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 weโ€™re hesitant because of the cold weather, weโ€™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.

My partner and I standing at the edge of a stunning viewpoint in Bryce Canyon National Park, surrounded by orange hoodoos and a deep blue November sky.

Is November a good time to visit Bryce Canyon?

Yes, November is a good time to see Bryce Canyonโ€™s snow-capped hoodoos without the summer crowds. Itโ€™s the perfect time to hike and capture the parkโ€™s famous trails and viewpoints in peaceful solitude.

With warm layers and sturdy shoes for chilly temperatures and occasional snowfall, youโ€™ll love Bryce Canyon in November โ€” 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 33ยฐF to 52ยฐF (0.5ยฐC to 11ยฐC) 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 donโ€™t have them, you can buy a pair at the visitor center or rent them at Rubyโ€™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 Queenโ€™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 youโ€™re up for a longer adventure, Iโ€™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.

Me walking along the Queens Garden Navajo Loop trail in Bryce Canyon, surrounded by towering red rock formations under a sunny November sky.
Hiking the Navajo-Queens Garden Loop Trail

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 Pointโ€”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.

breathtaking view of the rock formation "The Hunter and Rabbit" in Agua Canyon, Bryce Canyon.
The hunter and the rabbit at Agua Canyon

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 sunโ€™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.

Close-up of Bryce Canyon's iconic hoodoos with light snow dusting the ridges, set against a vibrant blue November sky.
Snow-capped hoodies in Bryce Canyon in November

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 youโ€™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” passโ€”itโ€™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 youโ€™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 Rubyโ€™s Inn, which had just opened a small RV park within their main property for $40/night.

Itโ€™s close to the park entrance and offers full hookups, a dump site, and water refillsโ€”though the water refilling was closed due to below-freezing temperatures at the time.

A white Cruise America RV parked in Ruby's Inn RV Park under a clear blue sky, with tall trees in the background.
RV Park at Ruby’s Inn

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 Rubyโ€™s Inn Cowboyโ€™s Buffet & Steak Room.

If youโ€™re camping or staying in an RV, I recommend stocking up on groceries beforehand. We were able to buy some essentials at Rubyโ€™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 parkโ€™s fascinating formations and history, adding depth to your visit.

If youโ€™re interested, be sure to check the visitor center schedule so you donโ€™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.

What is the coldest month in Bryce Canyon?

January is typically the coldest month in Bryce Canyon, with average low temperatures around 9ยฐF (-13ยฐC) and highs near 39ยฐF (4ยฐC).

Is Bryce Canyon colder than Zion?

Yes, Bryce Canyon is generally colder than Zion National Park due to its higher elevation, resulting in cooler temperatures year-round.

Can you drive through Bryce Canyon in winter?

Yes, you can drive through Bryce Canyon in winter. However, some sections of the park’s roads may be temporarily closed due to snow and icy conditions. Check current road statuses before your visit.

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 donโ€™t experience altitude sickness at Bryce Canyon, but with the parkโ€™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 youโ€”itโ€™s absolutely magical.

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