Visit Bryce Canyon National Park to view some of our favorite and most scenic views and overlooks of hoodoos, arches and different rock formations that set Bryce Canyon apart from other National Parks. Bryce Canyon is a bit more modest in size compared to some of it’s neighboring Parks which provides the majority of visitors an opportunity to take in and explore all the park has to offer in just a single day, regardless of whether you simply drive and stop to take in the scenic views along the 18 mile park drive or choose from an assortment of hiking opportunities rated from easy to strenuous. While escaping the crowds of nearby Zion and Grand Canyon might be reason enough to visit Bryce, we became fans immediately due to it’s uniqueness
What Is A Hoodoo?
Hoodoos typically range between 5 and 150 feet high formed by towers of soft rock like sandstone that is covered by a thin layer of harder rock that is more resistant to erosion. Over time hoodoos develop their unique shapes through the slow progression of erosion caused by the weather. Hoodoos vary in width throughout their height whereas spires taper from bottom to top, Nowhere in the world are hoodoos as abundant as in the northern section of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Sunrise Point
Sunrise Point offers incredible views of the diverse landscape within Bryce Canyon. Beautiful hoodoos formed by years of erosion are showcased by surrounding sand dunes. Sunrise Point is located .5 miles from the Visitor Center. Sunrise Point is the trail head for the popular Queen’s Garden and Fairyland Loop trails.
Sunset Point
One of our top views at Bryce Canyon is from the vista at Sunset Point where you get an expansive look at some of the most amazing views in the park. If you want to get a closer look at Thor’s Hammer head down the beginning of the Navajo Loop Trail that begins from the parking lot. While Navajo Loop/Queens Garden Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park be sure you know your limits and be prepared with lots of water and rest breaks along the way, because once you descend into the canyon there is only one way out, and that is back up.
Inspiration Point
There are three viewpoints at Inspiration Point each at different elevations providing spectacular views of the main amphitheater. From here you look toward the Silent City through rows of hoodoos.
Bryce Point
Bryce Point provides views of the full amphitheater. If you are able to catch a sunrise at Bryce Point you can witness the tops of the hoodoos catch the first rays of sunlight, spreading shadows through the entire amphitheater.
Paria View
If you are looking for that impressive sunset photo opportunity at Bryce Canyon then this could be your favorite spot. Paria View is the only viewpoint positioned to catch the light from the setting sun. Be on alert and you just may catch a glimpse of Peregrine Falcons above.
Swamp Canyon
While small compared to the other more grandiose views available, Swamp Canyon may actually provide visitors with a better opportunity to take in some of the finer details of the landscape.
Agua Canyon
Another one of our favorite stops along this end of the park. There are two large hoodoos that catch your attention. The taller tower on the left is “The Hunter” with “Rabbit” or sometimes referred to as the “Backpacker” on the right. You can only view the tops of these formations.
Natural Bridge
A must stop during your visit to Bryce, Natural Bridge is just one of a number of arches found in Bryce Canyon. This 85 foot arch formed from some of the reddest rock frames the Ponderosa forest view..
Farview Point
Farview Point seems a fitting name for the breathtaking views for this viewpoint. From here you can see a number of famous landmarks making up the Grand Staircase from the pink cliffs of the Aquarius Plateau and even catch a peek at the Kaibab Plateau toward the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Black Birch Canyon
The Black Birch Canyon viewpoint is a roadside pullout, from here you’ll see rows of hoodoos and views back to Rainbow Point.
Mossy Cave
The Mossy Cave Trail is an easy hike appropriate for everyone and a great opportunity for families with little ones to get out and explore the area to get below some hoodoos without descending deep into the canyon. It’s an out and back trail just 0.4 miles in length (0.8 miles total.) You will reach a fork in the trail about a quarter mile in, the trail to the right follows the stream until you’re rewarded with a visit to a small waterfall, taking the fork to the left leads to Mossy Cave where you can explore the grotto that is, depending on the season, covered in moss in warmer months or draped in icicles during winter.
Mossy Cave is located in the northern part of the park on Highway 12 about 4 miles east of where highways 12 and 63 intersect toward Tropic.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel in Bryce. This was our first encounter with a Best Western Plus and visit to Bryce Canyon. We were greeted by the front desk staff upon arrival and were on our way in no time thanks to the web based pre check-in. It had a beautiful lobby with a roaring fire to greet us. Rooms were clean and comfortable. The breakfast area is much larger than many other hotels we’ve stayed at and the food choices were plenty and breakfast staff friendly. The location was super convenient to the park and highway. We would definitely stay at this hotel again.
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