Things to Do in Bryce Canyon in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Bryce Canyon
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather - daytime temperatures reach 18-21°C (65-70°F) at the rim, ideal for all trail difficulty levels without summer's scorching heat
- Fall foliage transforms the canyon - aspens turn golden yellow and maples show brilliant red, creating stunning contrast against the red rock hoodoos
- Excellent photography conditions with crisp air providing exceptional visibility up to 161 km (100 miles) and dramatic morning frost creating ethereal scenes
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% from summer peaks while weather remains excellent for outdoor activities
Considerations
- Unpredictable temperature swings - morning frost at 3°C (37°F) can shift to afternoon highs of 21°C (70°F), requiring layered clothing systems
- Early sunset at 6:30 PM limits afternoon hiking time and forces earlier dinner reservations at popular restaurants
- Potential snow storms after mid-October can close higher elevation trails like Fairyland Loop with 24-48 hours notice
Best Activities in October
Sunrise Point and Sunset Point Photography Tours
October offers the year's most dramatic sunrise conditions with frequent temperature inversions creating fog layers below the rim. Morning temperatures around 2°C (35°F) create frost that catches first light beautifully. The 70% humidity creates ethereal mist effects impossible to capture in summer's dry heat.
Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail Hiking
October provides ideal conditions for these moderate 2.9 km (1.8 mile) trails with comfortable 15-18°C (59-65°F) midday temperatures. The 460 m (1,500 ft) elevation change is manageable without summer heat exhaustion risks. Fall colors peak in early October along the trail's aspen groves.
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive Fall Color Tours
The 29 km (18 mile) scenic drive reaches peak fall foliage in early October with ponderosa pines, aspens, and maples creating layered color displays. October's crisp air provides visibility up to 161 km (100 miles) from viewpoints like Rainbow Point at 2,778 m (9,115 ft) elevation.
Night Sky and Astronomy Programs
October offers some of the year's clearest skies with low humidity and minimal thermal disturbance. The Milky Way is visible overhead, and early October still allows comfortable outdoor viewing before winter's harsh conditions. Temperatures drop to -2°C (28°F) after sunset.
Horseback Riding Canyon Rim Adventures
October temperatures are ideal for 2-3 hour horseback tours along the canyon rim without summer heat stress on horses or riders. The fall air makes the 30-40 minute rides comfortable, and aspen groves provide shelter during the rare October shower.
Dixie National Forest Fall Hiking Expeditions
The adjacent Dixie National Forest reaches peak fall colors in October with fewer crowds than the national park. Trails like Cascade Falls offer 6.4 km (4 mile) round trips through aspen galleries showing brilliant gold colors unique to this elevation and season.
October Events & Festivals
Bryce Canyon Geology Festival
Annual celebration featuring guided geological tours, fossil hunting workshops, and expert presentations about the formation of the hoodoos. Special focus on how October's clear weather provides optimal conditions for geological observation and photography.