Plan a Picnic
Plan a Picnic
Bryce Canyon has six picnic areas scattered across the park—three near the amphitheater (miles 1–3) and three along the Southern Scenic Drive (miles 4–18). You bring your own food, find a table on unpaved ground, and eat with hoodoo views. No permits, no fees, no fuss. Fair warning: you're at nearly 8,000 feet, so bring way more water than seems rational.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Minimal—eating and sitting
- Meeting point
- Confirm before arrival
✓ Book this if…
- You want to eat in the park without relying on the General Store and prefer picnic tables over carrying food around all day.
- Families, casual outdoor diners, anyone seeking free meal options in the park
× Skip it if…
- You need restaurant seating, table service, or shade.
- None, but high elevation (7,890 ft) may cause mild altitude symptoms in some visitors—take breaks, drink extra water
Before you book
Do I need to reserve a table?
Nope. All picnic areas are first-come, first-served. No permits, no fees, no reservations.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but only on paved surfaces—picnic tables sit on unpaved ground. Keep dogs on nearby paved parking areas or in your vehicle.
What if it rains?
Picnic areas stay open year-round in all weather. Tables aren't covered, so bring a tarp, umbrella, or reschedule.
Is my food safe with wildlife around?
Keep food in your vehicle or hands—don't leave plates unattended. Coyotes and ground squirrels are bold. Never feed any animal; it's federal law and dangerous.
Are picnic areas accessible for wheelchairs?
Partially. Most areas are adjacent to paved parking and sidewalks, but picnic tables sit on unpaved firm native sediment—can be muddy or difficult to navigate after rain or snow. Call the Visitor Center for site-specific accessibility details.
Why bring so much water?
You're at 7,890 feet. The thinner air, intense UV, and low humidity dehydrate you fast—faster than you'd expect. One bottle isn't enough.
