Bryce Canyon Shared Use Path

Two cyclists ride along paved forested path

This 5-mile paved shared-use path climbs 746 feet from Bryce Canyon Shuttle Station to Inspiration Point, passing the Visitor Center, Sunrise Point, and the Lodge. It's open to cyclists, walkers, wheelchair users, and leashed dogs—making it one of the park's most accessible routes. At 8000+ feet elevation in a high-desert corridor, expect full sun exposure and rapid dehydration; the payoff is an unobstructed 300-degree hoodoo panorama.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 5
Route Type: Out-and-back or point-to-point with shuttle return option
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 746

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 5
Route Type: Out-and-back or point-to-point with shuttle return option
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 746
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours biking; 3–4 hours walking, depending on stops and fitness at altitude
Trail Surface: Paved asphalt
Trail Features: Hoodoo formations
Red rock canyons
Ponderosa pine forest
Scenic overlooks
Historic viewpoints
Interpretive exhibits
Trail Highlights: Inspiration Point panorama of the hoodoo amphitheater. Sunrise Point General Store. Bryce Canyon Lodge and Visitor Center along the route.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Bryce Canyon Shuttle Station (Bryce Canyon City)
Parking Fill Time: Full by 9:00 AM on weekends in summer
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Park shuttle available April–October with capacity for 2 bicycles on front rack. Ride shuttle uphill to Inspiration Point, bike downhill back to Shuttle Station for a mostly-downhill 5-mile return.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required
Fees: $35 per private vehicle. $20 per person (bicyclists, walk-ins). $30 per motorcycle. Nonresidents add $100.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Winter snow may close sections November–March. Check park website for real-time conditions.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Carry all water. Water available at Visitor Center and Sunrise Point General Store, but no sources between trailheads.
Accessibility: Paved, wheelchair-accessible. Moderate elevation gain spread over 5 miles. Accessible to walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, rollerbladers, scooters. Restrooms at Visitor Center and shuttle facilities.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: High altitude (8,000+ feet)
Intense sun exposure
Rapid dehydration
Altitude sickness
Cyclists sharing the path
Winter snow and ice
Steep sections
Hazard Details: Altitude causes dehydration three times faster than sea level. Full sun on exposed sections burns skin in 30 minutes. Cyclists and pedestrians share the path—stay right and stay alert. Winter snow closes sections; spring melt creates wet patches.
Cell Service: Spotty. Bring a whistle or personal locator beacon for emergencies.
Crowd Level: Moderate to high in summer; low to moderate in shoulder seasons
Peak Crowd Times: June–August, especially weekends and 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Best Season: April–October for full shuttle service; year-round for walkers and cyclists on snow-free days
Best Time To Visit: Start by 6:00 AM in summer to beat afternoon heat. Spring (May–June) and fall (September–October) offer stable weather and cooler temps above 8,000 feet. Winter routes are snow-dependent; check conditions before visiting November–March.
Tips Advice: Carry 2+ liters of water—altitude accelerates dehydration.
Sunscreen and hat are non-negotiable at 8,000+ feet.
Tuck elbows and tighten grips on bikes; downhill sections are steep.
Arrive by 7:00 AM in summer or expect a parking jam.
Make yourself visible to cyclists—wear bright colors or vests.
Rest at Sunrise Point or Visitor Center to acclimate before the final climb to Inspiration Point.

More details

Park Area: Northern Bryce Canyon National Park
Trail Markers: Well-marked paved path with directional signage and distance markers
Dogs Allowed: Yes, leashed only
Biking Allowed: Yes. E-bikes permitted (under 750 watts, fully operable pedals). Cyclists must announce their presence when passing. Use extreme caution on shared sections with motorized vehicles within the park.
Shade Level: Low to moderate—ponderosa forest provides patches of shade mid-route, but many sections are fully exposed. Sunscreen is mandatory.
Emergency Contacts: Alert a ranger at the Visitor Center or Shuttle Station. Call 911 or use park emergency phones.
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: November–March. Conditions vary; check park website before travel.
Mud Season: Spring snowmelt (April–May) can wet sections. Dry by late May.
Wildflower Peak: July–August (high-elevation bloom)
Fall Colors Peak: September–October
Bug Season: Mosquitoes possible near water in summer (July–August)
Insider Tips: Start at 6:00 AM to beat heat and crowds.
Park at Shuttle Station, not the main lot—faster entry.
The false-flat section from Visitor Center to Sunrise Point feels longer than it is; rest here before the final steep push.
Sunrise at Sunrise Point is worth the predawn start.
Bikes downhill from Inspiration Point back to Shuttle Station: use the park shuttle for the uphill return in summer.
Ponderosa shade around Mile 2.5 is a real oasis—time your stops here.
Family Friendly Notes: Paved surface is stroller-friendly. Elevation gain is manageable if split into stops. Watch children near cyclists—stay to the right. Visitor Center and lodge provide shade and water breaks. The descent from Inspiration Point is easier than the climb, so families can walk downhill.
Nearby Facilities: Bryce Canyon City (north trailhead) has food, lodging, and bike rentals. Park Visitor Center, historic Lodge, and Sunrise Point General Store are along the path. Bike racks at all major stops.
Review Summary: Visitors praise the accessibility and scenery. Cyclists love the shuttle-assisted downhill loop. Hikers note the elevation gain is steeper than mileage suggests and water is essential. Most repeat it in cooler seasons.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is 5 miles too far for my fitness level?

No, if you're fit at sea level. Altitude is the wild card—many hikers underestimate 8,000 feet. Walk it in 3–4 hours with rest stops. The paved surface is forgiving; the altitude is not. Arrive hydrated and rest at Visitor Center if needed.

Can I bike this with kids?

Yes. Paved surface is stroller-friendly. Kids' bikes work fine. Supervision is non-negotiable around cyclists. The first 2 miles are hardest; rest at Visitor Center, then finish to Inspiration Point. Alternatively, ride downhill from shuttle-dropped-off Inspiration Point (easier for kids).

Is water available on the path?

Only at Visitor Center and Sunrise Point General Store. Carry 2+ liters minimum. Don't rely on finding water mid-route.

What if I'm altitude-sensitive?

Arrive a day early to acclimate. Climb slowly, rest frequently. Drink water before you're thirsty. If you get a severe headache or nausea, descend immediately and seek a ranger.

Is the shuttle worth it for cyclists?

Absolutely. Park shuttle (April–October) holds 2 bikes. Ride shuttle uphill, bike downhill—the descent is gentler and faster. Saves 1+ hour and cuts the climb in half.

Can I do this in winter?

Check snow conditions first. The path may be closed November–March. Call the park or visit nps.gov/brca for real-time updates. Cross-country skis or snowshoes may work on packed snow.