Fall brings more than just the changes in colors in the forests at Bryce Canyon National Park/NPS file

The first day of fall kicks in not just more colorful forests, but at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah some operational changes and some construction projects visitors should be aware of.

Safety improvements along Utah SR-12 between mile markers 14-16 and near Mossy Cave will be on-going this fall. These improvements are intended to stabilize road surfaces and increase visitor safety in these areas. Construction will likely continue through the fall season and traffic delays of 10 to 15 minutes should be expected for both east and westbound traffic. 

The park Visitor Center and Bookstore is currently open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and will transition to fall hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 27. Winter hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. take effect on November 8. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day are the only days that the park’s Visitor Center and Bookstore will not be open. The park remains open year-round. 

Sunset Campground remains open for camping by reservation through Recreation.gov until October 16, when it will transition to first-come-first-served camping. Sunset Campground closes for the season on November 1, or earlier if overnight temperatures drop consistently below freezing. North Campground is currently open for first-come-first-served camping. While Loop A will remain open year-round, Loops B, C, and D and the North Campground dump station will close November 1 or earlier if overnight temperatures drop consistently below freezing. 

The Bryce Canyon Shuttle is currently operating from 8 a.m. until the final outbound bus departs the Visitor Center leaving the park at 8:10 p.m. The shuttle will transition to its shoulder season schedule on September 27, providing service from 8 a.m. until the final outbound bus departs the Visitor Center leaving the park at 6:15 p.m. Shuttle service will continue in the park through October 18. Modifications for visitor safety remain in place, with capacity limited to 20 passengers and free face masks available. 

Concession lodging and food services will be available most of the fall and winter season at Bryce Canyon. On November 1 the Lodge at Bryce Canyon will close for the season at 11 a.m., the General Store will close at 6 p.m. These facilities will resume operations in the spring of 2021. Sunset Hotel will continue offering overnight accommodations into the winter of 2020. Visit www.brycecanyonforever.com or call 877-386-4383 for all park lodging rates and availability. 

The final day for horseback and mule rides operated by Canyon Trail Rides will be October 31, unless weather dictates an earlier closing. Canyon Trail Rides will resume operations on May 1, 2021 or earlier if conditions permit. Visit https://www.canyonrides.com/ or call 435-679-8665 for more information.