10 Best Bryce Canyon National Park Viewpoints

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Last Updated on May 27, 2024 by Sarah Puckett

Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its viewpoints that offer visitors spectacular vistas over the natural amphitheater’s orange hoo-doo sandstone spires. But which of Bryce’s 15 viewpoints is the best?

Tim and I have visited Bryce Canyon National Park several times, and we understand how hard it is to choose which viewpoints are worth your time, and which you should skip.

To help you prioritize your time on your visit, we’ve compiled this list of the 10 BEST viewpoints in Bryce Canyon.

10 Best Viewpoints in Bryce Canyon National Park

I developed this list of the top 10 best viewpoints in Bryce Canyon National Park based on my own experience as well as the collective feedback of other travelers via TripAdvisor.

Drawing from my own trips to Bryce Canyon as well as online reviews from others, I determined that these are not only the viewpoints I personally recommend, but also ones that other travelers consistently love!

1. Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point is arguably the BEST viewpoint in Bryce Canyon National Park!

Here, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the world’s largest collection of rock spires, known as hoodoos, within the Bryce Amphitheater.

Access is easy— you can drive right up and park. Alternatively, it’s just a 0.7-mile walk from Sunset Point or 1.5 miles from Bryce Point.

The trail leads to three viewpoints, with the best one at the top, offering arguably the park’s finest panorama. Each level is accessible via paths, with the highest giving you a direct view of the Bryce Amphitheater below.

2. Sunset Point

With panoramic views reaching 8,000 feet, Sunset Point is an essential stop for anyone exploring Bryce Canyon National Park.

It’s only a half-mile stroll to Sunset Point from Sunrise Point along a paved walkway, so it’s super accessible, but parking can be a hassle due to its popularity.

Make sure not to miss the iconic Thor’s Hammer formation and the start of the Navajo Loop Trail for a closer look at the amphitheater.

3. Bryce Point

Bryce Point, named after early settler Ebenezer Bryce, offers panoramic views of the Bryce Amphitheater and surrounding pine forests. Accessible by park shuttle or private vehicle car, it’s perfect for families and sunrise enthusiasts. Just park and follow signs to the trailhead for an unforgettable experience in Bryce Canyon National Park.

It’s also the starting point for the Peekaboo Loop Trail, a 5.5-mile hike below the rim.

4. Sunrise Point

At Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the amphitheater, especially stunning during sunrise. This spot marks the beginning of the Queens Garden Trail, a must-do 1.8-mile hike through the iconic Hoodoos.

Conveniently located near Bryce Canyon Lodge, it’s also just a short walk from the visitor center. Perfect for snapping Instagram-worthy shots, the golden sunrise and sunset light bathes landmarks like Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship in a warm glow.

5. Rainbow Point

Rainbow Point, standing at 9,115 feet alongside Yovimpa Point, offers the highest viewpoints in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Shaped by tectonic uplift over millions of years, this scene reveals sheer cliffs along the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. From Rainbow Point, you can witness the eroded edge of the plateau to the north and the towering Pink Cliffs to the east. To the west, you can see the peaks of the Black Mountains and Tushar Mountains.

Several hiking trails begin at Rainbow Point, like the 1.0-mile Bristlecone Loop, along with longer options like the Riggs Spring Loop and Under-the-Rim Trail.

6. Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge stands at a lofty 8,819 feet above sea level, offering one of the park’s highest viewpoints, towering about 800 feet above the Bryce Amphitheater. The arch alone is 85 feet tall, providing a sense of scale to the scene.

You can easily access Natural Bridge just off the main road, with a short walk from the parking area of less than 200 feet.

Fun Fact: Natural Bridge is not actually a bridge! Unlike traditional bridges formed by flowing water, this impressive feature is actually a natural arch, shaped by the expansion of ice in deep cracks. But don’t let the name confuse you—it’s still a must-see spot in the park.

7. Fairyland Point

While all viewpoints in Bryce offer stunning vistas, Fairyland Point‘s perspective of the narrow and breathtaking Fairyland Canyon is particularly unique.

As the northernmost viewpoint along the Paunsagunt Plateau rim, it offers a unique perspective of Fairyland Canyon’s youthful hoodoos, which are younger than those in the main Bryce Amphitheater. At 7,758 feet, the sweeping views of Fairyland Canyon below give visitors a glimpse into the park’s past. Other highlights include views of Sinking Ship, Aquarius Plateau, and Navajo Mountain.

Getting to Fairyland Point is easy—just park nearby and take a short stroll to the overlook. Note that the park shuttle does NOT visit Fairyland Point.

It’s also the starting point for the 8-mile Fairyland Loop Trail, so expect some hiker traffic.

