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Bryce Canyon National Park News Release
March 31, 2011
For Immediate Release
Dan Ng (435) 834‐4740
11‐05
Bryce Canyon Welcomes Spring Visitors
Winter and early spring is perhaps the most beautiful time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Following snowstorms, the
colorful red hoodoos are layered in bands of white snow. The park is largely snow covered on the plateau. The current
snowpack at the Visitor Center (elev. 7,900 ft.) measures 11 inches. Snow in the southern end of the park towards
Rainbow Point (elev. 9,100 ft.) is 2‐3 feet deep. March‐April temperatures average to 50° F during the day and drop to 20°
F at night.
Fairyland and Paria View roads remain unplowed for use by cross‐country skiers and snowshoers. All other park roads
and viewpoints remain open, though the main road to Rainbow Point may be temporarily closed due to snowstorms. The
Visitor Center is opened daily from 8:00 AM‐4:30 PM and extending to 6:00 PM on April 3. Visitors are reminded to
prepare for winter driving conditions, high elevation and to dress warmly for the cold temperatures and snow.
Day hiking trails are open, but are snow‐covered, icy and muddy. Hiking boots/snowboots with traction devices as well as
hiking poles are highly recommended. For the Fairyland Loop and Peekaboo Loop, it is advisable to carry snowshoes. Due
to deep snow in the southern section of the park, backcountry hiking is not recommended.
Due to rock slides and hazardous trail conditions, the Thors Hammer’s side of the Navajo Loop is temporarily closed for
visitor safety. Assessments will be made weekly to determine when the trail can be safely reopened. The Wall Street side
(which is closed during winter) will remain closed for several more months.
Park rangers present geology talks daily, and on Saturdays, evening and night sky programs. Cross‐country ski trails in the
park are on ungroomed 2‐track trails. The slope between the Plateau Rim and 7600 foot contour elevation is closed to
skiing, snowboarding, sledding or sliding devices. Below the Rim, cross‐country skiing is permitted on the Under‐ the‐ Rim
Trail and Riggs Spring Loop.
The Bryce Canyon Lodge, restaurant and gift shop reopen on April 1. Public showers and laundry will be open April 1st
and the General Store by April 3. Horseback rides will resume around April 1 once trails are free of snow and ice. For
more information, please visit the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/brca or call 435‐834‐5322.
‐NPSNational
Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bryce Canyon
National Park
PO Box 640201
Bryce , Utah 84764
435 834-5322 phone
435 834-4102 fax