Bryce Canyon is Beginning to Increase Recreational Access

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Date: April 30, 2020
Contact: Peter Densmore

Following the guidance of state and local public health authorities, Bryce Canyon is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning Wednesday, May 6, Bryce Canyon will reopen access to:  

• The main park road and all viewpoints to Rainbow Point
• Restrooms at Sunset Point (only restrooms open within the park)
• Trails within the Bryce Amphitheater area

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• Park Visitor Center and fee booths
• Park campgrounds
• Mossy Cave parking and trail area
• Backcountry trails including the Under the Rim trail and campsites
• Park concessions facilities

More detailed information on park operations can be found by visiting www.nps.gov/brca and clicking on Alerts.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Bryce Canyon, our operational approach will be to regularly monitor each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. 

When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. Local health information can be found at www.swuhealth.org/covid 

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/brca and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. We also have amazing digital opportunities to explore the park on our website and on social media, all of the time, for people who are still home schooling or not traveling at this time to check out.