Things to Do in Bryce Canyon in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Bryce Canyon
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Crisp morning hiking conditions - temperatures from 16.7°C to 21°C (62°F to 70°F) between sunrise and 10am make the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden trails genuinely comfortable, unlike summer when you're battling 32°C (90°F) heat by 9am
- Dramatic winter light on the hoodoos - December's low sun angle (about 28 degrees at solar noon) creates longer shadows and more saturated orange-red colors in the rock formations, particularly striking during the 7:15am sunrise and 5:05pm sunset windows
- Minimal crowds compared to summer peak - you're looking at roughly 25% of July's visitor numbers, which means actual solitude on trails like Fairyland Loop and no jockeying for position at Sunset Point overlooks
- Snow-dusted hoodoos without extreme cold - December typically sees 2-3 light snow events that dust the formations in white against red rock, creating those iconic contrast photos, but daytime highs still reach the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F) so you're not dealing with January's bitter cold
Considerations
- Wildly unpredictable temperature swings - that 20°C (36°F) daily temperature range is real and can catch you off guard. You might start a hike in a t-shirt at noon when it's 32°C (90°F) and need a fleece layer by 4pm when it drops to 18°C (64°F) in the shade
- Limited daylight for hiking - with only about 9.5 hours between sunrise and sunset, you're working with a compressed window for trail time, especially if you want that golden hour light. Starting a longer trail like Peekaboo Loop after 2pm gets dicey
- Occasional trail closures from ice - while December isn't as severe as January-February, those 10 days with precipitation can create black ice on shaded switchbacks, particularly on the Navajo Loop's Wall Street section which stays frozen well into afternoon
Best Activities in December
Sunrise hoodoo photography from Bryce Point and Inspiration Point
December's 7:15am sunrise timing is actually manageable for most people, and the combination of crisp air clarity plus low humidity means exceptionally sharp visibility. The low sun angle creates those dramatic side-lit hoodoos that look flat and washed out in summer's overhead light. Temperature at sunrise hovers around 16-18°C (61-64°F), so you're cold but not miserable. The real advantage is having these viewpoints nearly to yourself - in July you'd be shoulder-to-shoulder with 50 other photographers.
Below-rim hiking on Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop combination
This 4.6 km (2.9 mile) loop with 198 m (650 ft) elevation change is the perfect December hike because you're descending into the amphitheater during the warmest part of day. Start around 10am when temps hit 27°C (80°F) and you'll avoid both the morning chill and afternoon shadows. The trail gets enough sun in December to stay mostly ice-free, unlike the shadier Peekaboo sections. Budget 2.5-3 hours with photo stops. The Wall Street section through the narrow canyon stays surprisingly warm even in December due to reflected heat from the rock walls.
Full moon snowshoe ranger programs (if snow conditions allow)
December 2026's full moon falls on December 15th, and if there's been recent snow, the park offers guided moonlight snowshoe walks that are genuinely magical. You're walking among illuminated hoodoos under starry skies at around 10°C (50°F), which sounds cold but feels moderate with activity. These 1-2 hour programs book up fast because they only accommodate 20-25 people. Even without snow, the full moon nights are worth experiencing from the rim - the rock formations glow almost white.
Scenic drive with short overlook walks along the 29 km (18 mile) park road
December is ideal for the driving route because the road stays open (unlike some Colorado parks), traffic is minimal, and the changing light throughout the day creates completely different scenes at each viewpoint. The variable December weather actually works in your favor - partly cloudy skies add drama rather than the flat blue skies of summer. Hit Rainbow Point (the highest at 2,778 m or 9,115 ft elevation) first thing when it's clearest, then work your way back north as afternoon clouds build. Each overlook involves only 50-200 m (165-655 ft) of walking on paved paths.
Astronomy programs and stargazing from designated dark sky areas
Bryce Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park, and December offers the longest nights of the year with typically clear conditions (70% of December nights have minimal cloud cover). At 2,400-2,778 m (7,874-9,115 ft) elevation, you're above a lot of atmospheric interference. The Milky Way core isn't visible in December, but you get brilliant views of Orion, the Pleiades, and winter constellations. Temperature drops to 10-13°C (50-55°F) after sunset, but the dry air makes it feel less cold than the same temperature would at sea level.
Day trip combination with nearby Red Canyon and Kodachrome Basin
December's moderate temperatures make it feasible to explore multiple areas in one day. Red Canyon (24 km or 15 miles west) offers similar hoodoo formations with zero crowds and free access. Kodachrome Basin State Park (37 km or 23 miles southeast) has unique sand pipes and stays warmer than Bryce by about 3-5°C (5-9°F) due to lower elevation. You can comfortably do short hikes at all three locations between 10am-4pm while the sun is high. The drive between them shows you the geologic progression of the Grand Staircase.
December Events & Festivals
Winter solstice sunrise gathering (December 21, 2026)
While not an official park event, locals and regular visitors gather informally at Sunrise Point on the winter solstice to watch the 7:26am sunrise at the sun's southernmost position. It's a quiet, contemplative experience with maybe 15-20 people rather than the massive crowds at places like Stonehenge. The low sun angle on this specific day creates the most dramatic shadows of the entire year on the hoodoos. Dress for 10-12°C (50-54°F) and bring hot coffee.
Holiday lights in nearby Bryce Canyon City
The small gateway town (population around 200) decorates for Christmas throughout December, and while it's not a major festival, the Ruby's Inn complex puts up extensive light displays that are worth a drive-through after your park visit. Several restaurants offer holiday menus during the last two weeks of December. It's a nice contrast to the wilderness experience and gives you a sense of the local community.