Bryce Canyon National Park: Hoodoos, Trails, and Unforgettable Views

Bryce Canyon with Rainbow

Bryce Canyon National Park, tucked into Utah’s high desert, is a place of contrasts, warm sun-drenched days and crisp, cool nights. Even in summer, the temperatures can swing dramatically, so bring plenty of water for your adventures and layer up for the evenings.

The park may not be the largest in Utah, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with jaw-dropping viewpoints, unique trails, and landscapes that feel almost otherworldly.

Summer draws the crowds, of course, but the park’s free shuttle system makes navigating easier, giving you more time to soak in the sights without the stress of congestion.

Here are some of my favorite spots that shouldn’t be missed:

Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point, Bryce Canyon

The “iconic” Bryce view. From this vantage, you look down into a canyon of hoodoos, tall, spindly spires of red and white sandstone carved by time and wind.

There are three viewpoints here, each climbing a bit higher than the last. If you can visit all three, each promises a photo you’ll treasure forever.

Queen’s Garden Trail

Queen's Garden Trail

This 1.8-mile round-trip hike leads deep into the canyon to a hoodoo that bears a striking resemblance to Queen Victoria herself.

The trail is the easiest way down into the canyon, but don’t be fooled, it still challenges you with elevation changes and a few steep drop-offs. A rewarding adventure awaits those willing to explore.

Sunset Point

Sunset Point

One of my personal favorites, and a stop my family never skipped during childhood visits. Here, we’d hold friendly contests to spot Thor’s Hammer, one of Bryce’s most famous hoodoo formations.

Just a mile from the visitor center, it’s a perfect combination of convenience and awe-inspiring views.

Sunrise Point

Sunsrise Point

You can’t truly appreciate a sunset without experiencing a sunrise, right? This spot offers dramatic contrasts, dunes, colorful hoodoos, and pockets of green trees clinging to the canyon’s crevices.

Sunrise Point is also the park’s only pet-friendly trail, though always check the park’s rules if you plan to bring your furry friends.

Fairyland Point

Fairyland Point

Fairyland Point is technically outside the fee area; this is the starting point for the 11-mile Rim Trail. Along the Peekaboo Loop, the Fairyland Loop provides some of the best strenuous hiking in the park. The trail can be hiked either clockwise or counter-clockwise, though many prefer the latter for the opportunity to descend rather than climb the Tower Bridge Trail section.

Fairyland Point (not accessible by vehicle in the winter months).

Figure Eight Trail Guide Map

Figure-Eight Map of Bryce Canyon, NPS

Bryce Canyon has so much more to explore:

• Navajo Loop Trail – Also called Wall Street, a 1.3-mile round trip into the heart of the canyon.

• Bryce Point – Near the visitor center and perfect for sweeping canyon vistas.

• Mossy Cave Trail – A hidden gem with a seasonal waterfall (best May–October).

Bryce Canyon isn’t just about the views—it’s about the experiences you collect, the hikes you conquer, and the memories you make. And if you’re lucky enough to visit in summer, don’t miss the park’s stargazing party, where over fifty telescopes allow a closer look at the night sky.

🐾 A note for pet lovers: while Bryce Canyon may have a few pet-friendly areas, national parks are fragile ecosystems. Pets can Fadisturb wildlife, leave lingering scents, and, in some cases, transmit diseases. If you plan to bring your fur-baby, check the park’s official “Plan Your Visit” page, and never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a red rock wonderland, full of magical views, unforgettable hikes, and stories waiting to be made. Lace up your boots, bring your sense of adventure, and let the canyon work its magic.