Bryce Canyon National Park Nightlife

I guess there's a bar at Ruby's Inn, not all that far from the North Campground in Bryce Canyon National Park but we never ventured there. If we were going to have a beer, we couldn't find a better view than looking into the canyon at sunset. But to be honest, once the sun set, it got pretty chilly and we were heading for the comforts of our warm sleeping bags. Besides, we knew we'd be up before the sun, back over to the Rim and ready to descend, into the canyon and away from the masses.

Nightlife is pretty much up to your own creativity as the park is pretty low-key after the sun goes down.

The NPS does offer moonlight hikes, campfire talks and astronomy programs in the evenings during peak season. Rangers are required to be Masters of Information on their assigned parks so these mini seminars are usually really interesting. Check with the Visitor Center on the evening's schedule, or download the latest online version of the The Hoodoo: Bryce's seasonal newspaper:

http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/park-newspaper.htm

Otherwise, bring a deck of cards, a good book, or just go out and watch the stars- great place for that as Bryce has some of the darkest skies in country.

1 more image

They have dancing and bands playing during some week nights in the hall of the Bryce Pioneer Village. For a town of about 200 people, they seem to come here from all around, but also tour buses stop here and need to be entertained.

There is no nightlife, at least not while we where there in April. Maybe things liven up later in the season. That was our only complaint. It would have been nice if Ruby's had a family lounge or bar where you could sit and have a drink at night.

Every evening in the summer, there are campfire programs at one or both campgrounds. If you're at the lodge, the campground, or even staying outside the park, you're welcome to attend. The topic changes nightly. There may be singing, possibly slides or good old tall tales will be told. There is always a campfire.

Topics may be the wildflowers, early trappers, the Paiutes, settlers of the Paria Valley, wildlife, forestry, scenic wonders in and around the park or a variety of other topics, all of which you'll be able to go out the next day and visit places and sights related to the evening program.

Dress Code: Dress for the weather. The benches can get hard, so bring a blanket to sit on or to wrap-up in. It does get cold at this high elevation, so hat, coat and gloves may be important.