Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Practical Astrophotography Staff
Bryce Canyon will have some areas better than others for stargazing since the park isn’t as wide open as others and does have a lot of trees in certain areas. It also has a lot of great overlooks that are perfect for admiring the stars. There are several ways to go stargazing in Bryce Canyon National Park.
While there are quite a few overlooks great for Setting up your Astrophotography equipment in Bryce Canyon, some are better than others. These overlooks will offer similar but different scenery, especially the first and last.
Natural Bridge Overlook This overlook will offer a different view than most others. Instead of just hoodoos, you’ll get to admire the stars over (and under!) the natural bridge.
Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, or Sunrise Points These are all great views over the Bryce Amphitheater, the most iconic area of the park. The skies are wide open. You can’t go wrong here.
Farview Point This viewpoint can be appreciated best during the day offering views of Arizona 160 miles away, but that just means there is plenty of open skies to see the stars. It may be less busy than the Bryce Amphitheater area.
Mossy Cave Trail This is the place to escape the crowds since it isn’t on the main scenic road. Back out on Highway 12, you’ll find the Mossy Cave Trail and parking area. There is also a waterfall here offering a different foreground for stargazing that stands out from the rest of the park scenery.
While there are plenty of places within Bryce Canyon National Park to go stargazing, you can find stellar stargazing in the whole area. The skies are incredibly dark in this area making it a prime stargazing destination.
Where to Stay near Bryce Canyon National Park
From private cabins to rustic lodges, camping to more rustic lodges and cabins, Bryce Canyon has plenty of accommodation options. If you want to splurge (and probably book way in advance) a night or two at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon, just steps from the iconic Bryce Amphitheater. This is the only lodging, other than camping, in the park boundaries.
Outside the park, you’ll find options in all price ranges. From Ruby’s Inn in Bryce Canyon City just outside the park entrance is a great option if you plan to visit the park a lot, coming and going during the day and night.
Bryce Pioneer Village or Bryce Country Cabins in tropic are both great options if you want to be a little farther from the action. Even near the lights of the sleepy village of Tropic, you’ll be able to admire the stars; you will also be closer to the Mossy Cave area. You can find a lot of cabins and rustic lodging in Tropic.
If you choose to go camping while visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, there are two campgrounds in the park near the visitor center that fill up by mid-morning. There are plenty of other camping options nearby. Kodachrome Basin State Park is about 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon and offers camping. You can also camp for free on National Forest and BLM land in the area, or pretty much all over out west.
Other Tips for visiting Bryce Canyon
n Prepare for any weather. The weather varies considerably, from 90°F and sunny to 50°F, cloudy, and rainy. It can get pretty chilly at night because it’s at a higher elevation. If you arrive on a cold and foggy day, still go into the park! This can make for a totally awesome experience and you’ll probably see fewer people.
n If you plan to visit more than three national parks on this trip (or during the year), purchase the ‘America The Beautiful’ National Park pass for $80. This pass offers free or reduced admission at most U.S. National Parks, and you’ll likely save money over the course of a year.
n Make sure you have time to hike into the canyon on your trip. It makes the experience a million times better than just driving by all the overlooks.
n Drink lots of water and wear a lot of sunscreen. The desert is a tough place, and it’s best to have at least one gallon of water per person with you at all times.
n Give yourself one full day in the park by day—along with your nighttime activities. Bryce Canyon is a unique park with a lot to offer that you can’t find anywhere else.
A Place of Wonder
Bryce Canyon is the ultimate place to learn about and enjoy the splendor of the night sky. Far from the light pollution of civilization, protected by a special force of park rangers and volunteer astronomers, Bryce Canyon is a sanctuary for natural darkness.
The night sky at Bryce is so dark we can see thousands stars on a moonless night! Here the Milky Way extends from horizon to horizon like a vast silver rainbow. Planets glow brightly in the sky and starlight illuminates the night.
No visit to Bryce Canyon is complete without joining the Astronomy Rangers for one of their educational and entertaining celebrations of natural darkness. Check our program schedule or come in to the Visitor Center to find out when and how you can join us for an awesome astronomy experience.
Looking for total night-sky immersion? Join us for our Annual Astronomy Festival, June 26–29, 2019!
