Bryce Canyon by motorcycle

Bryce sits on a high plateau about a morning's ride from Zion. The hoodoos are the draw, but for a rider the roads around it are just as good: Red Canyon on the way in, the park's own scenic drive along the rim, and Scenic Byway 12 heading east.

Getting into the park on a bike

Fee: $30 per motorcycle, valid for 7 days. One pass admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 people in total (NPS Bryce fees).
Visiting from outside the US? Non-US residents pay an extra $100 per person unless they enter with an annual or America the Beautiful pass (NPS Bryce fees).
Riding Zion too? Each park charges its own entrance fee. If you are doing several parks, compare the cost of an annual pass first.
Getting there: from Scenic Byway 12, turn south on Utah Route 63 into the park (Highways & Byways).

The scenic drive

The park has one main road, 18 miles north to south. The first 3 miles cover the Bryce Amphitheater area; the next 15 are the Southern Scenic Drive (NPS).
It ends at Rainbow and Yovimpa Points, 9,115 ft, the highest viewpoints in the park (NPS).
Ride south first, stop on the way back. The park suggests driving to the end and visiting the viewpoints heading north, so every stop is on your right (NPS). On a bike that means no turning across traffic.
Viewpoints on the southern drive include Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, Ponderosa Canyon, Black Birch Canyon, Farview and Piracy Points, and Swamp Canyon (NPS).

Where to ride from Bryce

Back to Zion: Red Canyon, US-89 south and the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel. Zion to Bryce, ridden in reverse.
South to Kanab and Lake Powell: US-89 south through Long Valley to Kanab, then east to Page. Kanab and Lake Powell.
East on Scenic Byway 12: Escalante, the Hogback, Boulder and Torrey. Scenic Byway 12 guide.
On to Capitol Reef and Moab: Moab to Bryce via Highways 24 and 12, ridden in reverse. The park on the way: Capitol Reef by motorcycle.
West over the plateau: US-89 south to Long Valley Junction, then Scenic Byway 14 to Cedar Breaks and Cedar City. Cedar City and Cedar Breaks.
The whole week: Utah's Mighty 5 by motorcycle.

Before you ride

The rim is high. Expect it to be much cooler than Zion and pack a warm layer, even in summer.
Check park alerts and road conditions before you go, especially in spring and fall.
Helmet law, eye protection and lane filtering: Riding in Utah.

Rent a bike

Booking opens soon. Until then, use the ride guides to plan your trip.