perfect time to explore Bryce Canyon.
There is something magical about seeing the park’s famous rock formations dusted with light snow without the usual crowds.
In this guide, I will share everything you need to know about visiting Bryce Canyon in November, including what to expect with the weather, the best trails, where to camp, and what to pack.
Is November a good time to visit Bryce Canyon?
Yes, November is a good time to see Bryce Canyon’s snow-capped hoodoos without the summer crowds. It’s the perfect time to hike and capture the park’s famous trails and viewpoints in peaceful solitude.
With warm layers and sturdy shoes for chilly temperatures and occasional snowfall, you’ll love Bryce Canyon in November — just like we did!
Read Next: Bryce Canyon National Park in November
Bryce Canyon Weather in November
Bryce Canyon is quite chilly in November, with daytime temperatures ranging from 33°F to 52°F (0.5°C to 11°C) and nighttime temperatures often dipping below freezing.
Snowfall is possible, especially at higher elevations. Expect a mix of sunny days, brisk winds, and occasional flurries.
What to Pack for Bryce Canyon in November
Layering is key for staying comfortable in Bryce Canyon’s chilly November weather. Pack a warm jacket, thermal base layers, a beanie, gloves, and sturdy, insulated hiking boots to keep your feet warm on the trails. Hiking shoes with good traction can also work well.
I also wore a pair of moisture-wicking socks, which were perfect for the lightly snow-covered trails during our visit.
While the snow is usually manageable, consider using crampons or traction spikes if you plan to hike during heavy snow. If you don’t have them, you can buy a pair at the visitor center or rent them at Ruby’s Inn for $10.
We did not use crampons or traction spikes during our visit during the first week of November.
Best Things To Do in Bryce Canyon in November
1. Hike the Popular Trails
One of the best things about visiting Bryce Canyon in November is the lack of crowds. Even the popular hiking trails have smaller crowds.
We hiked the famous Navajo Trail, combined with Queen’s Garden and Wall Street, and were surprised by how few people we ran into. It gave us the chance to slow down, really take in the hoodoos, and even find a spot to sit down, enjoy some snacks, and soak in the view.
If you’re up for a longer adventure, I’d recommend the Fairyland Loop. It’s an 8-mile (12.9 km) trek that takes you deeper into the landscape, surrounded by iconic hoodoos and all sorts of other fascinating rock formations.
There’s even a good chance in November you’ll have the trail almost entirely to yourself, which really adds to the magic of hiking Bryce Canyon in winter.
2. Scenic Drives
Parking is much easier in November, even for larger vehicles like RVs, which is a big plus when visiting Bryce Canyon in November.
We drove the Southern Scenic Drive, which passes through several beautiful viewpoints including Swamp Canyon, Farview Point, Piracy Point, Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, Ponderosa Canyon, Black Birch Canyon, Rainbow Point, and Yovimpa Point—all without any hassle finding parking.
Pro Tip: If you decide to do the Southern Scenic Drive, start by driving directly to Rainbow and Yovimpa Points, then visit the other viewpoints on your return trip north. All the stops will be on the right-hand side of the road.
3. Stargazing
November is one of the best times to experience stargazing at Bryce Canyon, which is a designated Dark Sky Park. The crisp, cool temperatures and longer nights create beautiful clear skies.
Paria View, Bryce Amphitheater, and Farview Point are the best spots for stargazing in Bryce.
Pro Tip: For the best captures of the Milky Way, bring a tripod and set your cameras with the right settings.
4. Wildlife Spotting
November is a great time to spot animals like mule deer, foxes, and even the elusive mountain lions and bobcats adapting to the changing season.
If you want a higher chance of spotting these animals, visit during the early mornings and late afternoons. Bring your binoculars, keep noise to a minimum, stay in designated trails, and do not feed wildlife.
5. Photography
The softer light and the sun’s lower position in the sky during November create long shadows that enhance the textures of the park’s iconic hoodoos and rock formations.
The dusting of snow also adds a beautiful contrast against the red rock landscape.
Best part? The viewpoints and trails are way less crowded viewpoints so you can take your time to take unique shots.
Sunrise Point is perfect for photographing hoodoos glowing in the early morning light, while Sunset Point offers warm, rich hues as the day ends.
Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon in November
Park Hours and Entry Fees
Bryce Canyon is open 24/7 year-round but the visitor center is only open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
The entrance fee to the park is $35 per vehicle. If you’re planning to visit all of Utah’s Mighty Five parks or at least three national parks during your trip, I highly recommend getting the “America the Beautiful” pass—it’s only $80 and grants you access to all national parks in the U.S. for an entire year. It will definitely save you some money.
Shuttle Service
Bryce Canyon shuttle service is not available in November. The shuttle typically runs from early April through late October. You need a personal vehicle to explore the park during this time.
Accommodation and Camping
If you’re looking to stay within the park, note that the historic Lodge at Bryce Canyon typically closes for the season in early November. However, there are still several hotels and motels open year-round in nearby Bryce Canyon City.
For camping, Sunset Campground closes for the winter, but North Campground remains open year-round and operates on a first-come, first-served basis during the off-season.
Traveling by RV? Make sure to plan ahead. During our trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon, we struggled to find an open RV park since most places were closed for the season.
We were lucky we found Ruby’s Inn, which had just opened a small RV park within their main property for $40/night.
It’s close to the park entrance and offers full hookups, a dump site, and water refills—though the water refilling was closed due to below-freezing temperatures at the time.
Restaurants and Supermarkets
Restaurants within Bryce Canyon National Park are also closed for the season. But you can still find options just outside the park, like Ruby’s Inn Cowboy’s Buffet & Steak Room.
If you’re camping or staying in an RV, I recommend stocking up on groceries beforehand. We were able to buy some essentials at Ruby’s Inn General Store, which offers a great selection at reasonable prices.
Road and Trail Conditions
November can bring unpredictable weather to Bryce Canyon, so be ready for icy roads and snow-covered trails, especially if an early winter storm hits.
Always check the National Park Service website for the latest road and trail conditions before heading out, and bring tire chains if snow is forecasted.
Ranger-Led Programs
Even in November, Bryce Canyon offers ranger-led activities such as geology talks and full moon hikes.
These programs are a wonderful way to learn more about the park’s fascinating formations and history, adding depth to your visit.
If you’re interested, be sure to check the visitor center schedule so you don’t miss out on these educational experiences.
FAQs: Visiting Bryce Canyon in November
Is Bryce Canyon National Park open in November?
Yes, Bryce Canyon National Park remains open in November, operating 24 hours a day. The visitor center visitor is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Why is Bryce Canyon so cold?
Bryce Canyon’s colder temperatures are primarily due to its high elevation, which ranges from 8,000 feet (2438 m) and reaching up to over 9,000 feet (2743 m).
Is it worth going to Bryce Canyon in winter?
Yes. During winter, Bryce Canyon offers unique snow-covered landscapes, fewer crowds, and plenty of opportunities for winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Do people get altitude sickness at Bryce Canyon?
Most visitors don’t experience altitude sickness at Bryce Canyon, but with the park’s elevation reaching up to 9,000 feet, some people might feel symptoms like headaches or shortness of breath. Stay hydrated and acclimate gradually.
Wrap-Up: Bryce Canyon in November
It was my first time visiting Bryce Canyon, and I’m happy I did it in November. The thin crowds and snow-capped hoodoos made it such a unique and beautiful experience.
If you’re on the fence about visiting Bryce Canyon in November, let me tell you—it’s absolutely magical.
