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The best way to get to all the best viewpoints in Bryce Canyon is to take Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Check out my favorite epic viewpoints along Bryce Canyon Scenic Byway!

Also, what you need to know is that many cool hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park will take you up close to the famous rock formations called hoodoos. And, whether you like short and easy hikes or challenging trails, make sure to add some cool hikes to your itinerary!

Bryce Canyon can easily be combined with a day trip to Zion National Park. Take a look at Zion and Bryce Canyon in 3 Days.

Looking for a longer road trip? How about this Epic 7-Day Road Trip Through Utah National Parks?

Bryce Canyon National Park At-A-Glance

Before diving into the best stops on Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon, here are a few highlights to help you plan your trip to Bryce:

  • Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination year-round. With its high elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, temperatures are cooler compared to other Utah national parks. Regardless of the month, the park’s beauty remains constant. Remember to pack warm clothes and dress in layers, as evenings can be chilly even in the summer.

  • 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.

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.

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.

  • 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 the Bryce Canyon Shuttle System. Now, the shuttle is not mandatory, however, it is highly recommended, since finding a parking spot could be very challenging.

  • 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.

What You Need to Know About Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

  • Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is an out-and-back drive that spans the length of the Bryce Canyon National Park and hits all the park highlights.
  • It is 38 miles long (round trip) and it will take you at least 3-4 hours to complete Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive and stop at some of the best viewpoints along the Scenic Drive.
  • Suppose you have only one day in Bryce Canyon National Park, and you have never experienced the hoodoos protruding from this vast landscape. In that case, my recommendation is to start at the end of the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive and work your way back. Why? You will gradually get to appreciate the scenery and eventually get to the ‘WOW’ viewpoints in Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Map with 10 Best Stops on Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon Along Viewpoints

Bryce Canyon Viewpoints Map. Bryce Canyon Elevation Map. Image Source: Bryce Canyon Map NPS

10 Best Stops on Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon

NUMBER 1

Yovimpa And Rainbow Points

Yovimpa and Rainbow Points are located at the very end of the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive.

Both, Yovimpa and Rainbow Points on Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive provide incredible views of the canyon country, however, each one will give you a slightly different view of the canyon.

Starting with Rainbow Point, located just a short walk from the parking lot, you will get to see the giant sloping plateaus, tilted mesas, and hoodoos protruding from the vast landscape.

The view is simply stunning and it will take your breath away! I think that this is the spot that really will give you an idea of how vast this place is!

Rainbow Point in Bryce Canyon

View from Rainbow Point in Bryce Canyon 

Now, at the other side of the parking lot, you will find the trailhead for Yovimpa Point.

It is just a short hike to Yovimpa Point and you will reach it in no time.

Yovimpa Point offers a bit of a different view of Bryce Canyon. You will get to see the beautiful views of forested slopes. And, above all, some breathtaking views of Arizona and maybe even the Grand Canyon.

However, if you look in the far distance, in the picture below, you should be able to locate an eroded sandstone dome. It kind of looks like a volcano. Strangely enough, it is called Molly’s Nipple.

A Quick Read:

What’s up with Molly’s Nipple?

It is the name given to as many as seven peaks, one butte, one well, and several other geological features in Utah. Some sources claim eleven geological features in Utah bear this name!

At least some of those names are attributed to John Kitchen – a pioneer of early exploration of Utah, who named them to commemorate the nipple of his wife Molly.

Yovimpa Point in Bryce Canyon

View from Yovimpa Point in Bryce Canyon 

NUMBER 2

Black Birch Canyon Viewpoint

Now, if you are following my directions and you are working your way back on the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, then your next stop should be Black Birch Canyon Viewpoint. It is just north of mile marker 16 on the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive.

Black Birch Canyon Viewpoint sits at 8,750 feet and it offers a great view of pink, orange, and white-colored cliffs. In addition, you will get a first good look at hoodoos.

Hoodoos appear as almost phantom-like rock formations. Needless to say, they are almost hypnotic. After staring at them, you begin to see the shapes of figures frozen in the rock.

Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon

View from Black Birch Canyon Viewpoint in Bryce Canyon / Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon 

A Quick Read:

What are hoodoos? Hoodoos are geological formations created over many centuries through a combination of physical and chemical weathering forces.

As the National Park Service explains, “in the winter, melting snow, in the form of water, seeps into the cracks and freezes at night. When water freezes it expands by almost 10 percent, bit by bit prying open cracks, making them ever wider, in the same way, a pothole forms in a paved road.”

How Hoodoos Are Formed

Hoodoo Formation. Photo credit Brian B. Roanhorse/National Park Service

NUMBER 3

Natural Bridge Viewpoint

Natural Bridge is one of the best-known natural arches in Bryce Canyon National Park.

It is a massive formation of eroded, deep red-hued limestone jutting from the edge of the overlook.

