Does Bryce Canyon have a Shuttle?
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Public mass transportation is popular. So, naturally, many people wonder about such options in more remote parts of the world. Is there a shuttle service for a place like Bryce Canyon National Park? In fact, there is. We’re going to discuss what you need to know about the Bryce Canyon Shuttle service so you can better plan your next vacation there.
Bryce Canyon National Park is situated at the top of a rather unique cliff. This naturally means that there is limited maneuvering room on one side. On the other side, there’s some tall ridges and a reservoir. So, both east and west sides of the park are naturally narrowed. Because of this, parking space becomes limited. Also, national parks strive to limit human impact on the surrounding landscape. So, parking is limited anyways.
So, with these restrictions in space, what do we do? We create a shuttle service to ferry people around in the park without requiring massive parking areas. Indeed, we have such a service available to transport you from Bryce Canyon City (Ruby’s Inn) to several portions of the park and back.
Bryce Canyon Shuttle Route
Let’s start with an overview of the route.
Bryce Canyon Shuttle Stops
Several of these stops are pick-up and drop-off points for guests staying at the location.
- Bryce Canyon Shuttle station (free parking)
- Old Bryce Town
- Best Western Grand Hotel
- Ruby’s Inn Best Western
- Ruby’s Inn Campground and RV Park
- Bryce Canyon Visitors’ Center (southbound only)
- Sunset Campground (southbound only)
- Bryce Point
- Inspiration Point
- Sunset Campground (northbound only)
- Sunset Point
- Bryce Canyon Lodge
- Sunrise Point
- Bryce Canyon Visitor’s Center (northbound only)
- Ruby’s Inn Campground and RV Park (northbound only)
You may find other stops along the way including the following points of interest. These are very much subject to availability each year.
- Rainbow and Yovimpa Points
- Agua Canyon
- Natural Bridge
- Farview Point
- Fairyland Point
So, as you can see, this shuttle route is a big loop around the main amphitheater and the Ruby’s Inn complex in Bryce Canyon City. Many other deeply recessed points of interest along the 18 mile scenic route might not be on the current loop for the year. To access those, you’ll need to drive in using private means.
Bryce Canyon Shuttle Schedule
The shuttle runs for part of the year from about April through October. They run during different hours depending upon the time of year. Early in spring and late in autumn, the shuttles will have abbreviated evening hours. Make sure you check the NPS website out for current year’s information.
The shuttles make stops about every 15 minutes during operating hours. This means you need not wait very long for the next shuttle bus to arrive. Use this tracker to find out where the next shuttle is in relation to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the shuttle free to ride?
The answer is yes, but only after you've purchased admission to the park.
You must spend $35 per vehicle for your park entrance pass and then the shuttle comes at no extra charge. This pass is good for 7 days from date of purchase.
If you have an annual or lifetime pass, then the shuttle is still no extra charge.
Can I buy my park pass/shuttle pass online?
Absolutely. You can purchase a digital park pass for the $35 fee using this link. It will cover you and the occupants of your car just like a regular pass purchased at the gate will. You can instantly download them or email them to yourself as a PDF. You can also upgrade them to an annual pass at the entrance gate.
Is the shuttle still free if I'm camping or lodging in the park?
Camping and lodging fees are charged separately from park admission fees. However, you may use the shuttle regardless of these fees.
Where can I park my car so I can ride the shuttle?
There is ample free parking available at the Bryce Canyon Shuttle station. Alternatively, you may park at the hotel or campground you're staying at in Bryce Canyon City and ride the shuttle from there.
How long does the shuttle ride last?
The Bryce Canyon Shuttle ride takes approximately 50 minutes to make a complete circuit of the route. This is, of course, dependent upon traffic conditions and how many passengers load an any stop along with special requirements like bike stowing or securing a wheel chair.
Can I bring my bicycle along with me on the shuttle?
Yes, you can bring your bike with you into Bryce Canyon via the shuttle. Each shuttle bus has a carriage rack in front which has slots for two bikes.
Is riding the shuttle mandatory?
In most circumstances, no. Riding the shuttle is not mandatory. You may ride it or not ride it at your convenience.
However, should the park fill up, then things will change. The park rangers will close off entrance to the park to private vehicles when there's not enough parking available. They will only allow new visitors into the park when riding the shuttle. Once the visitor count drops enough to make parking available, then the rangers will allow private vehicles into the park again. Events like this only happen rarely on days like the Saturday of Memorial weekend.
Must I disembark and ride the shuttle if I'm already on another commercial bus?
No. If you're already riding another commercial bus for your Bryce Canyon tour, the rangers are happy to let you continue. They prefer mass transportation like this as it takes pressure off of the shuttle service. The rangers will grant parking permits for buses as needed at the gate.
However, depending upon vehicle size, your commercial bus may not be able to access all portions of the park.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a convenient shuttle service at no extra charge with purchase of admission. It’s not available year-round but it makes life so much easier during peak tourist season. You can park at the station or your nearby hotel and ride at your convenience to see the main amphitheater.
I hope this answers your questions about the Bryce Canyon shuttle service and allows you to better plan your next vacation there. If you have any more questions I didn’t address, leave them in the comments section below and I’ll make a point of answering them for you. Hope to see you soon on the Bryce Canyon Shuttle.
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