Bryce Canyon National Park is hands down one of the most stunning places you can visit in the U.S. It’s tucked away in southwestern Utah and packed with crazy cool rock formations, epic views, and just an all-around unreal landscape. Definitely one of those places that feels a little like stepping onto another planet.
We were staying in Virgin UT as our home base on this vacation as it close to Zion National Park, which was one of our other stops on this trip. It ended up being about two hour drive to get to Bryce Canyon from Virgin if we didn’t stop.
There is only one road in and out of Bryce Canyon, which is highway 63. Of course on the way in, we had to stop at the sign and take a photo! We did a short stop at the visitor center as well before heading to our first viewing point.
The most popular viewpoints are located near the park entrance, with Sunrise Point and Sunset Point being the most iconic. These two spots, about a mile apart, are connected by the relatively flat Rim Trail, making for an easy and scenic walk. Many of the most recognizable photos of the park are taken from these breathtaking vantage points.
As you can imagine based on the names, both of those location have beautiful photo taking opportunities. We visited in the afternoon, so we didn’t get a chance for a sunrise or sunset photo, maybe next time.
For a deeper experience, venture into Bryce Canyon’s trails for unique perspectives and a closer look at its stunning colors and rock formations. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just exploring, these trails reveal the park’s otherworldly beauty beyond the rim.
Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail
- Distance 3.0 miles (Loop)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 650ft
- Estimated Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
These tunnels through the rock were super awesome. They make for great locations to take unique photos.
It was warm out the day we went hiking, be sure to bring plenty of water. After going down into the valley we hiked our way back out to the top of the canyon. Now we have one more location to visit in the park yet.
We took a short drive from Sunrise/Sunset Point over to Bryce Point lookout. Bryce Point is one of the most breathtaking overlooks in Bryce Canyon National Park, offering panoramic views of the park’s iconic hoodoos and amphitheater. Perched at over 8,000 feet, it’s an ideal spot to catch a stunning sunrise as the rock formations glow in shades of red, orange, and pink.
Here are some Unique facts that I ran across while researching Bryce Canyon
- Hoodoos : Over 2,000 hoodoos cover an area of approximately 25 square miles (65 square kilometers). These towering rock formations were created when ancient rivers carved through the sandstone, leaving behind a maze of narrow canyons and towering spires.
- Mystical Landscape : The park’s natural amphitheater-like shape creates a sense of awe-inspiring grandeur. The hoodoos seem to grow out of the ground like giant sentinels, creating a surreal landscape that is unlike anywhere else in the world.
- Scenic Drives and Hiking Trails : Bryce Canyon offers numerous scenic drives, including the 18-mile (29-kilometer) rim drive, which provides stunning views of the park’s iconic hoodoos. The park also features over 30 miles (48 kilometers) of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
Bryce Canyon is a truly remarkable destination, with its towering hoodoos, breathtaking viewpoints, and scenic trails offering an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re admiring the sunrise from Bryce Point, hiking through the canyon, or simply soaking in the park’s otherworldly beauty, there’s something magical about this landscape. No matter how long your visit, Bryce Canyon leaves a lasting impression and is a place worth returning to time and time again.