It is time to get out your calendars and start planning your outdoor adventures! The National Park Services has announced the 2020 Fee Free Days for Bryce Canyon National Park!
2020 Fee Free Days
- January 20: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- April 18: First Day of National Park Week
- August 25: National Park Service Birthday
- September 26: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Looking to get the most out of your Fee Free Day?
Many people want to take advantage of the waived fees for Bryce Canyon, which means that it can get crowded. Here are a few tips and trick to make sure that you can get the most out of your visit to the park.
Arrive early
"The early bird gets the worm." Since parking within the park is limited, the trick to making sure you get a good spot is to get there early. Another advantage of getting to the park early is cooler temperatures and fewer crowds on popular trails, which helps you take in those stunning park views before the rush arrives.
Have a game plan
Having a plan of attack before you get to the park with help ease your thoughts on whether or not you are able to fit in everything you want to do during your visit. Do some research, pick a few key hikes and activities that you want to accomplish, and then create your itinerary. This can allow you to see activities that are similar and can be combined, helping you maximize your time and possibly even avoid the crowds.
Pack right
Once you have your trip planned, make sure that you are packing the right gear for the activities that you are wanting to tackle. Are you planning on a hike that may require special gear? Make sure that you have any gear you need rented ready BEFORE you arrive at your hike. Are you planning on staying on the trails late into the evening? Make sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight so that you can easily see the trail. We recommend a headlamp, since they are hands-free.
It is always important to check the weather before heading out on any adventure. The weather may call for rain, making a raincoat or poncho a necessary packing item, or the cooler temperatures in the morning or evening may have you stuffing a light coat in your pack.
Travel light
When visiting a national park like Bryce Canyon, packing less is more! Carrying too much in your pack can cause you to tire quicker. Make sure that you have the essentials, such as snacks, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and a good hat.
Stop by the Visitors Center
Even with the best game plan in place, you may need some assistance once you get to the park. Make sure to check out the Visitors Center when you first arrive. The Park Rangers will have insider knowledge, such as trail closures and alternate hikes, to help make sure that your trip goes along without a hitch!
Leave the park better than you found it
With its vibrant red colors, towering hoodoos, and general scenery, Bryce Canyon offers some of the most stunning views in the world. It is our responsibility to help care for the park as best as we can during our visit. Here are some common courtesy rules while visiting the park:
- Respect warning signs that restrict access to certain areas of the park. This is for your safety!
- Don't disturb any animals you may come across or their habitats.
- Help keep the park clean. If you see trash, throw it out.
- Do not hesitate to report any behavior that may cause damage to the park.
Purchase an Annual Park Pass
If you are planning multiple trips to national parks throughout the year, you can get the most bang for your buck by purchasing an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This pass offers unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas across the nation for only $80. You can even get a discount or free pass if you are a senior citizen, current military member, disabled citizen, or family of a fourth-grade student.