Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s most spectacular landscapes, famous for its hoodoos, vibrant colors, and sweeping vistas. While visiting for a few hours can be rewarding, a full-day tour unlocks a deeper appreciation of its geological marvels and natural beauty. Full-day tours often include visits to key viewpoints, guided hikes, and sometimes even wildlife spotting or cultural insights. Whether you’re seeking an intimate small-group experience, an adventurous horseback ride, or a private exploration of the Grand Staircase, Bryce offers options that fit different interests and comfort levels. Planning your trip around one of these well-curated full-day tours ensures you won’t miss the best sights or unique stories behind the formations.
In this guide, we’ll explore the three best full-day tours in Bryce Canyon—each with different formats, price points, and highlights. From a small-group hike with expert guides to a horseback adventure that takes you through Red Canyon, and a private tour that covers the Grand Staircase, these options will help you choose the right experience for your trip.
1. Bryce Canyon Full Day Small Group Tour
Starting with the Bryce Canyon Full Day Small Group Tour, this experience is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, yet well-structured day exploring the park’s highlights. With a rating of 5.0 based on five reviews and priced at $427 per person, it offers a balance of guided exploration and flexibility. The tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours and is tailored to the abilities and interests of your group, making it great for families, first-timers, or those who prefer a more intimate setting.
The itinerary includes stops at major viewpoints like Sunset Point, where you’ll enjoy a short walk to Sunrise Point—a perfect way to start the day. You’ll then hike the Queen’s Garden Trail, one of Bryce’s most accessible hikes, descending 320 feet among hoodoos that resemble a garden of stone. This trail is considered the easiest route from the rim into the canyon, making it suitable for most fitness levels. After the hike, you’ll visit Inspiration Point and Bryce Point, two of the most stunning vistas in the park. The latter is famous for its fiery sunrise views and sweeping panoramas.
Throughout the day, your guide will share insights about Bryce’s geology, flora, fauna, and Native American history, enriching your experience beyond just the scenery. The tour includes snacks, and all entry fees are covered, so there’s no hidden cost.
Bottom Line: This small-group tour offers an immersive, flexible day packed with viewpoints and a gentle hike, ideal for those who enjoy guided conversations with a small party.
2. Ruby’s Horseback Adventures All Day Ride
For travelers wanting a different way to see Bryce Canyon, Ruby’s Horseback Adventures offers an all-day horseback ride through Red Canyon, with a focus on immersive scenery and adventure. Costing $165 per person, this ride lasts about 6 hours and includes a box lunch, so you’ll have energy for your exploration. While not recommended for first-time riders—due to the 230-pound weight limit and the recommendation for some riding experience—it’s perfect for those who want to combine physical activity with spectacular views.
The ride takes you through Casto Canyon and Losee Canyon, areas once frequented by Butch Cassidy. You’ll pass through the Little Desert, a striking landscape reminiscent of Death Valley, surrounded by dramatic red rock formations. The trail includes several different backdrops, providing variety in scenery and experience. The ride is a chance to see Red Canyon from a unique perspective, on trails that are less traveled but rich in visual interest.
Tour guides are knowledgeable, and many participants comment on the quality of the experience. During the ride, you’ll get close-up views of some of Bryce’s signature red rock formations and learn about the area’s history and geology from your guide.
Bottom Line: This horseback adventure offers a memorable, active way to explore Bryce’s iconic backdrops, suited for intermediate riders who want a full day of scenic riding.
3. Grand Staircase Full-Day Private Tour
For those seeking a tailored, in-depth experience, the Grand Staircase Full-Day Private Tour provides a personalized exploration of the surrounding landscapes. Priced at $425 per person, this tour lasts roughly 7 to 10 hours and is led by Jerry, a local with extensive knowledge of the area. With a perfect rating of 5.0 based on two reviews, this private tour is highly recommended for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and custom itinerary.
This private adventure ventures into the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, showcasing amazing erosion formations, slot canyons, and ancient rock layers. Riding in an enclosed side-by-side, you’ll visit the Underside of Bryce Canyon, with views of millions of years of erosion and the chance to spot local wildlife such as deer, elk, and even black bears. The guide will share stories about the geological history while pointing out various rock formations, making this a very educational experience.
Many travelers appreciate the flexibility of this private tour, which can include short walks, wildlife viewing, and photo stops. The guide’s local experience ensures you’ll see some of the most spectacular and less crowded spots around Bryce and Grand Staircase.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an exclusive, relaxed day with expert insights, especially those interested in geology, wildlife, and the area’s broader landscape.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a full-day Bryce Canyon tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you prefer an intimate group experience with guided hikes (Bryce Canyon Full Day Small Group Tour), that offers a mix of viewpoints and moderate walking, that might be the best fit. For those who want to combine riding and scenery, the horseback adventure (Ruby’s Horseback Adventures) is excellent, especially if you’re comfortable on horseback. If you’re after a personalized and in-depth exploration, the private Grand Staircase tour (Grand Staircase Full-Day Private Tour) offers flexibility and exclusive insights.
Consider how much time you have, your budget, and whether you enjoy physical activities like hiking or horseback riding. Booking early is especially wise in peak season, as these tours tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Each of these full-day tours in Bryce Canyon delivers a unique way to experience this stunning landscape. The small-group tour strikes a good balance of guided exploration and flexibility, perfect for those who want to see the highlights with a knowledgeable guide. The horseback ride appeals to adventure seekers looking for a more active experience amidst Bryce’s iconic red rock scenery. Meanwhile, the private Grand Staircase tour is ideal for travelers who prefer a leisurely, customized adventure with an emphasis on geology and wildlife.
For most visitors, a combination of viewpoints and a gentle hike will cover most interests, but if you’re craving adventure or a deeper dive into Bryce’s geology, these tours won’t disappoint. Book early, plan your day well, and enjoy the breathtaking views of one of Utah’s most extraordinary parks.