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Bryce Canyon National Park is a photographer’s dream! Here are the 8 best photography locations in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Plus BONUS! Find out how to take great photos in Bryce Canyon National Park!

Bryce Canyon National Park At-A-Glance

Before diving into the best photography locations in Bryce Canyon, here are a few highlights to help you plan your trip to Bryce:

  • Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

Hands down, Bryce Canyon National Park is a great destination to visit at any time of the year.

I have visited Bryce Canyon so many times at different times of the year and I have to honestly say that it is an awesome place to see no matter what month you visit!

What you need to keep in mind is that Bryce Canyon National Park sits at a high elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet. With this being the case, the temperatures are much lower compared to any other National Parks in Utah.

So, no matter when you are visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, pack some warm clothes and dress in layers. Even in the summer, the evenings can be chilly.

  • Where to Stay in or near Bryce Canyon National Park

Nothing beats staying inside the park! However, there is only one lodge, The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, available inside the park and accommodations are very limited. You should make reservations well ahead of your visit.

I have stayed at Best Western Ruby’s Inn numerous times and it is comfortable and convenient located only 1 mile from the entrance to the park. Also, if you are heading to Escalante National Monument, then this is a good place to spend the night since it is next to Scenic Byway 12. If you are flying into Bryce Canyon Airport, then the hotel offers a free transfer service from the airport to the property.

Another place that I am recommending is Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. It is also conveniently located right next to the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable.

And finally, if you are traveling from Zion to Bryce Canyon, then my recommendation is to check out Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge. It is conveniently located between Zion and Bryce in Mount Carmel. The rooms are a good size with comfy beds!

  • How to Get to Bryce Canyon National Park

The closest major airports to Bryce Canyon National Park are in Las Vegas (LAS), Nevada, and Salt Lake City (SLC), Utah. 

There are smaller airports in Cedar City (CDC), Utah, and St. George (SGU), Utah. I use Skyscanner to browse flights and find the best price.

If you fly into any of the airports around Bryce Canyon National Park, you will have to rent a car and then drive.

  • How to Get Around in Bryce Canyon National Park

If you are visiting Bryce Canyon National Park during the high season (summer), then the best way to get around the park is by using Bryce Canyon Shuttle System. Now, the shuttle is not mandatory, however, it is highly recommended, since finding a parking spot could be very challenging.

All in all, whenever I visited during the winter months, I have to honestly say, that I never had any problems driving in the park (no traffic jams) or finding a parking spot. However, summertime is a different story altogether!

  • Intrepid Scout’s Tip:

It costs $35 to enter the park. The entrance pass is good for 7 consecutive days. If you are visiting several national parks then make sure to get America the Beautiful National Park Pass. This $80 pass is valid for 12 months and gets you into all 400+ national park sites!

  • Important: Always check for the latest road or trail closures and changes to shuttle routes or schedules. Check HERE.

Map of 8 Best Photo Spots in Bryce Canyon

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Map of Bryce Canyon National Park Photography Locations. Image Source: NPS  / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

NUMBER 1

Inspiration Point - the Most Popular Photography Location in Bryce Canyon

Inspiration Point is the most popular photography location in Bryce Canyon National Park. The views of the main amphitheater are simply off the charts!

The Silent City with its many rows of hoodoos set against the backdrop of Boat Mesa is, no doubt, one of the most famous images of Bryce Canyon National Park.

All in all, I have to say that Inspiration Point is one of the most instagrammable places in Bryce Canyon!

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon views from Inspiration Point at Sunset / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

View from Inspiration Point at Sunser

View from Inspiration Point at Sunset in Bryce Canyon / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Inspiration Point is a popular spot to photograph sunrise as well as a sunset. Or, photograph the Bryce Canyon at any time of the day from sunrise to sunset. It is the best place to catch all the colors of Bryce Canyon from glowing reds, and oranges, to bright pinks.

