Bryce Canyon Must See Viewpoints
With its unique geological structures called hoodoos, you’ll find Bryce Canyon must see viewpoints to see panoramic vistas and breathtaking scenery!
This Bryce Canyon travel guide lists all the best viewpoints in the park to watch the sun rise, or to just simply enjoy the colorful hoodoos you see at each vantage point.
There are a variety of of awe-inspiring views to be seen from the Bryce Amphitheater, or along the Bryce Canyon scenic drive. Every overlook displays a different perspective of nature and geology!
We live just hours away from Bryce Canyon National Park and get to visit often. The park is open year-round and the views are spectacular any time of year.
This list of must see Bryce Canyon viewpoints is based on our experiences visiting and photographing the park over the years.
We also share resources to plan your Bryce Canyon vacation: what to pack, where to stay, things to do and more!
Check out these done-for-you Bryce Canyon itineraries we created to help you plan your vacation based on the time you have to spend at the park:
- Bryce Canyon National Park One Day Itinerary
- Two days in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Three Days in Bryce Canyon National Park
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A Photo Tour of Bryce Canyon National Park
Take a visual tour through Bryce Canyon National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Bryce Canyon National Park Geology
At all the Bryce Canyon viewpoints you’ll see unique rock structures created by erosion. The process begins with rain water seeping into cracks in the rock. Due to its high elevation, the nights are cold at Bryce Canyon. The water freezes, expands and breaks the rock apart.
The deep, narrow walls called ‘fins’ result from rain and snow melt running down the slopes from the rim of the canyon.
Holes or ‘windows’ continue to erode into the fins, and when they grow large enough they collapse and create the hoodoo towers.
Bryce Canyon Viewpoints Map
Use this map of the Bryce Canyon viewpoints to navigate along the scenic drive.
We recommend you begin by driving 18 miles to Rainbow Point at the end of the park. Then stop and take photos at every overlook as you make your way back to the visitor center.
All the Bryce Canyon scenic drive overlooks are on the east side. If you start at Rainbow Point, you can avoid left turns on the busy road. You can instead stop at each pullout on your right.
Bryce Canyon Must See Viewpoints
This list of must see viewpoints at Bryce Canyon begins at Rainbow Point at the end of the scenic drive, and ends at the Amphitheater.
Rainbow Point is a good introduction to Bryce Canyon. The scenery and geological formations dramatically change as you drive north. Completing the scenic drive at the Amphitheater viewpoints is a spectacular sight!
Rainbow & Yovimpa Points
Drive to the end of the Bryce Canyon scenic drive to reach the combined parking area for Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point at the south end of the park. This is the highest elevation in the park at over 9100 feet!
Rainbow Point: looking north from this must see viewpoint you’ll see a colorful scene of hoodoos in Rainbow Canyon. You’ll also find the short Bristlecone Loop Trail here that leads to an 1,800-year-old bristlecone pine, believed to be one of the oldest living things at Bryce Canyon.
Yovimpa Point: access this trail from the southern end of the parking lot. A short, paved walkway takes you past the picnic area to a magnificent viewpoint that allows visitors to look south and west over the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It is one of the best spots to see the “steps” which give the Grand Staircase its name.
Agua Canyon Viewpoint
One of the many amazing Bryce Canyon viewpoints is seen at Agua Canyon. There are two prominent hoodoos here: ‘The Hunter” and “The Rabbit”.
The Hunter has a hat of evergreens and is easily seen just in front of the viewpoint. To the right is a smaller hoodoo commonly referred to as The Rabbit (the The Hunter’s prey).
One of our favorite Bryce Canyon photos is capturing the glow on the hoodoos at Agua Canyon in the morning.
Natural Bridge Viewpoint
The structure called Natural Bridge is technically an arch. Formed originally as a small ice window in a large prominent fin, the forces of erosion have made Natural Bridge one of the most popular Bryce Canyon photo spots along the scenic drive.
You will see similar features within the park as you go on various Bryce Canyon hikes, but none as impressive as Natural Bridge which stands at nearly 125 feet tall.
Natural Bridge is best photographed mid-morning when the sun is high enough in the sky that it nicely illuminates the features around the arch and bounces ample light onto the underside.
From many vantage points, being careful to stay behind the railing, you can frame rich green Ponderosa pine trees through the arch.
Bryce Point Viewpoint
This Bryce Canyon viewpoint is named for Ebenezer Bryce, who settled the area in 1870. Due to its elevation at 8,300 feet, Bryce Point offers one of the most scenic vistas of the hoodoo-filled red rock amphitheater.
With views looking mostly to the north and east, you can see Boat Mesa and the rich colors of the Claron Formation.
It is famous for the extraordinary sunrises where the tops of the hoodoos in the Amphitheater glow with a brilliant burst of light.
