Nowhere in the world are hoodoos as abundant as in the northern section of Bryce Canyon National Park. The geography of the amphitheater makes it easy to appreciate the formations from multiple viewpoints along the rim of the canyon.
Even if you only have a few hours, it’s worth it to stop by a few of these viewpoints and take in the grandeur of Bryce Canyon.
Tips for Bryce Canyon
Spring and autumn are great times to visit Bryce Canyon to avoid the heat of the summer. Be aware that although Bryce Canyon is a desert ecosystem, it experiences snow in the winter due to its high elevation. The contrast between the red rocks and snow is striking, but some trails are closed during the winter.
There is a free shuttle system that will take you from the visitor center to major viewpoints in the park from May to December. The shuttle also goes to Ruby’s Inn and Campground/RV Park, which is just outside the park.
The small town of Bryce acts as the “gateway community” for Bryce Canyon. It has restaurants, grocery stores and plenty of options for places to stay, including hotels, campgrounds, and RV parks.
Exploring the Viewpoints
If you’re only stopping by Bryce Canyon (perhaps on your way to Zion National Park only two hours away) it’s worth it to take the detour into the park, even if it’s only for an hour or so.
In that amount of time, you’ll be able to go to the visitor center to learn more about the geology of the canyon, and then hit the four major viewpoints.
If you have more time, be sure to check out our Bryce Canyon Hiking Guide for trail options that will take you below the rim and among hoodoos.
Bryce Amphitheater Viewpoints
The main four viewpoints show you different angles of Bryce Amphitheater, home to the greatest concentration of hoodoos found anywhere on Earth.
The Rim Trail (5.5 miles) connects all four of these viewpoints. The section between Sunrise and Sunset Points is only .5 miles, paved and dog-friendly.
The free shuttle service will drop you off at each of these major viewpoints.
Sunrise Point (Shuttle Stop #13)
Just past the visitor center, you arrive at Sunrise Point, the northernmost viewpoint in the park. It gives you a great introductory view of Bryce Amphitheater.
Look out for “Stilts,” the limber pine tree on the rim of the canyon. Erosion has left the roots exposed, contributing to the nickname. Stilts serves as a reminder of the resilience and ability of life to adapt to adverse conditions, and also of how quickly Bryce Canyon erodes and changes.
Sunset Point (Shuttle Stop #11)
Just half a mile from Sunrise Point, this popular viewpoint gives you another great angle to see the colors of Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos. This spot also gives you a great view of Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street.
Fun Fact: Sunrise and Sunset Points were named to entice early Lodge visitors to easily accessible points along the rim.
Inspiration Point (Shuttle Stop #9)
This viewpoint allows visitors to look back at the Bryce Amphitheater. The point has three levels that give you varied, spectacular perspectives in all directions. From here, you can walk 1.5 miles to Bryce Point through a forest of Douglas Fir trees.
You can also look south toward Bryce Point for a view of the Wall of Windows formation
Bryce Point (Shuttle Stop #8)
This viewpoint will take your breath away. Perhaps the most iconic vista in the park, Bryce Point takes you out over the canyon wall to look back at the amphitheater and get a great view of the Wall of Windows.
FUN FACT: The viewpoint and the park share the same namesake, Ebenezer Bryce. Ebenezer was a pioneer in the area and constructed a logging road in the Bryce Amphitheater. Local people commonly referred to this road as “Bryce’s Canyon.”
Bryce Canyon is possible to see in a few hours, but I guarantee your trip will leave you wanting more. You’ll be planning a longer trip to Bryce Canyon before you know it.
Off the Beaten Path
These viewpoints are south of Bryce Amphitheater and don’t offer views of the main section of the park, but will take you to quieter areas that showcase the variety Bryce Canyon has to offer.
Paria Point (No Shuttle Service)
A viewpoint for those who want to experience the quieter side of the park, Paria Point overlooks a deep amphitheater formed by Yellow Creek as it drains into Paria River. It also provides a great view of the dramatic White Cliffs and the dome of Navajo Mountain.
Rainbow and Yovimpa Points (No Shuttle Service)
These two points are at the southern end of the park and log the highest elevations of all the viewpoints. Here, erosion has been at work far longer than the Bryce Amphitheater, and undercut sheer cliffs compose much of the view along the edge of the plateau. You’ll still get great views of the pink Bryce Canyon cliffs and some great hoodoos, although not as many as at Bryce Amphitheater.
Make sure to visit Bryce Canyon National Park’s official website for more information as you plan your trip!
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