Also, Inspiration Point is the best place to see Bryce Canyon and get an idea of how vast the entire area is.

So, if your time is limited, then head directly to Inspiration Point. It is a great photography location in Bryce Canyon!

View from Inspiration Point at Sunrise

View from Inspiration Point at sunrise in Bryce Canyon / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

How to Get to Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Map of Inspiration Point Bryce Canyon National Park. Image Source: NPS / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park is located no more than 1.5 miles from the Visitor Center. You can drive or you can take the Park Shuttle to the Inspiration Point parking lot.

If you decide to drive, then proceed south from the Visitor Center, next make a left and then another left until you reach the Inspiration Point parking area. However, be prepared that it might be challenging to find a parking spot.

NUMBER 2

Sunrise Point - Best Place to Photograph Sunset in Bryce Canyon

YES! You are reading this correctly!

Sunrise Point is one of the best sunset photography locations in Bryce Canyon National Park. It is my favorite spot to photograph sunsets in Bryce Canyon as well.

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Sunset from Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon National Park / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

What you need to know is that Sunrise Point is the most northern spot in the Bryce Canyon and you will get the best views of the Bryce Amphitheater at sunset.

In addition, it is also the best photography location in Bryce Canyon to see the sun’s final light along the western horizon.

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

 Sunrise Point at Dusk in Bryce Canyon / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon Best Photography Locations

Sunrise Point at Dusk in Bryce Canyon / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

How to Get to Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon National Park

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Map of Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon National Park. Image Source: NPS / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Once you get to the Visitor Center, continue south for no more than 0.5 miles until you reach a junction. Be on the lookout for the sign pointing to Sunrise Point. At the junction, turn left and continue for about 0.5 miles until you reach another junction. Next, follow the sign pointing in the direction of Sunset Point/General Store.

Finally, turn left again and continue for about 0.2 miles until you reach the Sunrise Point parking area.

NUMBER 3

Paria View - Bryce Canyon Best Sunset View

If you are looking for a stunning sunset photography location in Bryce Canyon National Park, then head to Paria View!

Paria View is an overlook that sits in the north section of the part and where the rock formations face west. Needless to say, it is a perfect spot to catch the evening light.

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Paria View in Bryce Canyon / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

If at all possible, go to Bryce Canyon National Park in winter. The entire park takes on a complexity different look all blanketed in snow. Needless to say, the sunsets off Paria View are even more dramatic in winter!

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park in winter / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

How to Get to Paria View in Bryce Canyon National Park

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Map of Paria View in Bryce Canyon National Park. Image Source: NPS / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

To be honest, if you are visiting Bryce Canyon National Park during summertime then use the shuttle! It is easy to use and it stops at all the major viewpoints and you don’t have to waste time looking and waiting for a parking spot. Trust me, finding a parking spot can be tough during the summer months.

If you decide to take a shuttle, then get off at Bryce Point and walk over to Paria View. If you decide to drive, then there is a small parking lot next to Paria View and hopefully, you can find some empty spots.

NUMBER 4

Sunset Point - Best Sunrise Photography Location in Bryce Canyon

Sunset Point sits at 8,000 feet and offers the most dramatic views of Bryce Canyon’s Main Amphitheater.

I think that is the best sunrise photography location in Bryce Canyon National Park. However, I have to tell you that, it is absolutely stunning at any time of the day! The hoodoos seem to come alive in a. rainbow of color as the. light changes throughout the day.

Do not miss Thor’s Hammer! It is one of the most well-known and most photographed hoodoo formations in Bryce Canyon National Park. Thor’s Hammer towers over the Silent City from Sunset Point’s vista.

Thor's Hammer in Bryce Canyon

Thor’s Hammer in Bryce Canyon National Park / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

The best part is that Navajo Loop Trail starts right at Sunset Point. It is one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park descending 550 feet into Bryce Canyon and allowing you to take some incredible photos of hoodoos up close and personal!