You can also see the sun cross the horizon from this viewpoint making it a terrific spot for Bryce Canyon sunrise photography!
Paria View Viewpoint
Taking pictures of Bryce Canyon at sunset can be disappointing. The hoodoos in the amphitheater area are in total shade as the sun sets.
Paria View is the one exception. The hoodoos here face the west and catch the golden light during sunset.
Our best sunset photography tip at Bryce Canyon is to keep taking pictures after the sun sets. You can capture the glow of the hoodoos during the soft light of blue hour.
We enjoyed our time at this location by ourselves after sunset. Some of our favorite Bryce Canyon photos are taken at Paria View with the moon and layered colors in the sky.
Inspiration Point Viewpoint
The view from Inspiration Point is spectacular. This is one of our favorite viewpoints for taking Bryce Canyon pictures.
Inspiration Point is a good location to take photos of Bryce Canyon at sunrise and during the early morning. The light creates glowing reds, oranges and pinks around the fins, spires and hoodoos.
It’s easy to get drawn in to the panoramic views here, but try zooming in to photograph smaller sections of the hoodoos to create an image with immediate impact.
Don’t limit yourself to the designated overlook. Be sure to walk along the Rim Trail to find other views to photograph.
BUT use caution when exploring any Bryce Canyon hikes. The cliffs of Inspiration Point are exceptionally dangerous as they are formed of crumbly rock, slippery slopes and sheer drop-offs. Remember to remain on trails and behind railings.
Sunset Point Viewpoint
The name Sunset Point is deceptive since this area is NOT good for sunset photography. At this Bryce Canyon viewpoint, you want to see and photograph the light on the hoodoos in the Amphitheater as the sun rises.
Sunset Point is also home to some of Bryce Canyon’s most famous Hoodoos. The Silent City is a maze of hoodoos and fins packed in close proximity directly below the point and to the south.
Just below the Sunset Point Viewpoint, you’ll see the Navajo Loop trail descending into the famous Wall Street. You’ll also see the iconic Thor’s Hammer, one of the most well-known formations in the park.
The best vantage point to photograph Thor’s Hammer is along the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail. We recommend walking down the trail far enough to get that up-close view and photo of Thor’s Hammer.
Sunrise Point Viewpoint
Sunrise Point offers incredibly colorful vistas at sunrise as the sun casts an early morning glow on the red rock hoodoos. The early morning light makes it the ideal location for photography.
We also recommend you walk along the Bryce Canyon Rim Trail near the viewpoint to get different views of the amphitheater and hoodoos.
Bryce Canyon Amphitheater Viewpoints in the Winter
In the winter you’ll love the contrast of the red/orange hoodoos against the white snow! Check out these Bryce Canyon winter photos so you can see how stunning the landscape is this time of year!
Be prepared for cold temperatures, snow-covered walkways and the possibility of road closures beyond the amphitheater depending on weather and road conditions.
You’ll want to make sure you have the right winter photography gear for the cold temperatures. Consider a lens warmer to protect the lens from freezing so the camera and lens function properly when it’s cold.
Wear winter clothing for outdoor photography – we especially love rechargeable hand warmers!
Fairyland Point Viewpoint
Fairyland Point is the first viewpoint as you enter the park, but it can be easily overlooked as you drive IN to the park. Many people drive past without knowing it’s there.
We like to take close-up photos of the hoodoos at Fairyland Point. The hoodoos glow in the morning light and really stand out, creating an amazing photo of Bryce Canyon.
Walk along the Fairyland Trail a bit to get various perspectives of the hoodoos here. Morning is a good time to visit Fairlyand Point. You’ll have good parking, and the hoodoos glow in morning light.
Mossy Cave Trail Viewpoint
The Mossy Cave trail is one of the best short hikes at Bryce Canyon. It’s located outside the park’s entrance along Highway 12.
You’ll see interesting things along this trail like a cool alcove that’s sheltered where ice from the winter remains intact well into June. It’s also fun and easy Bryce Canyon winter hike.
The best view here is the small waterfall along the stream that’s called the Tropic Ditch. This is a popular location when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in the summer since you’re allowed to get in the water here.
Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps
Plan Your Bryce Canyon Vacation
- Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
- Bryce Canyon Packing List
- Bryce Canyon Activities
- Bryce Canyon National Park Tours
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon:
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Bryce Canyon Hotels
- Bryce Canyon Winter Lodging
- Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
- Bryce Canyon National Park RV Vacation
- Vacation Rentals Near Bryce Canyon
- Best Western Ruby’s Inn – easy access right outside the park
- Best Western Plus – also right outside the park
Bryce Canyon Photo Spots Checklist
Get your free copy of our Bryce Canyon Photo Spots Checklist to take with you into the park! Simply click the graphic below to get your printable download!
