Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive – Viewpoints, Highlights and Top Tips

Looking for a way to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park? The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is your perfect gateway to explore one of Utah’s most iconic landscapes. From stunning red rock formations to sweeping, panoramic viewpoints, this drive offers adventure around every corner, whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a casual nature lover.

Bryce Canyon National Park offers memorable adventures for people willing to spend several hours or days, hiking through the paths of its amphitheater.  But if you’re not a hiker, not to worry.  You can take in the majesty of this National Park via the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive that winds through the park.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive—from planning the drive to the must-see stops along the way. By the end of this guide, you’ll be armed with tips to make your visit unforgettable!

The Bryce Canyon Main Park Road

The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive runs along the park’s Main Park Road, a 38-mile round trip that takes you through the heart of Bryce Canyon National Park. This route showcases everything the park has to offer, from its world-famous hoodoos to vibrant pine forests and panoramic desert views. The drive is straightforward, well-paved, and suitable for vehicles of all sizes, making it accessible for everyone.

With 13 scenic viewpoints along the way, there’s no shortage of inspiration for your next snap-worthy Instagram post or a peaceful spot to reflect on nature’s wonders.

Quick Facts About the Drive

• Length: 38 miles (round trip)
• Average Time: 2-3 hours (longer if stopping frequently)
• Fee: $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass (part of Bryce Canyon entrance fee)
• Reservations: Not required
• Pets: Allowed in vehicles but not on most trails
• Season: Open year-round, though weather conditions can vary in winter.

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Planning Your Scenic Drive

Proper planning ensures you can fully enjoy all the sites without feeling rushed. Here are a few essential tips to make the most of your drive through Bryce Canyon:

When to Go

Bryce Canyon is open year-round, but the best times to visit are spring, summer, and early fall. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and most amenities, like visitor centers and shuttles, are available. Winter brings a certain magic to the park with snow-capped red rocks, but road conditions can occasionally close sections of the drive.

What to Bring

• Water & Snacks: Utah’s desert climate can be dehydrating. Stay hydrated during your visit.
• Comfortable Clothing: Layers are key! Bryce Canyon’s elevation has unpredictable weather, even in the summer.
• Camera or Smartphone: This is a drive you’ll want to document.
• Map of the Park: While the road is marked, having a Bryce Canyon map or downloading the park’s app can be helpful.

Starting Point

Begin your drive at the Visitor Center, located at the park entrance. This is the perfect place to grab a park map, check for weather updates, and learn about any ongoing ranger programs that add to your experience.

Highlights Along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

The Scenic Drive offers an impressive selection of natural wonders and landmarks. Below are the key highlights you don’t want to miss:

Inspiration Point

One of the park’s crown jewels, Inspiration Point, delivers jaw-dropping views of the Bryce Amphitheater—a vast collection of hoodoos stretching as far as the eye can see. Sunrises here are nothing short of magical, so it might just be worth setting your alarm early. We made this the final stop of our day, getting views at sunset.

As we stepped across the parking lot, the immediate views impressed us.   Turning to our right, we noticed a hill we needed to climb for the best view.  We had already been hiking in the area for several days. Being a bit tired, we talked ourselves into exerting one more burst of energy to get ourselves to the top of the hill.  You know that conversation with the two battling voices in your head (this view is good enough vs. c’mon, you can do it).

We made our way up to the top – step by step. And upon arriving at the top, this was absolutely worth it.  Perhaps the best view of our entire trip at Bryce Canyon National Park.  If you make your way here, by all means, do walk to the highest viewpoint.  It is so worth it.

Natural Bridge

About 14 miles into the drive, you’ll discover Natural Bridge—a majestic red arch formed naturally over thousands of years. It’s a must-stop photo op!

It’s called Natural Bridge, but it’s technically an arch.  And a natural one at that.  You can admire this beautiful feature right off the main scenic road.  This arch, sculpted from the red rock of the Claron Formation, contrasts nicely against the Ponderosa forest that you can see through the arch in the canyon below.