How to Get to Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Map of Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon National Park. Image Source: NPS / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Sunset Point is located about 2.5 miles from the Visitor Center.

In order to get to Sunset Point, you can the shuttle, which I am highly recommending if you are visiting during the summer months.

Otherwise, from the Visitor Center take the main road and proceed for about 2.5 miles until you reach the junction marked with a sign pointing towards Sunset Point.

Next, turn left at the junction and drive for no more than 0.3 miles until you the parking area located next to Sunset Point.

NUMBER 5

Bryce Point - Most Iconic Photography Location in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Point is famous for the sweeping views to the north, across the full length of the hoodoo-filled Bryce Amphitheater.

Inspiration, Sunset, and Sunrise Points can all be seen along the edge of the rim.

Bryce Point is well known for its breathtaking sunrises as well as stunning sunsets. You will not go wrong if you head directly to Bryce Point for a chance to catch a great sunset. This is a great spot to see a view of Boat Mesa reflecting the colors of the setting sun.

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

View from Bryce Point in Bryce Canyon / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

A Quick Read:

Bryce Point is the trailhead for Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail.

It is a great hike that will take you down to see the Wall of the Windows and Three Wise Men formations.

Also, do you ever wonder how Bryce Canyon got its name?

Sometime in the 1850s, scouts were sent by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) to assess the land for its potential agricultural and grazing use. The church then sent Ebenezer Bryce and his wife Mary to settle in the Paria Valley, near Tropic, Utah.

Ebenezer and his family decided to settle right below what is now called the “Bryce Amphitheater” – today, this is the main part of the Park; the largest collection of hoodoos. Ebenezer grazed his cattle near the hoodoos and canyons and once wrote that this was a “helluva place to lose a cow”. If you’ve ever been to Bryce Canyon, I’m sure you’d agree! Regardless of losing cows, Bryce Canyon National Park is indeed one “helluva place”. Ebenezer Bryce built a road to the top of the Paunsaugunt Plateau for hauling timber. Pioneers started calling the place “Bryce’s Canyon” and that’s how Bryce Canyon got its name.

Source: Bryce Canyon

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Looking at Bryce Point from Sunrise Point / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

How to Get to Bryce Point in Bryce Canyon National Park

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Map of Bryce Point in Bryce Canyon National Park. Image Source: NPS / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Point is located no more than 5.5 miles from the Visitor Center.

Starting at the Visitor Center, take the main road and continue for about 2.5 miles until you reach the junction. Turn left at the junction and continue for about 2 miles until you reach another junction. Turn left again and continue for about 1 mile until you reach a parking area.

NUMBER 6

Yovimpa Point - Best Spot in Bryce Canyon to Photograph the Grand Staircase

Yovimpa Point sitting at 9,100 feet, the highest elevation in Bryce Canyon National Park, offers a great view of the geological Grand Staircase rock layers.

View from Yovimpa Point in Bryce Canyon

View from Yovimpa Point in Bryce Canyon / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

A Quick Read: 

The Grand Staircase is an immense sequence of sedimentary rock layers that stretch south from Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, through Zion National Park, and into the Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Staircase

Image Credit: Wikipedia / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

How to Get to Yovimpa Point in Bryce Canyon

Yovimpa Point is located at the very end of Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive.

From the Visitor Center take the main road and continue for about 14 miles until you reach Yovimpa Point. Check out my post and make some stops along the way to catch some of Bryce Canyon’s best views.

NUMBER 7

Wall Street and Sunrise Point - Best Spots for Bryce Canyon Night Photography

Wall Street and Sunrise Point are two of my favorite locations for nighttime photography in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Wall Street is the western section of the Navajo Loop Trail and gets its name from high, vertical cliffs and very narrow passages. It is a great location to get some awesome photos of hoodoos during the day as well.

Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon

Wall Street Hoodoo Formation Along Navajo Loop Trail / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

Another location that I highly recommended for nighttime photography in Bryce Canyon National Park is Sunrise Point.

