Bryce Canyon National Park opens path to Bryce Point on 15 October

Bryce Canyon National Park announced the completion of its Shared Use Path extension on 15 October 2026, giving visitors in Bryce another route to Bryce Point. The paved project creates a new connection between the park viewpoints and Red Canyon in southern Utah.

Shared Use Path reaches Bryce Point on 15 October

The National Park Service said the final phase adds a 2.7-mile segment to the path connecting Bryce Point in the park with Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest. Construction on this section began in May 2025 and concluded in September 2026, before the announcement on 15 October 2026.

The route links the Visitor Center, Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon Lodge, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Bryce Point and both park campgrounds. The National Park Service announcement describes the path as a paved transport and recreation corridor developed with the Federal Highway Administration.

How the new route changes a Bryce Canyon visit

The completed section gives visitors a way to move between viewpoints without relying only on a private vehicle. It is open to pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, leashed pets, non-motorised scooters, skaters, longboarders and seasonal cross-country skiers.

The park path is part of a larger route known as the Canyon2Canyon Trail. Its connection to Bryce Point is especially relevant because the viewpoint sits beyond Inspiration Point, while the surrounding path also serves the Visitor Center, lodge and central overlooks. This makes the 15 October 2026 completion directly useful for visitors planning a car-free day around the Bryce Amphitheater.

The National Park Service also says that bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail or at viewpoint overlooks. Bicycle racks are available at viewpoints, the lodge, the Visitor Center and the Shuttle Station, so the path is a transport link rather than a cycle route across every viewing area.

The paved path crosses the Paunsaugunt Plateau

The official place page describes the Shared Use Path as the park's only cycling path. It runs 18 miles (29 km) from Inspiration Point to Red Canyon on the west side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau and generally follows SR-12 and UT-6.

The path connects the hoodoos of Red Canyon with the formations around Bryce Canyon. It is intended for non-motorised transport, while pedal-assist e-bikes with motors below 750 watts are permitted. The route also accommodates wheelchairs, although the terrain and gradients remain relevant when planning a ride or walk.

Within the park, the path generally climbs from the Shuttle Station towards Inspiration Point. The new Bryce Point connection therefore adds access to a named viewpoint while preserving the existing walking and cycling links along the plateau. That relationship between the new segment and the established viewpoints is the practical significance of the announcement.

Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The access change was announced on 15 October 2026, when the final 2.7-mile segment to Bryce Point was reported complete.
• The route is open to pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users, as well as other listed non-motorised users; bicycles must remain on the path or other permitted paved surfaces.
• The path connects Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, the Visitor Center and Bryce Canyon Lodge before continuing towards Red Canyon.
• The route follows SR-12 and UT-6 across the Paunsaugunt Plateau. It includes climbs and descents, so cyclists and wheelchair users should consider the terrain before setting out.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Bryce Canyon National Park

What changed at Bryce Canyon National Park on 15 October 2026?

The National Park Service announced completion of the final phase of the Shared Use Path, adding a 2.7-mile connection to Bryce Point.

What is the Shared Use Path at Bryce Canyon National Park?

It is a paved route for non-motorised travel linking viewpoints in the park with Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest.

Where is Bryce Canyon National Park and how do you get there?

The park is in Bryce, Utah, on the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The Shared Use Path generally follows SR-12 and UT-6 and connects with the Visitor Center and park viewpoints.