Bryce Canyon Visitor Center - Permits & Maps

Entrance sign at Bryce Canyon National Park marks the park’s welcome area near the pine forest backdrop.

This is the park’s primary stop for orientation and permits. It issues backcountry permits, provides free maps, and hosts a 20-minute film; expect crowds during peak times.

Quick facts

Daily Hours: Summer 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Fall 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Winter 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Spring 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Seasonal Hours: Summer (May–Sept): 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Fall (Oct): 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Winter (Nov–Mar): 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Spring (Apr): 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Seasonal Operation: Open year-round.
Phone: (435) 834-5322

Hours & contact

Daily Hours: Summer 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Fall 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Winter 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Spring 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Seasonal Hours: Summer (May–Sept): 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Fall (Oct): 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Winter (Nov–Mar): 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Spring (Apr): 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Seasonal Operation: Open year-round.
Phone: (435) 834-5322
Phone Available: 1
Best Contact Method: Phone or in-person at the desk.

Services

Rangers Available: 1
Ranger Programs: Times vary; check desk or park website.
Free Park Maps: 1
Trail Maps: 1
Permit Issuance: Backcountry permits (online Mar–Nov; in-person pickup; winter walk-ins).
Permit Types: Backcountry permits (online Mar–Nov; in-person pickup; winter walk-ins).
Backcountry Permits: 1

Facilities

Restrooms: Flush toilets (Indoor).
Restroom Type: Flush toilets (Indoor).
Water Fountain: 1
Bookstore: 1
Wi-Fi Available: 1
Cell Service: Generally good inside the center area.
Accessibility: ADA compliant with ramps and accessible restrooms.
ADA Compliant: 1

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits: 1
Exhibit Topics: Geology, Pioneer and Native American history, wildlife.
Interpretive Films: 20-minute film shown every 30 minutes when the center is open.
Junior Ranger: 1
Nearby Lodging: Bryce Canyon City

Planning advice

Best For: First-time visitors needing permits, maps, or Junior Ranger materials.
Highlights: Backcountry permits, free Unigrid maps, 20-minute film
Why Visit: Primary stop for permits, maps, and bathrooms; essential for first-timers and backcountry plans.
Parking Reality: The main lot can fill quickly during peak times; arrive early or use the shuttle inside the park.
Facility Intel: Flush toilets, potable water filling station and water fountains, WiFi available; cell service generally good.
Best Time To Visit: Arrive early to secure parking; visit during shoulder seasons to avoid crowds.
Tips Advice: Arrive early for parking; the main lot can fill quickly.
Winter permits are walk-in; plan 48 hours ahead if possible.
Check the 20-minute film schedule; seating fills up fast.

More details

Park Area: Southwestern Utah
Parking Availability: Main parking lot capacity not published; parking can fill quickly in peak times.
Parking Capacity: Main parking lot capacity not published; parking can fill quickly in peak times.
Parking Peak Time: Peak season mornings; crowd levels rise through the day.
Parking Notes: RV/trailer parking specifics not detailed; arrive early or use the park shuttle.
Operating Hours: Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Seasonal Variations: Open year-round.
Accessibility Features: ADA compliant with ramps and accessible restrooms.
Exhibits Displays: Geology, Pioneer and Native American history, wildlife.
Has Bookstore: 1
Bookstore Operator: Bryce Canyon Natural History Association
Ranger Talks: 1
Ranger Talk Schedule: Times vary; check desk or park website.
Film Presentations: 1
Film Schedule: 20-minute film shown every 30 minutes when the center is open.
Park Newspapers: 0
Safety Info Available: 1
Park Maps Available: 1
Permit Protocol: Backcountry permits are issued at this Visitor Center. Online reservations are recommended for peak season (Mar–Nov); permits must be picked up in person. Winter permits are walk-in and available up to 48 hours in advance.
Climbing Permits: 0
Nearest Trailheads: Some trailheads accessible from the Visitor Center area.
Nearby Dining: Bryce Canyon City
Nearby Facilities: On-site bookstore; lodging and dining nearby in Bryce Canyon City.
Notable Features: Backcountry permits, free maps, in-center film, ADA access.
Best Visit Time: Early morning or shoulder seasons to avoid crowds.
Insider Tips: Backcountry permits: online reservations for peak season; pickup in person.
Arrive early for parking; park shuttle can help inside the park.
The 20-minute film is a solid primer and runs during open hours.
Family Friendly Notes: Junior Ranger booklets available; film is kid-friendly; restrooms are accessible.
Current Conditions Info: Check Bryce Canyon National Park status for current conditions.
Recent Updates: Open year-round; hours adjust by season.
Stop If Skip If: ✅ STOP IF: You need backcountry permits, Junior Ranger books, or free maps. ❌ SKIP IF: You’re just passing through and not using backcountry or facilities.
Review Summary: Visitors praise the informative exhibits, the range of services, and clean facilities. The permit line can be lengthy in peak season, but staff help move things along.

Location

Photos

View across Bryce Canyon Amphitheater's famous hoodoo formations along the rim, revealing layered orange rocks.

Dinosaur fossil skull display at Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center, Bryce Canyon National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I get backcountry permits?

Backcountry permits are issued at Bryce Canyon Visitor Center. Online reservations are available for March–November; permits must be picked up in person. Winter permits are walk-in and available up to 48 hours in advance.

Are maps available at the center?

Yes. Free Unigrid maps are available, and topographic maps may be for sale at the bookstore.

Is the center accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. The Visitor Center is ADA compliant with ramps and accessible restrooms.

Is there a film at the Visitor Center?

Yes. A 20-minute film plays in the theater every 30 minutes when the center is open.

What are the hours of operation?

Summer 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Fall 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Winter 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Spring 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.