(Bryce, UT) - The Bryce Canyon Shuttle will begin daily service from May 6 to October 9, 2011. Summer operating hours (May 6 to September 18) will be from 8:00AM to 7:40PM MDT, with the last shuttle bus leaving Bryce Point around 7:20PM. Fall operating hours (September 19 to October 9) will be from 8:00AM to 6:40PM MDT, with the last shuttle bus leaving Bryce Point around 6:20PM. With 1.3 million visitors in 2010, Bryce Canyon National Park’s roads and parking lots are congested. Since the summer of 2000, the park has provided bus service in traffic‐congested areas during the busy months from May to October.

The free shuttle system is supported by park entrance fees and operated by McDonald Transit Associates, Inc. of Fort Worth, Texas. You can board the buses at the shuttle parking area in Bryce Canyon City, Ruby’s Best Western, Ruby’s Campground, Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, Sunset Campground, Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon Lodge, Sunrise Point and North Campground.

Bryce Canyon will offer two daily guided bus tours (9:00AM and 1:30PM) to Rainbow Point, free of charge. Operated by the Bryce Canyon Shuttle, this 3 to 4 hour roundtrip tour covers 40 miles with stops along many of the park’s scenic viewpoints. Reservations are required; call (435) 834‐5290.

Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its spectacular geology and colorful rock formations. The park’s visitor center is open daily from 8:00AM to 8:00PM where you can obtain information on planning your visit, hiking and ranger programs. You can also purchase books and gifts, watch an orientation video and explore the museum. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, restaurant, gift shop, general store, showers and laundry are open for the season. North and Sunset Campgrounds are also open. Canyon Trail Rides offers guided horse trips into the canyon.

Riding the shuttle is voluntary and reduces traffic and congestion in crowded parking lots, conserves fuel, reduces our carbon footprint, and saves time and money. For more information on the Bryce Canyon Shuttle and Rainbow Point tour reservations, call (435) 834‐5290. For more information on the park, please visit the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/brca or call (435) 834‐5322.