Any Tips for Bryce in November?

[anonymouscuban]

Hey everyone. Just joined the forum. Not a real big camper. Wife and I did our 1st ever camping trip this past June. We spent 9 days driving, hiking and camping through Iceland. It was amazing. Even the wife enjoyed it and shes not big on nature.

We are going to do a similar trip this November. 7 days and plan on hitting Bryce, Page and Monument Valley. We will be traveling/sleeping in a Jucy Van. Basically a van that has a bed and other camping essentials.

I'm a photographer so really stoked about this trip. I anticipate it will be cold at Bryce and are prepared gear wise. I also know weather is unpredictable.

Have any of you visited Bryce in November and can you share your experience? How was access to the trails and view points? Was there much snow on the ground? How were temps once the sun went down?

Thanks in advance for the info. Here is one of my shots from Iceland as a small gesture for the help.

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[Artemus]

It can go either way whether there is snow or not. In the case of Bryce snow really adds to the scenery and photography - takes it from special to marvelously special. However your van may not handle bad weather that well. I assume it has a heater in it. You may want to make a campground reservation somewhere since the backcountry informal camps may not be possible with your van. Or they may be, just kind of depends on the actual weather that week this year. Flexibility is the watch word....

 

[anonymouscuban]

It can go either way whether there is snow or not. In the case of Bryce snow really adds to the scenery and photography - takes it from special to marvelously special. However your van may not handle bad weather that well. I assume it has a heater in it. You may want to make a campground reservation somewhere since the backcountry informal camps may not be possible with your van. Or they may be, just kind of depends on the actual weather that week this year. Flexibility is the watch word....

Thanks for the reply. I'm looking forward to their being some snow. My hopes is to capture some winter landscapes on this trip. These locations have been photographed to death but not as much during winter with snow as a backdrop.

The van does have a heater and extra battery. We also have down bedding and a couple of subzero sleeping bags just in case. I opted for snow chains too just in case but I'm not looking to go to far off the grid in the van.

I've already made reservations at The View campground in Monument Valley. I can do the same in Bryce.

Are there any campgrounds you recommend in Bryce? Are the ones in the park good or should we look outside park? I believe the ones on the park are 1st come, 1st serve.

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[Artemus]

Thanks for the reply. I'm looking forward to their being some snow. My hopes is to capture some winter landscapes on this trip. These locations have been photographed to death but not as much during winter with snow as a backdrop.

The van does have a heater and extra battery. We also have down bedding and a couple of subzero sleeping bags just in case. I opted for snow chains too just in case but I'm not looking to go to far off the grid in the van.

I've already made reservations at The View campground in Monument Valley. I can do the same in Bryce.

Are there any campgrounds you recommend in Bryce? Are the ones in the park good or should we look outside park? I believe the ones on the park are 1st come, 1st serve.

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I don't use campgrounds so I wouldn't know.

 

[Yvonne]

Bryce Canyon in November can be from several feet of snow to really warm late fall weather. Be prepared for everything, but definitely for cold nights.
Bryce Canyon has two campgrounds, but only North Campground is open during the winter. It's first come, first serve. But be prepared for extremely cold nights.

 

[IcyJ]

I hope it snows for you! Bryce after snow is probably the best thing this planet could offer..
With that being said, get your snow spikes ready. Roads to Bryce Point could be closed, otherwise should be all fine. There are shuttles from point to point and is very convenient, check its schedule first though.

Been there twice, best route I suggest is: to do the larger loop to have it all.
Start from Sunrise Point, go Queens Garden, then at the fork to continue Pick-a-boo Loop. This is best loop of the park IMO and has tons of photo opps. If you have the stamina, you can by pass to Bryce Point, then back onto the loop. Complete the loop (back to the fork mentioned earlier) and ascend from Sunset Point (on the way, take photo of the Thorn's Hammer, and the winding trails up).

Finally, Inspiration Point (attentions photographer, taker your note, this is arguably the best panoramic view of the park : ) ), either back to Sunrise and drive there, or hike along the rim. The upper point is slightly better IMO.