I might have the most unpopular opinion about Bryce Canyon National Park. Don’t get me wrong—it’s stunning. The hoodoos are some of the most unique rock formations you’ll ever see, and the park is overflowing with natural beauty. Yet, it only ranks third on my list of Utah’s five national parks.

Why third? Not because Bryce lacks beauty or amenities—it has both in abundance—but because I struggled to find a moment of solitude. To me, a national park should be a place to fully immerse yourself in nature, not constantly dodge crowds. At Bryce, the visitor experience can feel tight, busy, and bustling, with everyone funneled toward the same viewpoints and trails.

Having visited over 45 national parks, Bryce Canyon is unique, but it left me feeling more like I was on a consumer conveyor belt than wandering through wild, untouched landscapes. Despite its breathtaking scenery, the crowds made it harder to connect with the park the way I wanted.

Bryce Canyon is Famous for Hoodoos You Love

The geologic features of Bryce Canyon are known as “hoodoos.” A hoodoo is a tall, thin spire of rock formed by a unique combination of geologic happenings. Bryce has the most extensive collection of hoodoos in the world. Other parks, like Canyonlands, also in Utah; or Chiricahua in Arizona, have some too, but not at this scale. At Bryce, they’re clustered together in patterns and arrangements that leave you breathless and stunned.

You can argue that the beautiful and spectacular hoodoos at Bryce are enough, and I wouldn’t argue. I’m glad I went and saw them. Just like I’m glad I saw the Grand Canyon and Arches National Park.

I know many people who would say those are their favorite parks, while they’ve been my least favorite. Those people and I are very different types of people. And differences are what make the world so unique.

Driving Through Bryce Canyon

At Bryce, the closest you can get to more deeply enjoy the park without crowds is by staying at a campsite (with a few hundred other campers) and exploring in the wee hours of night and morning.

I went to Bryce twice during the month I stayed in Utah. Once alone and once with a friend. I hiked several of the main trails.

It’s not a park you can drive through and see everything. You have to get out and explore. This requires parking in one of the too-small lots or taking a shuttle. A road goes straight through the park, but you won’t see any of the hoodoos on it.

Hiking Bryce Canyon: Up Close with the Hoodoos

My friend and I tackled the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop trails, descending right into the heart of Bryce Canyon’s iconic sandstone hoodoos. Walking among these towering spires, we were struck by their colors, textures, and incredible variety of shapes and sizes. Looking up, it was hard not to marvel at how massive—and fragile—they seemed, wondering how nature crafted such wonders. Around us, clusters of pines stood so perfectly placed that it felt almost like someone had arranged them by hand.

We navigated the trails around, through, and over the formations, moving with the steady flow of other hikers. The scent of warm pine and sun-baked sandstone filled the air, sharpening every sense. And just when we felt lost in the magic of the landscape, the occasional cry of “For the fifth time, I said no!” from a frustrated parent would yank us back to reality, a reminder that the park is as much a human stage as it is a natural masterpiece.

Zion vs. Bryce: Which National Park is Better?

Zion National Park is just two hours from Bryce, and while it also attracts crowds, it feels far more spacious. Its sister park, Kolob Canyons, offers even more room to explore without bumping into throngs of visitors.

Both Zion and Kolob are set within majestic box canyons carved into the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, featuring iconic 2,000-foot cliff walls. In Zion, you can take in the breathtaking views along the Zion Scenic Drive, which winds through switchbacks on Route 9 and the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Kolob Canyons offers a quieter experience via the five-mile scenic drive along Kolob Canyons Road. (Note: Route 9 does not lead into Kolob.)

Unlike Bryce, where the majority of visitors crowd the trails, the driving access in Zion and Kolob naturally disperses people, leaving more space to hike, explore, and enjoy nature. For those seeking both beauty and a bit of breathing room, Zion—and its neighboring Kolob Canyon—often edges out Bryce.

Finding Solitude Beyond the Crowds

Once upon a time, visiting a national park almost guaranteed time and space to be alone in nature. Today, that solitude is harder to find—unless you head to some of the less-visited gems like Big Bend, Canyonlands, or Death Valley – which are fantastic.

So what’s next for the adventurer who craves solitude and the raw beauty of the wild? The answer is simple: get off the beaten path. Many parks now offer backcountry permits, allowing you to explore areas that few others dare to venture—at least for now.

Even with its crowds, Bryce Canyon is still stunning and humbling. Perhaps that’s the takeaway from the most popular parks: they exist against the odds, showcasing the extraordinary wonders possible in our world.

Standing next to the towering hoodoos, you feel small in the grand scale of time and nature. It’s a reminder of your place in the universe, and maybe, for now, that is enough.

Find Bryce Canyon National Park off Highway 63, Bryce, UT 84764.

I’ve been to all five Utah National Parks. Read more stories about Utah here.

Let’s Connect on Social Media and Email

• Instagram