Bryce NP - How crowded is 2 crowded??
 

These answers are going to make the difference between our going. Great 4 me would be no one in site - but, when you say too crowded - specifically, can I expect: always people 10' away or less? Always people in view while walking? From what I read here I envision walking in a line - people in front and back. What's the deal??

We were there mid-summer about 4 years ago. We drove into park to see sunrise and sunset - not another person visible on the ledges we stood on at that time of day - also saw wildlife.

Went late morning, taking shuttle bus from Ruby's. Bus was 1/2 full, as were most of the other shuttles we picked up. Got on and off at several stops. The 2 or 3 with actual view of the hoodoos, there were always people within 10-20 feet, but few noisy free range kids. Stopped and had lunch at the lodge in the Park - dining room 1/2 full. Husband and kids took the walk down amongst the hoodoos - people always 10-20 feet away. There were other less popular hikes that appeared to be emptier.

As descriptive as I could get - hope it helps.

Then there was a huge thunderstorm and the place cleared out for the rest of the afternoon

We went during the middle of summer and I didn't consider it crowded at all. As soon as you get on a trail, you can get as far away from people as you want. There are lots of different trails. I never saw any line of people anywhere.

We did a half day horseback ride through the park and it was great. You get way into the park--further than most people could walking in the same amount of time. Your horses are in a line for that with a leader.

If you hike down into the canyon you will see very few people. Also, if you hike early in the morning there are few people about.

Bryce is not nearly as crowded as say, Yosemite, Yellowstone, or Great Smokies but it does get fairly busy in the summer.

It's best to go before they bring out the shuttle buses during Memorial Day weekend. Or after Labor Day.

If you really want to be alone, go in winter.