Natural Bridge in Bryce Canyon

Natural Bridge along Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon 

Next to Natural Bridge Viewpoint is Agua Canyon. If you have time, then you should make a short stop. There are two pretty distinct hoodoos that are hard to miss.

On the left, is the taller of the two towers, “The Hunter.” To the right is a hoodoo commonly referred to as the “Rabbit” or alternatively the “Backpacker.”

Agua Canyon in Bryce Canyon

View from Agua Canyon along Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive 

NUMBER 4

Farview Point

Farview Point provides awesome views of canyons, blue-hued mesas, and huge plateaus that make up the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument.

A Quick Read:

What is the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument?

The Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument encompasses an area of 1.9 million acres!

The Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument is bordered by the communities of Glendale, Kanab, and Big Water from the southwest and Tropic, Cannonville, Henrieville, Escalante, and Boulder communities from the northeast.

Take a look at the photo right below.

From north to south, you can see the Aquarius Plateau (Pink Cliffs), the Kaiparowits Plateau (Grey Cliffs), Molly’s Nipple (White Cliffs), and even glimpses of the Kaibab Plateau on which lies the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Now, these magnificent views result from Bryce Canyon’s extremely high air quality, with potential visibility as far away as the Black Mesas in Arizona — up to 160 miles!

Farview Point in Bryce Canyon

View from Farview Point along Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon 

NUMBER 5

Swamp Canyon Viewpoint

Swamp Canyon Viewpoint sits between two ridgelines that extend into a forested canyon. It gives an up-close and personal look at the scenery.

Here, you can get a good look at hoodoos and see the intricately carved formations dotting the landscape for miles.

A Quick Story:

A legend of the Paiute Indians, who inhabited the area for hundreds of years before the arrival of European Americans, claims the colorful hoodoos are ancient “Legend People” who were turned to stone as punishment for bad deeds.

Swamp Canyon in Bryce Canyon.

View from Swamp Canyon along Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon 

What you need to know is that Sheep Creek and Swamp Canyon Trail start right at Swamp Canyon Viewpoint.

It is the best chill hike in the park. It is not too difficult and not too easy. Just right! On top of that, the views at Swamp Canyon Viewpoint are spectacular!

But, first of all, it is a perfect hike to escape the crowds that swarm the Rim Trail. And, honestly, you will have this trail pretty much to yourself.

Second, if you are hiking in the summertime, this trail provides much-needed shade.

INTREPID’S PRO TIP: Now, my recommendation is that after Swamp Canyon Viewpoint, you should head to Paria View and find a parking spot.

The next five viewpoints: Paria View, Bryce Point, Inspirations Point Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point are located close together and the best way to catch the awesome views is to take a paved trail that goes along the rim of the canyon.

Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon Along Epic Viewpoints

Bryce Canyon Viewpoints Map. Bryce Canyon Elevation Map. Image Source: Bryce Canyon Map NPS

NUMBER 6

Paria Viewpoint

GOOD TO KNOW: Paria View is a spot to come back to at sunset time. Hands down, it is the perfect location to take great pictures at sunset. Most of the hoodoo amphitheaters at Bryce Canyon face east, which is great for taking sunrise pictures. However, Paria View faces west.

Furthermore, make sure to locate one prominent and photogenic castle-like hoodoo that rises high above the canyon floor. It is the last place to catch the rays of the setting sun.

By the way, Paria is a Paiute word meaning “water with elk” or “water with mud”.

Paria View in Bryce Canyon

Paria Viewpoint Along Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon 

NUMBER 7

Bryce Point

Hands down, Bryce Point is one of the best viewpoints in Bryce Canyon. It offers stunning views of the Silent City, an assemblage of hoodoos resembling figures frozen in the rock.

In addition, I think you will get a great view of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Did you know that the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is partly named for the Escalante River? The Escalante River flows from Boulder Mountain to the Colorado River.

The monument reminds us of a staircase that gradually descends in elevation from north to south, ending at the Grand Canyon.

Bryce Point

Bryce Point Along Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon 

INTREPID’S PRO TIP: Make sure to follow a short path leading to a fenced-in promontory that juts over the canyon floor. The views are even more spectacular from that spot!

Bryce Point is a starting point for many of the great hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park.

First of all, you should not miss the Hat Shop Trail where you will see the most unique hoodoos with caprocks balanced on top of them.

Second, another great hike that starts at Bryce Point is Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail. It is one of the most scenic top hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park. It gets its name from the most unusual arch formations known as windows.

Right from the start of this hike, you will be rewarded with incredible views of Bryce Amphitheatre, followed by the famous hoodoo formations known as Wall of Windows, Cathedral, and Fairy Castle.

NUMBER 8

Inspiration Viewpoint

Inspiration Point sits lower than Bryce Point and pretty much provides the same view as Bryce Point. However, because it sits lower, the hoodoos feel closer and you can make out their intricate carvings.

Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point Along Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon / Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon

NUMBER 9

Sunset Point

Sunset Point is the focal point of the Bryce Canyon National Park. Aside from great views of the Silent City, this point is known for Thor’s Hammer which features a huge boulder precariously balanced on top of a hoodoo.

