Full Moon Hike

A full moon rises in a blue and purple sky over the red rock canyon.

The Full Moon Hike is a ranger-led nocturnal experience where difficulty varies wildly—you might stroll the rim or descend into hoodoo canyons through steep, rocky terrain. The 1–2 mile route takes 1–2 hours under moonlight with night temperatures dropping 30–40 degrees below daytime. Expect unique geology and astronomy education, but strict rules (red flashlights only, boots mandatory, water essential) and unpredictable weather make this a controlled-intensity affair.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.5
Route Type: Out-and-back (Ranger-led; exact route varies)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Strenuous (varies by ranger's choice)
Elevation Gain Feet: 250

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.5
Route Type: Out-and-back (Ranger-led; exact route varies)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Strenuous (varies by ranger's choice)
Elevation Gain Feet: 250
Estimated Time: 1–2 hours
Trail Surface: Mixed: Paved/firm rim sections and steep, rocky, uneven terrain (varies by route)
Trail Features: Hoodoos (unique red rock formations)
Full moon and night sky
Canyon walls and rim views
Plateau vistas
Moonlight and starlight contrast
Trail Highlights: Experience Bryce Canyon's iconic hoodoos under full moonlight and stars. Ranger-led geology and astronomy education. Night-time perspective is utterly different from daytime—shadows deepen, scale feels mythical, isolation is profound.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Bryce Canyon Visitor Center
Parking Lot Size: Visitor Center parking (consult NPS for current capacity)
Parking Fill Time: Not critical—lottery controls attendance; arrive by 3:50 PM
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: None. Departure from Bryce Canyon Visitor Center.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: In-person lottery system: Arrive at Visitor Center by 4 PM (Mountain Time). All group members must be present with hiking boots/shoes in good condition for inspection. One lottery ticket per group (max 6 people) after boots pass inspection. Hike location and time revealed if selected. Contact brca_information@nps.gov for details. Hikes cancelled for cloudy skies or temperatures below 10°F.
Fees: Free with park admission. Bryce Canyon entrance: $35 per private vehicle. Lottery entry: no additional fee.
Trail Status: Typically offered year-round as weather permits. Schedule varies by month.
Seasonal Closures: April and October typically have no scheduled hikes. Cancelled for cloudy skies or temps below 10°F. Winter months are unreliable.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: None on trail. Carry all water—1–2 liters per person recommended.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Steep and rocky terrain unsuitable for mobility devices.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep and rocky terrain (descent option)
Cold night temperatures (can drop near freezing)
Darkness despite moonlight
High elevation (~9,000 ft)
Trip/fall risk on uneven ground
Drop-offs on canyon variant
Hypothermia risk in winter
Hazard Details: Bryce Canyon sits at ~9,000 ft; night temps drop 30–40 degrees below daytime (expect 20–50°F depending on season). Rocky, uneven terrain increases trip/fall risk. Canyon descent variant includes drop-offs. Darkness, despite moonlight, requires red-light discipline to preserve night vision. Moisture + cold + wind = hypothermia risk. Altitude affects some slower hikers.
Cell Service: Limited. Bryce Canyon has sparse cell coverage.
Crowd Level: Controlled and limited. Lottery system restricts groups to 6 people maximum per drawn ticket.
Peak Crowd Times: 4 PM at Visitor Center (lottery drawing). Lottery competition peaks around published full moon dates.
Best Season: Year-round (monthly schedule varies; check NPS calendar)
Best Time To Visit: Arrive at Visitor Center by 3:50 PM for the 4 PM lottery drawing. Hikes occur around sunset on full moon dates. Winter hikes are brutal—temps drop to near-freezing; layers and a high-insulation jacket are non-negotiable. Summer nights are cooler than expected; bring a jacket regardless.
Tips Advice: Red-light flashlights/headlamps only—white light is prohibited.
Hiking boots with lug soles mandatory; bring the boots you'll wear (they're inspected before entry).
Bring 1–2 liters of water per person minimum.
Layer aggressively. Night temps drop 30–40 degrees; pack a warm jacket even in summer.
Arrive by 3:45–3:50 PM—the lottery closes at 4 PM sharp; latecomers are locked out.
All group members must be present with boots ready for inspection.
Ask the ranger about flash photography rules (some restrictions apply).

More details

Park Area: Bryce Canyon Visitor Center area
Trail Markers: Ranger-led (no self-navigation required). Well-established trail.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Not applicable—nocturnal activity, no sun exposure.
Emergency Contacts: Bryce Canyon Information: brca_information@nps.gov. Alert the ranger immediately for emergencies.
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: December–February, variable. Snow/ice possible any winter month.
Mud Season: Spring/early summer (March–June) after snowmelt.
Fall Colors Peak: September–October (Bristlecone and forest colors)
Bug Season: June–September, minimal presence.
Insider Tips: Lottery closes at 4 PM sharp—arrive 3:45–3:50 PM or lose your spot.
Wear the boots you plan to hike in; soles are inspected.
Bring a red-light filter for your flashlight/headlamp.
The "ranger's choice" route is unknown until departure—be flexible.
Layer aggressively. Night temps are colder than expected.
If you lose the lottery, try next month; lottery spots rotate fairly.
Recent Updates: Check the NPS Full Moon Hikes page (nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/fullmoonhikes.htm) for current schedule. Tickets released via Recreation.gov in two phases. Verify the calendar before planning.
Family Friendly Notes: Minimum age 8 years (no exceptions). Children under 8 not permitted. Rocky, steep terrain on some variants requires careful footing. Hand-holding may be necessary for younger kids within the 8+ cohort. Evening hours challenge young hikers' stamina.
Nearby Facilities: Bryce Canyon Visitor Center (immediately adjacent): restrooms, water fountains, gift shop, ranger desk, visitor information.
Review Summary: Hikers praise the unique nocturnal perspective on hoodoos and ranger astronomy/geology insights. The lottery system ensures small group sizes, but rigid rules (boot inspection, red lights, age restrictions) and unpredictable difficulty deter casual walkers. Cold night temps and weather cancellation risk are common complaints.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this if I'm not a strong hiker?

Possibly. Ranger's choice means difficulty varies—easy rim walk or strenuous descent. You won't know until departure. Be honest with the ranger; they may offer guidance.

How cold does it get, and what should I wear?

Night temps drop 30–40 degrees. Expect 20–50°F depending on season. Wear layers, insulation, windproof jacket, hat, gloves. Hypothermia is a real risk in winter.

Is it safe to hike in the dark?

Yes, with discipline. Full moon provides substantial light. Your eyes adjust. Red-light flashlights help without destroying night vision. Stay grouped, follow the ranger. Main risk is trip/fall on rocky terrain, not darkness.

What if I don't win the lottery?

Try again next month. Full moon hikes occur monthly (some months excepted). Lottery is random; persistence eventually wins.

Are there bathrooms on the trail?

No. Use Visitor Center restrooms before the lottery. No facilities on the trail. Plan accordingly.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs not permitted on this hike.