8. Farview Point

Farview Point lives up to its name, offering breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. On clear days, visitors can spot Navajo Mountain, located 90 miles away on the border of Utah and Arizona, as well as the pointed peaks of the Henry Mountains, 84 miles to the east.

From Farview Point, visitors can take in the hoodoos eroded from the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau to the south and glimpse the Rainbow Point amphitheater.

Accessing Farview Point is easy, with a short walk from the road leading visitors to the overlook area. It’s also conveniently close to Piracy Point, offering even more incredible views for those looking to explore further.

9. Agua Canyon

Agua Canyon boasts two striking hoodoos: “The Hunter” on the left and the “Rabbit” (or “Backpacker”) on the right.

Conveniently located just off the road, the viewpoint is a short walk from the parking area. It offers a unique perspective with large hoodoos nearby and a glimpse of Agua Canyon below the rim.

10. Paria View

Paria View offers a serene alternative to the busier parts of the park. Overlooking a 500-foot-deep amphitheater carved by Yellow Creek, it provides a quieter glimpse into Bryce Canyon’s geological wonders.

The erosion of Yellow Creek’s softer layers reveals the Pink Cliffs above, creating dramatic slabs that occasionally collapse. Plus, keep an eye out for Peregrine Falcons soaring overhead!

In winter, the area transforms into a haven for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, when the road to access Paria View is closed to vehicles.

Other Viewpoints in Bryce Canyon National Park

11. Piracy Point

Piracy Point offers a fascinating perspective of Swamp Canyon and the surrounding drainage systems.

While its name may conjure images of pirate ships along the rim, it’s more likely tied to the geological process of “stream piracy”.

Stream piracy, also known as river capture or stream capture, is a geological phenomenon where the flow of one stream or river is diverted into another. This typically occurs when the headwaters of one river erode through a watershed divide and capture the flow of another river, redirecting it along a new course. As a result, the diverted river flows into the receiving river’s drainage basin, altering the landscape and hydrological patterns in the affected area.

This viewpoint overlooks the transition between Ponderosa Pine Forests and Spruce-Fir forests, showcasing diverse plant and animal life. Keep an eye out for unique flora like Showy Goldeneye and wildlife such as Osprey, which thrive in this distinct environment.

12. Yovimpa Point

Yovimpa Point, one of the park’s highest viewpoints, offers a sweeping vista from the southern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. This elevated perch showcases the breathtaking cliffs of the Grand Staircase, a testament to the tectonic forces that have shaped the landscape over millions of years. As one of the park’s tallest points, it provides a unique perspective on the dramatic uplift that has defined Bryce Canyon’s geological history.

13. Ponderosa Canyon

Ponderosa Canyon, named after its abundant Ponderosa Pines, features impressive trees with diameters exceeding 5 feet and heights over 150 feet. While offering views of some Hoodoos, it’s a quick and easy stop just off the road.

14. Black Birch Canyon

Black Birch Canyon, despite its misleading name, offers a captivating viewpoint along the park’s rim. While the canyon doesn’t feature black birch trees, it does provide a unique perspective of Rainbow Point in the distance and the picturesque pines of Birch Canyon below.

15. Swamp Canyon

Swamp Canyon marks the transition from the hoodoo-filled Bryce Amphitheater to the rugged cliffs of the park’s southern end.

At 7,998 feet, it’s more of a backcountry access point than a scenic viewpoint. It’s one of two places to access the Under-the-Rim Trail outside the amphitheater and offers access to four backcountry camping sites.

While not as visually stunning as other viewpoints, Swamp Canyon is crucial for those exploring Bryce Canyon’s under-the-rim and backcountry areas.

Bryce Canyon National Park Viewpoints Map

Bryce Canyon Viewpoints Listed from North to South

For planning purposes, here is a list of all viewpoints in Bryce Canyon National Park listed in order from north to south from the Visitor Center to the southernmost end of Main Park Road.

Fairyland Point
Sunrise Point
Sunset Point
Inspiration Point
Bryce Point
Paria View
Swamp Canyon Overlook
Piracy Point
Farview Point
Natural Bridge
Agua Canyon Overlook
Ponderosa Canyon
Black Birch Canyon
Rainbow Point
Yovimpa Point

Bryce Canyon FAQs

What is the entrance fee for Bryce Canyon National Park?

The entrance fee to Bryce Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle, or free if you have the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass.

Is one day enough time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park?

Yes, one day is enough time to have a very full experience in Bryce Canyon National Park!

Here’s a quick itinerary for how we recommend spending a day in Bryce:

Sunrise at Sunset Point
Hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail
Drive the scenic drive, stopping at all of the viewpoints in this post!

Where should I stay when visiting Bryce Canyon?

Bryce Canyon City is the closest town to Bryce Canyon National Park, however there are many options in nearby towns as well. Use the map below to find the stay for you!

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10 Best Bryce Canyon National Park Viewpoints