(Bryce Canyon National Park) - Bryce Canyon National Park remains open year round and showcases some of its most striking vistas during the winter months. As snow increases and daytime temperatures decrease, hikers are encouraged to prepare by dressing warmly and hiking with snowshoes or under-boot traction devices when applicable. Trails dropping below the rim are open to snowshoeing and hiking, but hikers are encouraged to check with the Visitor Center for weather updates. Cross country skiing is permitted on top of the plateau (above the rim), but no skiing, snowboarding or other sliding is allowed below the rim. During the winter season, some facilities and amenities will be closed or have their operating hours reduced. The park Visitor Center and Bookstore will be open 8:00am to 6:00pm from October 7 to November 3rd and 8:00am to 4:30pm starting November 4th. The last day of operation for the shuttle service within the park operated by McDonald Transit will be on Sunday, October 7th. The final day for horseback and mule rides operated by Canyon Trail Rides will be Wednesday, October 31st, weather dependent. The Bryce Canyon Lodge, motel units, restaurant and gift shop operated by Forever Resorts Inc. will close for the season after breakfast on Sunday, November 11th. The General Store and public shower/laundry facility will close on Sunday, November 4, 2012.North Campground loops A and B will remain open throughout the winter season, but loops C and D, Sunset Campground, and the North Campground dump station will close on October 23rd (or possibly earlier if overnight temperatures drop dramatically). Bryce Canyon National Park’s main road will remain open through the winter but subject to temporary road closures after heavy snowfall. The Fairyland Point and Paria View roads will be closed to vehicular traffic and left unplowed for cross-country skiers.