Bryce Canyon Shared Use Path

Q: 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).

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy to Moderate

Trail Highlights

Inspiration Point panorama of the hoodoo amphitheater. Sunrise Point General Store. Bryce Canyon Lodge and Visitor Center along the route.

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.

Best Season to Hike

April–October for full shuttle service; year-round for walkers and cyclists on snow-free days

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 5 miles

Elevation Gain: 746 ft

Duration: 2–3 hours biking; 3–4 hours walking, depending on stops and fitness at altitude

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back or point-to-point with shuttle return option

Surface: Paved asphalt

Getting There

Trailhead: Bryce Canyon Shuttle Station (Bryce Canyon City)

Fills Up: Full by 9:00 AM on weekends in summer

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

None required

Fees: $35 per private vehicle. $20 per person (bicyclists, walk-ins). $30 per motorcycle. Nonresidents add $100.

Shuttle Available

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.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Yes, leashed only

Biking: 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.

Trail Markers: Well-marked paved path with directional signage and distance markers

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Carry all water. Water available at Visitor Center and Sunrise Point General Store, but no sources between trailheads.

Shade: Low to moderate—ponderosa forest provides patches of shade mid-route, but many sections are fully exposed. Sunscreen is mandatory.

Cell Service: Spotty. Bring a whistle or personal locator beacon for emergencies.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: Alert a ranger at the Visitor Center or Shuttle Station. Call 911 or use park emergency phones.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to high in summer; low to moderate in shoulder seasons

Peak Times: June–August, especially weekends and 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Accessibility & Family

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.

Family Notes:

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.

FAQs

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?

Is water available on the path?

What if I'm altitude-sensitive?

Is the shuttle worth it for cyclists?

Can I do this in winter?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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