Bryce Canyon National Park Things to Do Tips by Ischyros

Navajo Loop Trail

The Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park is a great way to get a feel for what this park is all about. The trail is a bit easier taken counterclockwise, starting to the right. Going this route the trail switchbacks several dozen times down into the amphitheatre. It then makes its way through Wall Street and the Silent City as it levels out. The walls close in around you and eventually you emerge at the bottom of it all in a world you can't even see from the edge of the canyon. The trip back up the cliff is daunting but it can be done. Just take plenty of breaks to take in the view. That is one thing that you never tire of here.

NOTE: This trail finally reopened in August 2007 after a 14-month closure caused by a major rockfall.

Directions: The Navajo Loop Trail starts and ends at Sunset Point. Follow the main park road from the entrance station past the Bryce Canyon Lodge and then follow the signs to Sunset Point.

Other Contact: Bryce Canyon has a high elevatio

Bristlecone Pine Loop Trail

The Bristlecone Pine Loop Trail is the highest trail in Bryce Canyon National Park. It's an easy one-mile loop that takes hikers through a bristlecone pine forest and to a breathtaking overlook. The overlook houses an air quality meter that is constantly measuring the quality of the air. This part of the park boasts some of the cleanest air in the country! At over 9,000 feet, the overlook can be chilly, even in mid-summer and it is almost always hit with gusty winds.

Directions: The trail is located off of Rainbow Point at the end of the main park road.

Other Contact: The trail twice crosses the Rigg

Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is a large natural arch. Not technically a bridge, it still maintains it's name. No trails lead underneath the bridge due to the steep slope below it but it can be easily viewed from the overlook.

Directions: Natural Bridge is located at a pulloff along the main park road.

Other Contact: The viewpoint has a safety raili

Paria Point

Paria Point offers a wonderful view away from Bryce Amphitheatre and into Yellow Creek Canyon. The cliffs around Paria Point also offer glimpses of arches and grottos (pictured).

Directions: Follow the main park road to the signed junction with a road heading to Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, and Paria Point. The road splits at the end. The right fork heads to Paria Point. The left goes

Other Contact: Watch your footing near cliff ed

Bryce Point

Bryce Point offers the highest viewpoint of the Bryce Canyon Amphitheatre. This is also the starting off point for many fantastic hikes. The Rim Trail heads off on a 5.5 mile journey along the rim of Bryce Canyon to Fairyland Point. Either arrange to have someone pick you up and drive you back, or plan an this being an all-day hike. The trail is 11 miles from Bryce Point to Fairyland Point and back. Peekaboo Loop Trail starts here also. Mostly used as a stock trail, hikers can also trail it on foot. This trail is a 5 mile loop trail and unlike any other trail in the park if taken counterclockwise, there is a rest area with 2 picnic tables and a drinking fountain just before the trail climbs 700 feet back to the rim. Also from here, backpackers can head out on the Under-The-Rim Trail, travelling 22.8 miles one-way to Rainbow Point. Hikers that want a shorter trip can access and leave this trail at numerous pulloffs along the park road.

Directions: Bryce Point is located at the end of a side road off the main park road. Follow the signs toward Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. The road splits at the end. The left fork goes to Bryce Point. The r

Other Contact: Take care along cliff edges. If

Sunrise Point

Not everything in Bryce Canyon requires a hike to see. Several viewpoints along the rim allow magnificent views. Sunrise Point offers one such view. This is also the trailhead for the Queen's Garden Trail.

Directions: Sunrise Point is located off the main park road near the General Store.

Other Contact: Although safety railings are in

Inspiration Point

Most of the famous photographs of Bryce Canyon are taken from this viewpoint. A definate must see! Try to watch the sunrise from this viewpoint as it ignites the rocks below in wonderous reds and oranges.

Directions: Inspiration Point is located off a side road from the main park road. Follow the signs toward Inspiration Point.

Other Contact: The intersection of the main par

The Queens Garden Trail

The Queens Garden Trail is a one 1.7 mile one-way trail that offers more gorgeous views of Bryce's famous hoodoos. This trail ends with access to the Navajo Loop Trail, Peekaboo Loop Trail, and the Cooks Ranch Trail. I suggest starting the Navajo Loop Trail through Silent City and Wall Street to the short access trail to the Queens Garden Trail and returning to the rim along that trail. From there the Rim Trail will return you to Sunset Point and the start of the Navajo Loop Trail.

Directions: The Queens Garden Trail starts at Sunrise Point near the General Store. Follow the main park road to the turnoff for the General Store and Sunrise Point.

Other Contact: Parts of the upper regions of th

Rainbow Point

Rainbow Point is the highest viewpoint in Bryce Canyon National Park. At a height of 9,115 feet, vistas can range for upwards of 100 miles on clear days. Rainbow Point is the termination point for the Under-the-Rim Trail that goes from here for 22.8 miles back to Bryce Point. The Riggs Spring Loop trail also begins and ends here and travels an 8.7 mile loop down under the rim. For a short easy hike, try the 1 mile Bristlecone Pine Loop.

Directions: Rainbow Point is located at the very end of the park road.

Other Contact: Be careful along the cliff edges