Nighttime in Bryce Canyon

 Nighttime in Bryce Canyon National Park / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

How to Get to Wall Street and Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon National Park

Wall Street is the first section along Navajo Loop Trail. Navajo Loop Trailhead is located at Sunset Point.

Sunrise Point is located along the Rim Trail about 0.5 miles from Sunset Point.

You can take a shuttle which is super easy to use and get off at Sunset Point. Or, if you prefer to use your own vehicle, then, from the Visitor Center take a main road and follow the signs pointing towards Sunset Point.

NUMBER 8

Queens Garden Trail - Best Train in Bryce Canyon to Photograph Hoodoos Up-Close

Queens Garden Trail starts at Sunrise Point and descends about 320 feet into the canyon.

Queens Garden Trail is a short hike at no more than 0.9 miles and can be combined with Navajo Loop Trail. However, if you decide to do this short hike, you will get to some of the best rock formations in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Queens Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon

 Queens Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

Queens Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon

Hoodoo formations along Queens Garden Trail / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

Queens Garden Trail

Hoodoo formations along Queens Garden Trail / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

How to Get to Queens Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon

Queens Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon

Map of Queens Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park. Image Source: NPS / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

Queens Garden Trailhead is located at Sunrise Point.

It is super easy to get to Sunrise Point. Once you get to the Visitor Center, which is about 1 mile past the entrance to the park, continue south for no more than 0.5 miles until you reach a junction.

At the junction, turn left and continue for about 0.5 miles until you reach another junction. Next, follow the sign pointing in the direction of Sunset Point/General Store.

Finally, turn left again and continue for about 0.2 miles until you reach the Sunrise Point parking area.

How to Photograph Sunrise in Bryce Canyon National Park

Actually, Bryce Canyon is the most beautiful just before sunrise. The light is softer and warmer before the sun appears on the horizon. It is known as the Golden Hour.

So, first of all, make sure to arrive at your favorite sunrise location in Bryce Canyon way before sunrise. I would say at least 30 minutes before sunrise. Just about 10 minutes before the actual sunrise, you will capture some awesome images.

Next, when the first rays of the sun start appearing above the horizon, hoodoos will reflect the light and literally start glowing. This is a great time to get more great pictures.

During this time use a tripod and remote shutter release. However, be quick because the rising sun will make the light too intense to take good pictures.

Also, a reminder! Since you. will be arriving well before sunrise, make sure to have a headlamp or a flashlight to help you navigate. from the parking lot to your favorite sunrise photography spot.

Sunrise in Bryce Canyon

Sunrise in Bryce Canyon National Park / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

Sunrise in Bryce Canyon National Park

Sunrise in Bryce Canyon National Park / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

How to Photograph Sunset in Bryce Canyon National Park

All in all, the best light happens just after sunset. It is known as the Golden Hour. The light is warmer and softer and there are no sharp shadows during the Golden Hour.

In Bryce Canyon, during the Golden Hour, the hoodoos produce even warmer colors. In order to capture these colors you will need to use a long exposure selection on your camera.

How do you do a long exposure? Simply, turn your camera’s mode dial to Manual and use a slow shutter speed (5-30 seconds) for a longer exposure. Additionally, use your camera self-timer to take a photo.

Now, hang around a little bit more after the sunset and wait for the famous Blue Hour.

Sunset in Bryce Canyon

Sunset in Bryce Canyon National Park / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

The Blue Hour happens when the sun is at a significant depth below the horizon and residual, indirect sunlight takes on a predominantly blue shade.

During the Blue Hour, the Bryce Amphitheatre completely changes and the white tops of the hoodoos beautifully contrast with the deep dark orange colors of the canyon.

Also, pay attention to the sky! If you are lucky, you might get some beautiful shots of the background with an awesome sky.

How to Take Nighttime Photos in Bryce Canyon National Park

First of all, be patient and practice. It takes time to capture great images of the night sky. And, it takes a lot of experimenting with the camera settings.