Contrary to its name, Sunset Point is not the best place to capture stunning sunsets! For the best sunsets head directly to Paria View. Sunset Point faces east, which is not the best for sunsets. However, come back here at sunrise. You will catch the most spectacular views.

Sunset Point

Sunset Point Along Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon 

Sunset Point is the start of one of the most popular hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park called Navajo Loop Trail. The hoodoo formations that are along the trail, such as Wall Street, Twin Bridges, and Thor’s Hammer are iconic sights in Bryce Canyon National Park.

NUMBER 10

Sunrise Point

You will get great views of hoodoos at Sunrise Point. In addition, it shows the Aquarius Plateau and the Sinking Ship, a sloping mesa that kind of looks like a ship’s stern rising out of water.

In addition, Sunrise Point is a great starting place for many hikes in Bryce Canyon.

Sunrise Point

Sunrise Point Along Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon / Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon

Sunrise Point is a trailhead to one of my favorite hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park – Queens Garden Trail.

Queens Garden Trail is one of the most popular easy hikes in Bryce Canyon that will take you below the rim, and let you meander among the hoodoos and see up-close their intricate carvings.

List of Best Stops for Trip Planning (Print or Download)

Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon

Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon

To Print or Download the List of 10 Stops on Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon 

Click: HERE

Intrepid Scout's Tips for Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon

That is quite a list, right? What if you only have time to stop at a couple of locations? No problem!

My recommendation is that you park at one of the parking lots next to the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park and then take a short paved trail that goes along the rim of the canyon and stop at:

  • Sunrise Point
  • Sunset Point
  • Inspiration Point

The views at these three locations are simply off the charts!

Above all, be safe! When you are driving on Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, always use the designated turnouts to pull over and take photos. Do not stop in the middle of the road.

What you need to know is that the trip to Bryce Canyon is perfectly paired with a side trip to Zion National Park, Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument, or Canyonlands, Capitol Reef National Parks. How about: Epic 7-Day Road Trip Through Utah National Parks!

Read All the Posts about Utah in:

Utah Travel Guide

 

Read All the Posts About the United States in: 

United States Travel Guide

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Best Stops on Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
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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:

11 thoughts on “10 Best Stops on Scenic Drive in Bryce Canyon (Map+Tips)


Pam
2019-12-30

Thank you so much for this in-depth summary of the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. It is just what I was looking for. I also really appreciate you tips. I plan on seeing this amazing park in April, 2020.

    2020-01-06

    Hi Pam,
    Sorry about my delayed response! I have just returned from Egypt and Jordan.
    I am so glad you found my post useful. You will love Bryce Canyon!

Mary Brown
2020-05-15

I felt like a hit a gold mine. Thank you for your in-depth coverage of Bryce Canyon National Park.
During this uncertain time of Covid 19, I am keeping my sanity by planning future trips, even though I am uncertain when they will take place.
I will be looking you up on Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you for making my day!!

Mary Brown
2020-05-15

I felt like I hit a gold mine. Thank you for your in-depth coverage of Bryce Canyon National Park. I am keeping my sanity by planning future trips, even though I am uncertain when they will take place. I will be looking you up on Facebook and Instagram.

    2020-05-17

    Thank you, Mary. I know that eventually we will start traveling again. Just patience now. And, as you said, this is a perfect time to plan some great trips.

dee
2021-06-11

Thank You, Your blog is beautiful, we got a very good idea of where to start and what to see.

    2021-06-11

    Thank you so much Dee! I appreciate your kind comment very much.
    Please let me know if you need any help with planning your visit to Bryce Canyon.
    Anna

Kaylean
2021-06-27

Thank you so much for sharing. Heading to Bryce with the kiddos next month and we will follow your guide!

    2021-06-27

    Hi Kaylean,
    You are welcome and thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it.
    I do not know how long you are planning to stay in Bryce, but if it is one day, then check one my post:

    One Day in Bryce https://www.intrepidscout.com/one-day-itinerary-bryce-canyon/

    If you are staying for a couple of days then I am recommending some hikes:

    Easy Hikes in Bryce:https://www.intrepidscout.com/easy-day-hikes-bryce-canyon/

    Good luck with everything and let me know how it turned out!

Cathy
2021-10-30

Do you recommend doing the scenic drive in Bryce Canyon before doing the hikes from Sunset point?

    2021-10-30

    Hi Cathy,
    How many days will you be in Bryce? If you are spending just one day in Bryce Canyon National Park, then I suggest that you follow my one day itinerary for Bryce. It starts off with a walk along the Rim Trail, then an awesome hike along Navajo and Queens Garden Loop Trail, and ends the day with Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. I am recommending that you catch a sunrise or a sunset at Bryce. Or, how about some stargazing?
    Check out my post and let me know if you have any questions.

    https://www.intrepidscout.com/one-day-itinerary-bryce-canyon/

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