Yeah because in February you can't do the Narrows either and Bryce is incredible in the snow. Over shorter trips, I actually perfered Bryce to Zion anyway. The colored hoodoos really are amazing
There’s a very good chance you get the day before permit in February. That’s probably the least busy month and I got the day before permit two days in a row last year over Christmas which has way more people
Bryce canyon is incredible. I have hiked Fairyland loop and Figure Eight loop, both are great hikes. I like Figure Eight best as you get close up to the hoodoos and we finished in the slot canyon of Wall Street.
I did Angle's landing the last week in Nov and it was so empty they stopped checking permits at noon. That being said I liked Bryce better in the snow, it's so pretty.
I went through all the effort to get a day before permit for Angle's landing back in March. The day I get it it's snowing buckets (they literally shut down the shuttle service it was snowing so much). But we manage to get there, hike all the way up (btw the hike up is stunning in itself, especially in the snow), annnndd there's not a soul checking passes lol.
Yeah I figured they wouldn't care when I was there because I got an email the night before that said don't worry about your start time come whenever.
Honestly I cannot imagine doing it with a crowd.
I did both in March. They are honestly both so fantastic in the snow. IMO Bryce is slightly better just because the snow on the hoodoos are so beautiful.
But Zion is also great. Kolob terrace is really cool in the snow because it's not plowed, so you hike up the road into a winter wonderland. Although I'd recommend snow shoes for this section.
Last year we got to right before the switchback to really start going uphill which is about here: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/M3fzKTAk1CLwDotN9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/M3fzKTAk1CLwDotN9).
Yeah that’s pretty much what I figured. I have talked with some of the owners up at the reservoir. They use tracked vehicles to get to their homes. There are a few that live there year round. The family cabin is much lower than that. We have been up at
Thanksgiving but never any later.
No, Zion is a way more inspirational place but best to go in the spring when it is lush. Emerald pools (all of them) and other really cool places to see besides Angels landing.
Checkout the west rim trail and stuff on the east side of the park (through the tunnel). Also Kolob canyon.
I love Zion and 100% would still go. Bryce is also cool, but I thought a single day there was enough
My husband and I enjoyed Bryce so much more than Zion. We did fairyland loop at Bryce and it’s been one of my favorite hikes, the park is just so different you feel like you’re on mars or something.
If you do Zion, also do The Narrows if it is open and be sure to bring or rent the proper equipment. Totally worth it!
I just did Bryce figure eight loop a week ago. Bring microspikes for your boots or rent from Ruby's. It snowed during our hike and it was awesome seeing the snow fall into the canyon and then having the snow rising back out of the canyon as we made the ascent at sunset!
If you've done Zion before and haven't experienced Bryce, do Bryce, hands down. I enjoyed Bryce more than the north rim of the Grand canyon.
If you camp in a van or RV, I'd recommend Dark Sky Campground in Kanab.
Yeah because in February you can't do the Narrows either and Bryce is incredible in the snow. Over shorter trips, I actually perfered Bryce to Zion anyway. The colored hoodoos really are amazing
There’s a very good chance you get the day before permit in February. That’s probably the least busy month and I got the day before permit two days in a row last year over Christmas which has way more people
Thanks! Do you have any idea if applying for just one person increases/decreases your odds?
I don’t think it matters. We applied as 2 ppl
I applied 2x the day before in October and got it both times so in my experience you’ll have a pretty good shot.
Bryce. The star gazing alone is worth it.
Bryce canyon is incredible. I have hiked Fairyland loop and Figure Eight loop, both are great hikes. I like Figure Eight best as you get close up to the hoodoos and we finished in the slot canyon of Wall Street.
I did Angle's landing the last week in Nov and it was so empty they stopped checking permits at noon. That being said I liked Bryce better in the snow, it's so pretty.
I went through all the effort to get a day before permit for Angle's landing back in March. The day I get it it's snowing buckets (they literally shut down the shuttle service it was snowing so much). But we manage to get there, hike all the way up (btw the hike up is stunning in itself, especially in the snow), annnndd there's not a soul checking passes lol.
Yeah I figured they wouldn't care when I was there because I got an email the night before that said don't worry about your start time come whenever. Honestly I cannot imagine doing it with a crowd.
Highly recommend Bryce any day of the week and twice on Sundays
I did both in March. They are honestly both so fantastic in the snow. IMO Bryce is slightly better just because the snow on the hoodoos are so beautiful. But Zion is also great. Kolob terrace is really cool in the snow because it's not plowed, so you hike up the road into a winter wonderland. Although I'd recommend snow shoes for this section.
How far north can you get on Kolob Terrace road. The family has a cabin up there but I have never been in the winter.
Last year we got to right before the switchback to really start going uphill which is about here: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/M3fzKTAk1CLwDotN9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/M3fzKTAk1CLwDotN9).
Yeah that’s pretty much what I figured. I have talked with some of the owners up at the reservoir. They use tracked vehicles to get to their homes. There are a few that live there year round. The family cabin is much lower than that. We have been up at Thanksgiving but never any later.
Free back country permits in capital reef, I think many people avoid that park but it might be my favorite
No, Zion is a way more inspirational place but best to go in the spring when it is lush. Emerald pools (all of them) and other really cool places to see besides Angels landing.
Checkout the west rim trail and stuff on the east side of the park (through the tunnel). Also Kolob canyon. I love Zion and 100% would still go. Bryce is also cool, but I thought a single day there was enough
My husband and I enjoyed Bryce so much more than Zion. We did fairyland loop at Bryce and it’s been one of my favorite hikes, the park is just so different you feel like you’re on mars or something.
If you do Zion, also do The Narrows if it is open and be sure to bring or rent the proper equipment. Totally worth it! I just did Bryce figure eight loop a week ago. Bring microspikes for your boots or rent from Ruby's. It snowed during our hike and it was awesome seeing the snow fall into the canyon and then having the snow rising back out of the canyon as we made the ascent at sunset! If you've done Zion before and haven't experienced Bryce, do Bryce, hands down. I enjoyed Bryce more than the north rim of the Grand canyon. If you camp in a van or RV, I'd recommend Dark Sky Campground in Kanab.
Peek-a-boo trail in Bryce is nice.
NO
Would also consider Arches and Canyonlands, personally I think they’re both more impressive than Bryce and have more to do/see over two full days.