Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park in May

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Overview

May is a great time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 39—68°F (4—20°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Bryce Canyon National Park during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go on a guided nature walk to discover the park's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, go on a photography tour to capture the park's stunning landscapes in the soft spring light, go on a guided horseback ride to explore the park's backcountry trails, and more!

Bryce Canyon National Park has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Bryce Canyon National Park. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Bryce Canyon National Park in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park in May

Top experiences in May
Go on a guided nature walk to discover the park's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions
In May, Bryce Canyon National Park offers guided nature walks that take visitors off the beaten path to explore the park's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions. These walks provide a more intimate and immersive experience, allowing participants to discover secluded viewpoints, hidden arches, and other natural wonders that are often overlooked by the park's more popular trails. Led by knowledgeable guides, these nature walks offer a unique opportunity to connect with the park's natural beauty and gain a deeper understanding of its diverse ecosystems.
Go on a photography tour to capture the park's stunning landscapes in the soft spring light
May is a great time for photography in Bryce Canyon National Park, as the soft spring light enhances the park's stunning landscapes and rock formations. Visitors can join a photography tour led by a professional photographer, who can provide guidance on composition, lighting, and camera settings to help capture the beauty of the park in their photographs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, the park's unique geology and vibrant spring colors offer endless opportunities for capturing stunning images.
Go on a guided horseback ride to explore the park's backcountry trails
May is a great time to go horseback riding in Bryce Canyon National Park, as the weather is mild and the trails are not yet crowded with summer visitors. Guided horseback rides are available for visitors of all experience levels, allowing them to explore the park's stunning backcountry trails and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from a unique perspective. Riding through the hoodoos and other rock formations on horseback is a memorable and immersive way to experience the natural beauty of the park.
Participate in a ranger-led hike to learn about the park's flora and fauna
In May, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a variety of ranger-led hikes that focus on the park's diverse flora and fauna. These guided hikes provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the unique plant and animal species that call the park home, as well as the ecological processes that shape the landscape. Rangers share their knowledge and expertise, offering insights into the park's natural history and providing a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of the park's ecosystems.
Go birdwatching to spot the migratory birds that visit the park in May
May is a great time for birdwatching in Bryce Canyon National Park, as many migratory bird species pass through the area on their way to their summer breeding grounds. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including mountain bluebirds, western tanagers, and various species of warblers. The park's diverse habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands, provide ample opportunities for birdwatching, making it a rewarding and enjoyable experience for nature enthusiasts.
Take a scenic drive along the park's main road to enjoy the spring wildflowers in bloom
In May, the meadows and forests of Bryce Canyon National Park come alive with colorful wildflowers, creating a beautiful and vibrant display. Taking a scenic drive along the park's main road allows visitors to enjoy the stunning spring blooms, which include a variety of wildflowers such as lupine, Indian paintbrush, and columbine. The contrast of the colorful flowers against the red rock formations makes for a picturesque and memorable drive through the park.
Go on a sunrise hike to see the hoodoos bathed in the soft morning light
May is the perfect time to experience the stunning beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park at sunrise. The hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock, are illuminated by the rising sun, creating a magical and otherworldly atmosphere. The colors of the rock formations are particularly vibrant in the early morning light, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
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Holidays in Bryce Canyon National Park in May
May
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Bryce Canyon National Park in May

Temperatures on an average day in Bryce Canyon National Park in May

The average temperature in Bryce Canyon National Park in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 68°F (20°C) to a low of 39°F (4°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Bryce Canyon National Park, July, has days with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 58°F (15°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 41°F (5°C) and lows of 21°F (-6°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Bryce Canyon National Park in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
68°F
highs
39°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
Feels like
15%
Chance of rain
0.042 in
Amount
14.3 mph
Wind speed
42%
Humidity
14.2 hrs
Daylight length
6:19 AM
Sunrise
8:30 PM
Sunset
64%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 68°F (20°C) and a low of 39°F (4°C), it generally feels mildly cool with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Bryce Canyon National Park in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Bryce Canyon National Park has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Bryce Canyon National Park that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Bryce Canyon National Park for May.
Bryce Canyon National Park
1. Bryce Canyon National Park
4.9
(25721)
National park
Nature & Parks
Park with a natural amphitheater, plus overlooks & trails offering views of towering rock spires.
Wall Street
2. Wall Street
4.9
(93)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
Lower Inspiration Point
3. Lower Inspiration Point
4.9
(896)
Vista point
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic vista point atop steep cliffs offering unobstructed views of Bryce's main amphitheater.
Navajo Loop Trail
4. Navajo Loop Trail
5.0
(69)
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
This seasonal 1.3 mile loop offers outstanding views of Thor's Hammer & other rock structures.
Bryce Point
5. Bryce Point
4.9
(1104)
Vista point
Sights & Landmarks
Vista point overlooking the Bryce Canyon amphitheater and a popular spot to watch the sunrise.
Bryce Canyon National Park Sunset Point
6. Bryce Canyon National Park Sunset Point
4.9
(2730)
Scenic spot
Sights & Landmarks
Bryce Canyon National Park Sunrise Point
7. Bryce Canyon National Park Sunrise Point
4.9
(1577)
Scenic spot
Sights & Landmarks
Overlook with sweeping canyon views & russet rock hoodoo formations; popular at sunrise & sunset.
Queens Garden Trail
8. Queens Garden Trail
4.9
(126)
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Scenic destination for moderately difficult canyon hikes with views of rock formations & sunsets.
Peekaboo Loop, Hat Shop, And Under-The-Rim Trail Trailhead
9. Peekaboo Loop, Hat Shop, And Under-The-Rim Trail Trailhead
4.9
(141)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
Strenuous trekking & horse-riding canyon trail, with rapid elevation changes & rock formations.
Mossy Cave Trail
10. Mossy Cave Trail
4.9
(10)
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Leading to a natural spring cave, this easy, short trail runs past a creek & unique rock formations.
Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center
11. Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center
4.8
(10096)
Visitor center
Park
Park's full-service visitor complex with ranger help desk, bookstore, exhibits & award-winning film.
Fairyland Loop Trail
12. Fairyland Loop Trail
4.9
(78)
Nature & Parks
National Parks
Moderate hiking trail in Bryce Canyon National Park, for scenic canyon views & wildlife viewing.
Wall Street
13. Wall Street
4.9
(93)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
Thors Hammer
14. Thors Hammer
4.6
(12)
Natural feature
Nature & Parks
Queen Victoria
15. Queen Victoria
1.0
(1)
Natural feature
Nature & Parks
Bryce Canyon Scenic Tours
16. Bryce Canyon Scenic Tours
4.8
(100)
Tour operator
Sights & Landmarks
Best-of categories in Bryce Canyon National Park

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Bryce Canyon National Park?

Get inspired for your trip to Bryce Canyon National Park with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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