No. Dogs not permitted on this hike.

Full Moon Hike - Ranger-Led Night Hike

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: Are there bathrooms on the trail?

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

Distance

1.5 mi

Elevation Gain

250 ft

Est. Time

1–2 hours

Route Type

Out-and-back (Ranger-led; exact route varies)

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Year-round (monthly schedule varies; check NPS calendar)

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy to Strenuous (varies by ranger's choice)

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Year-round (monthly schedule varies; check NPS calendar)

Hiking Tips

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).

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 1.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 250 ft

Duration: 1–2 hours

Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous (varies by ranger's choice)

Route Type: Out-and-back (Ranger-led; exact route varies)

Surface: Mixed: Paved/firm rim sections and steep, rocky, uneven terrain (varies by route)

Getting There

Trailhead: Bryce Canyon Visitor Center

Parking: Visitor Center parking (consult NPS for current capacity)

Fills Up: Not critical—lottery controls attendance; arrive by 3:50 PM

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

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.

Shuttle Available

None. Departure from Bryce Canyon Visitor Center.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

Biking: No

Trail Markers: Ranger-led (no self-navigation required). Well-established trail.

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: None on trail. Carry all water—1–2 liters per person recommended.

Shade: Not applicable—nocturnal activity, no sun exposure.

Cell Service: Limited. Bryce Canyon has sparse cell coverage.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: Bryce Canyon Information: brca_information@nps.gov. Alert the ranger immediately for emergencies.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Controlled and limited. Lottery system restricts groups to 6 people maximum per drawn ticket.

Peak Times: 4 PM at Visitor Center (lottery drawing). Lottery competition peaks around published full moon dates.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not wheelchair accessible. Steep and rocky terrain unsuitable for mobility devices.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Bryce Canyon Visitor Center (immediately adjacent): restrooms, water fountains, gift shop, ranger desk, visitor information.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

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?

Is it safe to hike in the dark?

What if I don't win the lottery?

Are there bathrooms on the trail?

Can I bring my dog?

📖 National Park Service — Full Moon Hike (official page) (checked 2026-06-13) 📖 National Park Service — Bryce Canyon National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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