Rainbow Point

Located at the southernmost tip of the Scenic Drive, Rainbow Point sits at 9,115 feet, offering sweeping views of the park and beyond. The nearby Bristlecone Loop Trail allows for a short, gentle hike where you can see some of the longest-living trees on Earth.

Bryce Amphitheater

Accessible from several points along the road, including Sunrise, Sunset, and Bryce Points, this is arguably the park’s most iconic formation. Its dramatic spires and colorful layers are unforgettable.

Agua Canyon

Marvel at the pinnacles and lone rock formations standing tall in Agua Canyon. For photographers, the golden hour here offers stunning shadows and hues.

Viewpoints Along the Route

Here’s a breakdown of the 13 scenic viewpoints you’ll encounter along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, listed in the order you’ll find them from the Visitor Center to Rainbow Point:

1. Sunrise Point: Ideal for early morning views and gentle hikes.
2. Sunset Point: Offers striking vistas of the Bryce Amphitheater.
3. Bryce Point: One of the most iconic viewpoints in the park.
4. Paria View: Great for sunset views with fewer crowds.
5. Swamp Canyon: Tucked away and serene, perfect for a moment of solitude. If you have more time on your hands and are so inclined, you can descend to either side of the prominence on a trail that connects with the “Under the Rim” trail.  The trail here is of moderate difficulty, though preparation is in order (water, snacks, etc.).
6. Piracy Point: A lesser-known stop with unique views.
7. Farview Point: True to its name, here you can see for miles. From this overlook, you can see landmarks that include the Grand Staircase, the Aquarius Plateau (Pink Cliffs), the Kaiparowits Plateau (Grey Cliffs), Molly’s Nipple (White Cliffs), and even glimpses of the Kaibab Plateau on which lies the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  You can see up to 160 miles away as the spot has generally high air quality.  If you’re lucky, you can glimpse the Black Mesas in Arizona.  On most days, you can even see Navajo Mountain on the border of Utah and Arizona, which is 90 miles away. Far views indeed will be seen here.
8. Natural Bridge: A stunning red rock arch.
9. Agua Canyon: Known for its unique formations.
10. Ponderosa Canyon: Spot the towering ponderosa pines here.
11. Black Birch Canyon: Another quiet, calming stop.
12. Rainbow Point: The grand finale at the end of the drive.
13. Yovimpa Point: Located near Rainbow Point, offering additional vast views.

Pro Tip

Drive straight to the end of the road (Rainbow Point) and work your way back toward the Visitor Center. This lets you stop at popular viewpoints without battling heavy crowds.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Drive

1. Start Early: Beat both the crowds and heat for a more peaceful experience.
2. Pack a Picnic: Several designated picnic areas along the way offer great spots to refuel while surrounded by nature.
3. Keep a Pair of Binoculars: Bryce Canyon is known for its birdlife, including peregrine falcons.
4. Check the Weather: Bryce Canyon’s elevation means sudden storms can occur. Be prepared.
5. Use the Free Shuttle (May-October): If you’d prefer to skip the driving, the park’s shuttle system stops at many major viewpoints.

Experience Endless Wonder

We enjoyed the Bryce Canyon scenic drive during our final day visiting the park. Along the way, we stopped at several turnouts. At many of these, signs pointed out key features at each location.

If you have time on your hands, you can squeeze multiple stops along the drive. And of course, let’s not forget Scenic Highway 12 which makes its way through the northeast portion of the landscape. It will also take you to Mossy Cave, which we’ve previously written about on our blog.

Whether it’s your first time visiting Bryce Canyon or your tenth, the Scenic Drive offers an unbeatable way to connect with nature and explore the park’s incredible landscapes. Every stop, all the overlooks, and every bend in the road reveals yet another view that will take your breath away.

If you’re an outdoor adventurer or a nature enthusiast, this drive is a must-do on your bucket list and one we highly recommend. Pack your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and set off on one of the most scenic drives in the country. Bryce Canyon is waiting to enchant you.

Thanks for reading this article. We hope to see you at the places where we go!
Julie & Art