Follow these nighttime photography rules:

  • Have the camera on manual mode on a sturdy tripod. Turn off image stabilization.
  • Have a wide-angle lens between 14mm to 24mm to get a good view of the Milky Way in the frame along with the foreground.
  • Set the aperture to the widest – at least f2.8, but if you have only the kit lens, use it at 18mm / f3.5.
  • Start with the lowest ISO possible, about 1600. Depending on the result, you can decrease further or increase the ISO up to 3200, above which the image quality can start to deteriorate.
  • Put your lens on manual focus and focus on the brightest star in the sky. Zoom in on live view and turn the focus ring till the star shows up as a bright point on the screen.
  • Use the mirror lockup feature if using a DSLR to avoid blur due to camera movement.
Nighttime in Bryce Canyon

Nighttime in Bryce Canyon / Best Photography Locations in Bryce Canyon 

Intrepid Scout's Photography Tips for Bryce Canyon

  • Zoom In on the Bryce Canyon

I think that it is ok to zoom in on Bryce Canyon! Needless to say, I often find myself struggling with a need to include the entire panorama in every photo and it is not always necessary.

The Bryce Canyon photography is overwhelming because it is simply impossible to convey the sheer magnitude of the Bryce Canyon in a single photo.

Being that, zoom in and capture the formations and clusters of hoodoos.

  • Arrive Early to Photograph Sunrise or Sunset in Grand Canyon National Park 

Arrive way before sunrise or sunset to secure a good spot. It gets crowded at all the popular viewpoints, especially in the summertime.

Now, if you are shooting at sunrise, then I am sure you will be arriving at Bryce Canyon in complete darkness, so do not forget to grab a flashlight or even better take a headlamp to help you find your way from the parking lot to your favorite spot.

  • Include Foreground, Middleground, and Background in Your Photos of the Bryce Canyon 

It is important that you give your photos a nice dimensional perspective. First of all, find a strong foreground like a tree, or some rocks. Then, focus on middleground, and finally a background.

The Bryce Canyon is vast and getting a sense of scale can be a bit challenging. Another good idea is to include people standing at the rim of Bryce Canyon. It will help put things in perspective and give some sense of the vastness of the area.

  • Bring a Tripod to Photograph Sunrise and Sunset in the Bryce Canyon

Having a tripod will help you minimize the risk of any movement while you are capturing longer exposures and allowing more light to enter the camera.

  • Photograph the Bryce Canyon at Sunrise or Sunset 

Actually, to be specific, the best light is about 15-30 minutes before sunrise. It is the proverbial “golden hour” during which the daylight is softer and redder. Needless to say, it is the time during which the hoodoos start to glow.

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Now, It Is Your Turn, I Would Like to Hear Back from You!

Are you planning your trip to Bryce Canyon National Park?

Please let me know! Drop me a quick comment right below!

Click on any of the images below to get inspired and to help you with the planning process with your trip to Bryce Canyon National Park!

Comments:

2 thoughts on “8 Best PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS in BRYCE CANYON (+Useful Photo Tips)


Paul Boldin
2023-02-12

I will be part of a Death Valley photo workshop in December of 2023. As I am flying in and out of Las Vegas for this, I figured on staying a couple of extra days to go up to Bryce Canyon. I will be there sometime around the 9th-11th of December. I realize it is impossible to predict what weather will be like, but I am curious as to how much of the park is usually closed by this time, and how many of the roads are still open. Thanks!

    2023-02-12

    Hi Paul,
    December is a great time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. If it snows, you will get some stunning pictures of the park. The main area around the lodge is always accessible. The scenic drive might be closed until the snow is cleared. You should do some hiking in the canyon to get photos of the hoodoos up close. It is always warmer in the canyon and snow will melt fast. Check out some other of my posts about Bryce to get a better idea of the best hikes, places to stay, etc. Good luck with your trip!

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