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Bryce Canyon National Park, in southern Utah, is not really a single canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Frost and rain have sculpted the soft rock into thousands of hoodoos, slender spires banded in orange, pink and white. Sitting mostly above eight thousand feet, the park is cooler than nearby desert parks, and its dark skies are superb for stargazing.
The Bryce Amphitheater holds the classic viewpoints. Sunrise Point and Sunset Point frame the densest cluster of hoodoos, and from Sunset Point the Navajo Loop drops between towering walls; many hikers combine it with the Queens Garden Trail. Inspiration Point offers a sweeping view over the amphitheater, and Bryce Point is a favorite for early light. To the north, Fairyland Point starts a longer, quieter loop. The scenic drive continues south past Natural Bridge, an arch cut into red rock, to Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point at the plateau's highest edge. In a separate northern section, the short Mossy Cave Trail leads to a small waterfall, and Red Canyon, just west of the park in national forest land, has paved bike paths among vivid red formations.
Bryce suits hikers, photographers and families. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms, and winter snow on the red spires is striking. The park pairs naturally with Zion and Capitol Reef on a road trip.
WiserMap travel guideBryce Canyon National Park Utah Hoodoos and Navajo LoopExplore Bryce Canyon's best viewpoints and hoodoo trails, from Sunrise Point and Navajo Loop to Rainbow Point and Mossy Cave, with shuttle and season tips.Read the guide
An overlook on the north end of the Bryce Amphitheater, a short walk from the general store and Lodge area. As the name suggests, it is the classic spot to watch first light hit the orange hoodoos. It is also the start of the Queens Garden Trail. Dress warmly, since dawn temperatures are cold even in summer.
A set of three viewpoints at different heights along the rim, with one of the widest views over the densest field of hoodoos in the amphitheater, known as the Silent City. The upper point is reached by a short steep path. It is popular at sunset and for stargazing. The rim path continues to Bryce Point.
A high overlook at the southern tip of the Bryce Amphitheater with sweeping views over the full bowl of hoodoos. It is a top sunrise spot and the start of the Peekaboo Loop and the Under-the-Rim Trail. Shuttles stop here in summer. The overlook sits on a narrow fin with railings, so watch your step.
At the end of the 18 mile scenic drive, at over 9,000 feet, these neighboring overlooks look south across the Grand Staircase toward Arizona. The Bristlecone Loop Trail is a short walk through ancient bristlecone pines. Drive to the end first, then stop at overlooks on the way back, since they are on the right.
Sunset Point overlooks Thor's Hammer, one of Bryce's most famous hoodoos. The Navajo Loop drops from here into the canyon through the tight switchbacks of Wall Street and past Twin Bridges. Combine it with Queens Garden for a popular three mile hike. Parts may close after rockfall, so check status first.
The easiest trail into the amphitheater, descending from Sunrise Point among hoodoos to a formation said to resemble Queen Victoria. It is just under two miles round trip, with about 320 feet of elevation change. Most hikers link it to the Navajo Loop. The climb back up is steady, so carry water.
A strenuous loop of about 5.5 miles from Bryce Point that winds through the heart of the amphitheater past the Wall of Windows and the Cathedral. It has many steep ups and downs and is shared with horses from the park's guided rides. Start early in summer, and carry plenty of water since shade is limited.
Fairyland Point sits just inside the park north of the visitor center and is quieter than the main overlooks. The Fairyland Loop is an eight mile hike through hoodoo valleys past the Chinese Wall and Tower Bridge, linking to Sunrise Point on the rim. It is demanding, so allow four to five hours.
A large red rock arch spanning a gully, visible from a roadside overlook on the scenic drive. Despite its name, it was formed by weathering, frost and rain, not by a stream, so technically it is an arch. It is one of the most photographed stops on the drive and is on the left heading south.
An easy trail of under a mile off Highway 12, outside the main park area, following a historic irrigation ditch to a small waterfall and a mossy alcove. In winter the alcove fills with icicles. It is one of the few water features in the park. The parking lot is small, so try early or late in the day.
A canyon of bright red hoodoos in Dixie National Forest along Highway 12, about 15 minutes west of the park. The road passes through two rock tunnels, and paved bike paths and short trails such as the Pink Ledges Trail start at the visitor center. It is free and less crowded than the national park.
A rustic lodge built in 1925 by the Union Pacific Railroad and designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, set a short walk from the rim. It has a dining room, a gift shop and western cabins, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open seasonally, so check dates and reserve rooms well in advance.
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