Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids
Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids
There are no words that can accurately describe Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. It is a place that needs to be visited, explored, and absorbed. Words and photos are not capable of doing justice to the unearthly hoodoos (the stone pillars) that make up this scenery. It is a place unlike any other, and one that changed the way I thought about the planet. I just kept thinking “I can’t believe a terrain like this exists” and was just in awe the entire time we were there. I think even the kids were taken aback by the sight of it. Bryce Canyon National Park is a perfect place to visit with kids.
There are various points throughout the park that are accessible by car and that give great views looking down into the Bryce Amphitheater from up above. We explored some of these viewpoints, and took part in a Ranger-led discussion about the formation of the hoodoos (as a part of the Junior Ranger program).
In order to really get the best feel for Bryce Canyon, you have to hike down into it. It looks intimidating from the top, but it is totally do-able. Even with kids. It is a steep descent and ascent at certain points, but it is a great workout and so worth it! You do have to have some physical stamina, but even the kids were able to do it (not without some complaints about tired legs though).
Hiking down into the Amphitheater allows for the best views of the various hoodoo formations
The Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Trail is about 3 miles, and is steep in some points. It is probably best for elementary aged kids and older, as there are parts that are somewhat difficult. It gives you great views of the park up close and personal.
There are some places to stop and rest! Make sure to bring plenty of water.
Thor’s Hammer is one of the more well-known formations (it is the single one sticking up in the background) & can be viewed from the Navajo Loop Trail.
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah was one of my favorite places we have ever visited, and I would recommend it to anyone with kids who are old enough to do some hiking. Even if the kids are younger, you can still get some wonderful views without hiking too much. We even saw some really fit people carrying a baby in a back carrier and hiking through the Amphitheater!
We stayed at the Ebenezer’s Barn & Grill, which is pretty much in the same parking lot as the hotel. It was a Cowboy Dinner Show with a buffet and entertainment. Yes, it was totally cheesy, but the kids LOVED it! My daughter even waited in line to get the performers’ autograph’s afterward & she still talks about the show. We were literally the only Americans there (they ask you what country you are from when you enter & then they incorporate that into the show) out of about 500 people. Kind of embarrassing, kind of amazing. It just goes to show that we enjoy being tourists in our own country. The rest of you (if you’re American) are missing out.
