Bryce Canyon is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful National Parks.
Not actually a canyon but a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters famous for eroded red limestone hoodoos, castles and other unique geology with contrasting green forests, Bryce Canyon is on the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in Utah.
Short spur roads branch off Highway 63 to half a dozen viewpoints while pullouts along the road provide parking and access to several more.
A paved rim trail along much of the most popular section and numerous well graded trails below the rim allow you to explore the park. I’ve included photos from the Queen’s Garden Trail and the Navajo Loop Trail.
If you visit Bryce Canyon NP you may want to have some binoculars to enjoy distant details. You will find panoramic images, normal angle and telephoto images below.
Bryce Canyon — Amphitheater
Photos from viewpoints in the most visited section — closest to the Visitors Center.
Sunrise Point
As you would expect, early morning is the best time to visit Sunrise Point to avoid crowds and for best light.
One reason for the popularity of this view point is the many varieties of hoodoos and castles on display.
Vegetation in the amphitheater is sparse, clinging to the ever eroding landscape.
Queen’s Garden Trail
The photo above was shot at the beginning of the Queen’s Garden Trail, at Sunrise Point.
The photo below is of the hoodoo that some imagine as Queen Victoria overlooking her subjects.
The Queen’s Garden Trail is one of the most accessible below the rim at Bryce Canyon.
One view along the Queen’s Garden Trail.
Navajo Loop Trail
The Navajo Loop Trail also takes you down into the amphitheater passing through a narrow slot known as “Wall Street.”
Like NYC”s Wall Street, sunlight may not reach the floor many days of the year.
Looking up at hoodoos from the Navajo Loop Trail.
Sunset Point
By combining the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trails you can travel from Sunset to Sunrise Points over 2.9 miles.
You could also opt to make the trip on the Rim Trail over 0.5 miles on level ground skipping the 580 foot descent/ascent.
The shot above is from Sunset Point looking left/north and the view below is to the right/south.
Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point is 0.7 miles south of Sunset Point on the Rim Trail. in this panoramic view “Silent City” is to the left.
Farview Point
Several miles south a spur road to Farview Point reveals the panorama depicted below.
From Farview Point it is possible to glimpse the Kaibab Plateau at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
One of many natural arches (lower edge of the above photo) at Bryce Canyon. The most famous is at the next stop.
Natural Bridge
Arches like this one at Natural Bridge in Bryce Canyon are in constant risk of destruction from the continuing force of erosion.
This wider shot of the arch is from a slightly different angle.
Ponderosa Point
Although their size—some more than 5 feet in diameter and 150 feet tall—is not obvious from above,
Ponderosa Pines on the canyon floor give Ponderosa Canyon its name.
At Ponderosa Point’s higher elevation Blue Spruce, Douglas-fir and White fir are more common.
Ponderosa Point, view north above and south below.
A telephoto shot of a section of the above scene to see hoodoo details.
Black Birch Canyon
Black Birch Canyon is the last pullout on Highway 63 before reaching the end.
Black Birch Canyon view to the north above and south below with Rainbow Point beyond.
Rainbow Point
Rainbow Point is at the end of the road and the highest elevation providing a great view to the north of Bryce Canyon NP.
A telephoto shot of some of the hoodoos and caves in the above photo.
A view south from Rainbow Point.
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Website and all photos copyright © 2001–2013 Lee W. Nelson |
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