Roadside Sights of Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon's hiking trails offer unique views of the amphitheater, caves, bristlecone pines, and more. The trails that are 2 miles or less are covered in our Short Hikes of Bryce Canyon National Park article.
But when your hiking energy (or time) is used up, roadside sights and visitor centers can be great ways to see and learn even more about what this fantastic park offers. Check out both of these categories for Bryce Canyon National Park below.
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Roadside Sights
Roadside sights are not hikes, but they are located within the National Park. They are visible from the road or parking area or are just a few steps away.
Roadside sights are great if you or one of your traveling companions has very limited walking capacity. They make excellent lunch spots, and they can add variety to your trip if you are out of energy or time from earlier hiking.
Although Bryce Canyon has 2 main sections, inside the amphitheater and outside the amphitheater, all roads in the park run outside the amphitheater near its rim. This means that all of the roadside sights and viewpoints are outside the amphitheater as well. As a result, this article is not divided into sections like the Short Hikes article is.
Read on for roadside sights within Bryce Canyon National Park.
Sunset Point Overlook
This overlook shares a parking lot with the Sunset Point trail, but it is not part of the trail. It is a roadside viewpoint near the parking lot and a great alternative if you're unable to hike the trail to Sunset Point.
Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point is located off the main road on Inspiration Point Road. It has a dedicated parking lot.
Bryce Point
Around the corner from Inspiration Point are Bryce Point and Paria View, also off of the main road. Bryce Point offers a different perspective from the main road's viewpoints.
Paria View
Paria View offers one of the few sunset views in the park, with Sunset Point being the other main option. It is especially beautiful in the 30-60 minutes before sunset when the refracting light turns the rocks and hoodoos various shades of red and gold. Paria View also has view of parts of Grand Staircase and a neighboring canyon outside the amphitheater.
Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is an arch that is located right next to its own parking area, which is just off the main road of the park.
Agua Canyon Overlook
Agua Canyon overlook provides a view of 2 large hoodoos, many smaller hoodoos, Navajo Mountain, and parts of Grand Staircase.
Ponderosa Canyon Overlook
Ponderosa Canyon is named for the ponderosa pines at the bottom of the canyon, but multiple species of conifers are visible from the overlook, including blue spruces and Douglas firs.
Yovimpa Point
Yovimpa Point is located at the southern end of the main road. It faces south and overlooks parts of Grand Staircase.
Rainbow Point
Rainbow Point is also located at the end of the main road very near to Yovimpa Point. Rainbow Point faces north, and it also overlooks parts of Grand Staircase.
Visitor Centers
The visitor centers of the National Parks are typically informative and accessible. Many of them have fascinating exhibits about the park, including its history, wildlife, geography, surrounding area, and more. Most of them offer clean, reliable restrooms and large, detailed maps.
Bryce Canyon National Park has one visitor center, the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, which is located at the north end of the park near the entrance.
Read More
Bryce Canyon National Park is also featured in these articles:
- Short Hikes of Bryce Canyon National Park
- Plan a Trip to Bryce Canyon National Park
- Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park
