Visit Bryce Canyon in November

The pros far out way the cons if you are planning to visit Bryce Canyon in November. From fewer crowds, leading to easier parking, and snow-covered views to go with cooler temperatures, you will not be disappointed with a late autumn journey to this magical U.S. national park in southern Utah.

Let’s start right in with the pros:

8 reasons to visit Bryce Canyon in November:

1. Fewer crowds

The height of summer is when most people are on vacation in the U.S., and visiting the five national parks in Utah, including Bryce and Zion, are certainly atop plenty of bucket lists. In fact, most of the 3 million annual visitors come in the summer months, creating crowds that can be 5 to 10 times greater than November.

A single road enters the park and continues to connect all the key points of interest. If your idea of viewing the famous Natural Bridge or Thor’s Hammer is to jostle with hordes of people who just jumped out of a shuttle bus, then welcome to summer. And “summer” can mean the six months from May to October. You may also face a long line just waiting to enter the park. Or waiting to talk to a park ranger at the excellent visitor center.

In November, the crowds drop along with the temperature. Bundle up, and you will have some parts of experience practically to yourself.

2. Easier Parking

Here’s the secret to visiting Bryce Canyon. All the main sights are seen from nine overlooks off one main 18-mile drive. In the summer, these turnoffs may have room for about one out of four cars looking to park!

As a result, most visitors must opt for the shuttle bus system. That would cramp our free-spirited style, as the crowded bus crawls from one overlook to the next.

In November, we breeze along the scenic highway, pulling into turnoffs we rarely share with more than a car or two. We never wait for parking. And no waiting for someone to move out of our perfect photo.

3. Main road open

You may be thinking, if November is so inviting, why not the winter months? Well, at elevations reaching 9,000 feet (2,750m), Bryce is Utah’s coldest park. The winter can feature howling winds and snow that closes sections of the main road, not to mention trails. In November, generally the entire road is open.

4. Most trails open

There is one trail (Wall Street) that closes after the first frost. Most other popular trails remain open in November, even with patches of snow and ice. It is relatively easy to navigate down into the towering hoodoos. Our party found the steep Navajo Loop Trail, off the Rim Trail, between Sunrise and Sunset Points to be especially spectacular. It was popular, but not crowded on the afternoon before Thanksgiving Day.

5. Snow-covered beauty

It took wind, water, and millions of years to create the world’s largest collection of rock strata known as hoodoos. These stars of the show and the shadows they cast look different throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset. However, the view is pretty similar from spring into fall.

November brings the first snowfalls and with them, an added dimension (and color) to the palette. The pure white snow contrasts with the browns and golds, and of course, the some of the deepest blue sky you will ever witness. For my money, the best photos I have seen (and taken) include that blanket of snow. If you are lucky, you will have snow in your scenes, but not affecting your ability to drive and hike around.

6. Cooler temperatures

Autumn is one of our favorite travel times, not only because of fewer crowds, but also cooler temperatures. Bryce Canyon, like the nearby Grand Canyon, can get pretty warm in the summer. That can make for uncomfortable hiking and other outdoor activities (this is the desert, after all).

Daytime temperatures in November hover around the mid-40s (F) and drop well below freezing at night. That means you can dress in layers, accordingly. You might feel chilled at times, but never hot.

7. Money-saving rates

If you visit Bryce Canyon in November, you will be just outside the busy season. The result is better availability and lower rates on accommodations. We stay just a few kilometers outside the park entrance at the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel (long name!).

Our deluxe suite includes a full hot buffet breakfast each morning. I check summertime rates for the same room, and they are double what we pay during Thanksgiving week in November!

8. Magnificent stargazing

Bryce is one of the darkest national parks. After all, you are hours away from anything resembling the lights of a city. Add to that the pollution-free, crystal-clear skies, and you have stargazing at its finest.

November sunset comes in the late afternoon, so we head out in the early evening, past the closed entrance to the park. With no one around, it is easy to drive off the main road toward Sunset Point. In no time we are in pitch blackness. Turn off the car lights, adjust our eyes, gaze up, and we can see an estimated 7,500 stars!

There must be some cons

Here is what some people would say are the drawbacks to a November visit:

Shorter daylight hours. The sun sets before 5:30pm, so you have to cram a lot into a day.

No shuttle bus. They run from April – October. But they are really not needed due to fewer cars.

Fewer ranger activities. We don’t see this as an issue, but good to know.

Some closures outside the park. There is no rodeo, country show, horseback riding. But did you come here for those things or the natural beauty of Bryce Canyon?

Cold weather. If you hate cold weather and the possibility of snow, think twice about November. Trade that for summer heat and serious thunderstorms!

Of course, there is a lot more to investigate as you research your visit to Bryce Canyon. Always start with the National Park Service site for official and up-to-date information. Then branch out to other sites, such as Utah.com.

Enjoy your journey! If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to comment at the very bottom of this article.