BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK — Bryce Canyon National Park is gearing up for the summer season as facilities reopen, hours are extended and construction projects are scheduled to begin.

Due to winter conditions that inhibit the park’s ability to respond to emergencies, hiking is only permitted for now along the Rim Trail between Inspiration and Fairyland Points, and the Mossy Cave Trail. The park is making regular assessments of conditions and hopes to make additional areas accessible as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, plow crews are working to reopen the park’s southern scenic drive beyond mile 3, and are hopeful to restore access in April. Snow has also limited the available number of campsites within Loop A of North Campground, which remains open in winter. Additional campsites will be opened as conditions allow.

The Bryce Canyon Shuttle will begin its service to the Bryce Amphitheater area on Friday, April 12. Riding the shuttle is free but requires payment of the park’s entrance fee. Shuttles will run from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily, with hours extending by an hour on Wednesday, May 8. Twice-daily trips to the park’s southern views on the Rainbow Bus Tour will resume on Friday, April 12, if the southern scenic drive is accessible.

This 3 ½ hour tour is free but requires reservations, which can be made at 435-834-5290.

The park Visitor Center and Bookstore is currently open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and will extend its hours to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 28.

Due to construction, camping will be limited in 2019. Paving of Sunset and North Campground roads is tentatively scheduled to begin in early May. Sunset Campground will close first and then reopen, then the North Campground will close. All campsites in the park will be on first-come, first-served basis during construction. Reservations will be made available on a campground-by-campground basis as construction is completed. Visit recreation.gov for current reservation availability.

Repaving of the Bryce Lodge parking lot is scheduled to begin in May, while reconstruction of the Visitor Center parking lot will begin at the end of July. Visitors should be prepared for alternative parking arrangements at the locations. Construction is also planned for walkways at Inspiration and Rainbow Points. Short-term closures can be expected at Rainbow Point, though access to Yovimpa Point will remain open.

Ranger programs, including daily geology talks, guided walks, and astronomy programs will be offered as the season unfolds. Program times and dates are posted on the calendar page of the park’s website.