Best Bryce Canyon Sunrise Photography Spots
Bryce Canyon sunrise photography is spectacular! The golden light in the morning makes the hoodoos glow creating fantastic images!
Use this list of sunrise photo tips and photo spots along with our Bryce Canyon travel guide to plan your vacation itinerary.
Below we share tips and our favorite spots to photograph sunrise at Bryce Canyon!
Be sure to grab your free Bryce Canyon photo spots checklist to download, print, and take with you to the park!
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Camera Gear for Landscape Photography
- Tripod: take a look at these compact and lightweight travel tripods!
- Camera Bag: protect your camera from sand and water → We use Lowepro camera backpacks for outdoor photography.
- Neutral density filter: to compensate for variance of light you’ll need to use a neutral density filter. → Check out the Kase magnetic filters we use!
- Camera cleaning kit: remove dust or water that WILL get on your lens. NOTE: this is not for cleaning the sensor.
- Memory cards: purchase name brand memory cards since you’re trusting your images to the card! → We use Lexar and Sandisk!
- External hard drive: copy photos to a portable external hard drive ‘just in case’.
- Headlamp: use when taking sunrise and sunset photos!
Camera Gear at B&H Photo
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 Photo Spots Map
Check out this list of our favorite Bryce Canyon photo spots, and use the map to locate each spot in the park!
Tips For Sunrise Photography at Bryce Canyon
The amphitheater at Bryce Canyon is perfect for sunrise photography because you’ll be facing east and can capture the sun crossing the horizon.
Sunrise is also about capturing the light as it illuminates the hoodoos and creates a glow on the rock structures.
Bryce Canyon’s elevation ranges from 7,664 to 9,100 feet so dress for the temperatures based on the time of year you visit. Check out our resource of the best times to visit Bryce Canyon.
Mornings will be cold, even in the summer, so layers are always a good thing. We’ve found that many of the overlooks will also be windy in the morning.
For taking Bryce Canyon winter photos, you and your camera gear will need to be prepared for the weather and conditions:
We highly recommend rechargeable hand warmers! We also use a lens warmer to protects the lens from freezing so the camera and lens function properly when it’s cold. Remember the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down in colder temperatures which is why they drain faster in winter. Carry one spare battery in a coat pocket. The closer to the body, the warmer it stays.
Check out these awesome SUNRISE AND SUNSET PRESETS at ETSY!
Bryce Canyon Sunrise Photography Spots
Here’s a list of our favorite sunrise spots in Bryce Canyon, specifically for photography:
Bryce Point Sunrise Photo Spot
Bryce Point is our favorite Bryce Canyon photo spot at sunrise. You’ll find panoramic views of the horizon to the west and the amphitheater to the east.
The point’s elevation above the hoodoo-filled amphitheater provides opportunity for wide angle captures of the brilliant red rock amphitheater, as well as focused telephoto shots.
The changing light as the sun sweeps across the hoodoos provides a constant variety of composition opportunities.
We recommend you get to the overlook early since it’s a popular sunrise photography spot!
BRYCE POINT PHOTO TIPS:
- Arrive with plenty of time before sunrise to find a spot, set up, and capture the sun as it rises over the horizon.
- Watch for reflecting light on the hoodoos below the point.
- Take advantage of the compositions provided by the sweeping panoramic view.
- Use a sturdy tripod to maximize clarity and sharpness, and to expand creative possibilities.
- Settings:
- From a tripod: ISO 100, Aperture F/11 – F/13, adjust shutter speed to accommodate changing light conditions.
- Handheld: set shutter speed to twice the value of your lens focal length (ex. Lens focal length of 24mm = 1/50 shutter speed). Aperture F/11 – F/13, adjust ISO to accommodate shutter speed.
Sunset Point Sunrise Photo Spot
Though entitled Sunset Point, this location is not actually ideal for sunset photography. It is, however, an ideal location for sunrise photography.
Sunset Point provides one of the best Bryce Canyon views. This spot gives photographers an opportunity to capture the rising sun over the distant hills, and to compose captures of the morning light reflecting on the hoodoos and landscape features before them.
And it’s a terrific spot to photograph the sunlight on the hoodoos in the amphitheater at this location. Be sure to walk along the rim trail to get different views of the hoodoos here.
Thor’s Hammer – Navajo Trail Sunrise Photo Spot
The Navajo Loop Trail begins from Sunset Point and provides spectacular locations from which to photograph the hoodoos up close.
Just a short distance down the trail you can photograph Thor’s Hammer with the rising sun. There are many photographic opportunities along the Navajo Loop Queen’s Garden trail, but you don’t need to hike the entire loop to get this iconic shot of Thor’s Hammer!
SUNSET POINT PHOTO TIPS:
- Arrive with plenty of time before sunrise to find a spot, set up, and capture the sun as it rises over the horizon.
- Watch for reflecting light on the hoodoos below the point.
- Access Thor’s Hammer by a short hike down the Navajo Loop Trail from Sunset Point for spectacular photo opportunities.
- Use a sturdy tripod to maximize clarity and sharpness, and to expand creative possibilities.
- Settings:
- From a tripod: ISO 100, Aperture F/11 – F/13, adjust shutter speed to accommodate changing light conditions.
- Handheld: set shutter speed to twice the value of your lens focal length (ex. Lens focal length of 24mm = 1/50 shutter speed). Aperture F/11 – F/13, adjust ISO to accommodate shutter speed.
Where to Watch Sunrise in Bryce Canyon
The three locations we highlight above are our favorite places to photograph the sunrise at Bryce Canyon.
There are many other places to watch sunrise in Bryce Canyon:
- Sunrise Point
- Inspiration Point
- Rainbow Point
- Rim Overlook Trail
Bryce Canyon Itineraries
We’ve put together our favorite Bryce Canyon National Park Itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 days in the park! Grab a free copy by clicking the graphic below. Click on the links to read the detailed itinerary for Bryce Canyon 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
Plan Your Bryce Canyon Vacation
- Bryce Canyon Travel Guide
- Things to Do at Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon Photography Guide
- Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon
- Tourist Attractions in Bryce Canyon
- Bryce Canyon Packing List
- Bryce Canyon Tours
Where to Stay near Bryce Canyon:
- Bryce Canyon Places to Stay
- Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon and Zion
- Bryce Canyon National Park Camping
- Vacation Rentals Near Bryce Canyon
- Best Western Ruby’s Inn – easy access right outside the park
- Best Western Plus – also right outside the park
Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps
