Sunrise and Sunset Points offer quintessential viewpoints within Bryce Canyon National Park, each providing a unique perspective on this geological wonderland in Utah. The iconic hoodoos (slender rock spires sculpted by erosion) take on an otherworldly glow as the sun paints the landscape in vibrant hues during these times of the day.
We’ll explain the differences between these two viewpoints, what makes them so special, trails you can access from these starting points, and how to get there.
Witnessing a Spectacular Sunrise or Sunset at Bryce
As the first rays of dawn kiss the horizon, the area comes alive with a breathtaking panorama. The sprawling Bryce Amphitheater, a natural bowl filled with countless hoodoos, transforms with golden light. Early risers are rewarded with a mesmerizing display of color, with deep orange colored rock formations contrasting with the soft pinks and purples of the awakening sky.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the hoodoos cast long shadows, creating a dramatic silhouette against the sky. Reds, oranges, and purples paint the rock formations in stunning displays of color.
The thing is, you can experience these views at BOTH Sunrise AND Sunset viewpoints! Each overlook was originally named by the National Park Service to get Lodge visitors out early or in the evening and onto the Rim Trail. Sunrise Point is simply located north of Sunset Point, and that’s how it got first dibs on the name.
Both points face the same direction, and therefore, there is little difference in the views. So, go ahead and sip your coffee while watching the sunrise at Sunset Point, or take in the final sun rays of the day at Sunrise Point.
How to Get to Sunrise or Sunset Point
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in Bryce Canyon City (near the town of Tropic) in southern Utah. The nearest major airport is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada (around a 4-hour drive). You can also fly into Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah (about a 4.5-hour drive).
Oftentimes, travelers combine their trip to Zion National Park with a day or two also spent at Bryce Canyon since they’re located less than an hour and a half apart from each other. If you’re planning on seeing Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks, I’d strongly recommend seeing both Zion and Bryce on the same trip to get the most bang for your travel buck.
Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Annual Pass if you plan on visiting other National Parks like Zion or Capitol Reef during your trip.
Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center Address: UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
Bryce Bus Shuttle
During peak season (summer), a free shuttle runs throughout the park, stopping at all major viewpoints. This is the easiest way to navigate the park and avoid parking hassles.Cars are allowed during the off-season, but parking can be limited at popular viewpoints, so plan accordingly. Click here for a guide to the free Bryce Canyon Shuttle Bus Schedule and Stations.
Getting to Sunrise Point (1.1 miles from visitor center)
- From the visitor center, follow the Main Park Road to the turn for Lodge Loop Road on your left.
- There are two turnoffs for Sunrise Point (both on your left). Sunrise Point Road is a semi-circle.
Getting to Sunset Point (1.4 miles from visitor center)
- Again, follow the Main Park Road (Scenic Drive) until you see a turnoff for Sunset Point Road on your left.
- There is a large parking lot at Sunset Point. If the lot is full, you can park at the shuttle stop (shuttle runs during peak season) and take a short ride to the viewpoint.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is centrally located between these two overlooks.
Timing it Just Right
This area is like a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re shooting selfies for Instagram or a spread for a magazine, it’s important to plan your timing just right.
- For a truly awe-inspiring sunrise, arrive well before dawn. Aim for at least 30-45 minutes before sunrise to give yourself time to fully capture the color changes.
- Sunsets are beautiful throughout the evening, with the most vibrant colors typically at just after the sun dips below the horizon.
- Keep in mind that Bryce Canyon experiences significant elevation changes. Mornings can be chilly, so pack warm layers, especially for sunrise viewing.
- Check the weather report for rain or cloud cover in the forecast that could significantly change your ability to get the types of shots you are hoping for.
Main Differences Between Bryce’s Sun-Seeking Points
Sunrise and Sunset Points are conveniently located near each other along the main park road as two of four main viewpoints from the rim into the canyon. Both viewpoints have designated parking areas, although spaces can fill up quickly during peak season (summer and fall). Thankfully, both viewpoints themselves are wheelchair accessible so everyone can enjoy the views!
Advantages of Sunset Point
In my opinion, Sunset Point is the better of the two lookouts, simply because of these advantages:
- The parking area (equipped with bathrooms, water refill station, and some benches) is located closer to the viewpoint in comparison to the parking lot for Sunrise Point. So it’s less of a walk from your car to seeing the incredible views of the amphitheater at Sunset Point.
- You’re treated to views directly over Wall Street which is a labyrinth of narrow switchbacks inside the canyon.
- Restrooms are available at Sunset Point year-round, while the Sunrise Point General Store offers seasonal restrooms and amenities.
- It provides direct access to some of the best trails in the park!
Sunrise to Sunset Point Hike
Connecting Sunrise and Sunset Points is an easy and accessible section of the Rim Trail. This paved 1-mile round trip path is suitable for most hikers with a gentle incline, and it offers plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures of the ever-changing vistas of the hoodoos.
Access to Hiking Trails
If you’re planning on hiking down and amongst the hoodoos, you’ll want to prioritize your trail itinerary before choosing whether to use Sunrise or Sunset Point as your trailhead. Although both overlooks have fantastic views, they are merely jumping off points for better things to come as you actually start hiking.
- Queens Garden: This is the trail accessible from Sunrise Point. You can hike along Queens Garden as an out-and-back trail or connect onto the Navajo Loop Trail. From Navajo Loop, you have access to even more options like walking up Wall Street, taking the Peekaboo Loop Trail and potentially venturing onto the Under the Rim Trail.
- Wall Street: This labyrinth of switchbacks with towering canyon walls is viewable from Sunset Point. Since it is way easier to hike down Wall Street, many people begin this hike at Sunset Point.
- Navajo Loop Trail: Wall Street is technically a section of Navajo Loop Trail, which is accessible via Sunset Point. You can venture from Sunset Point, down Wall Street and along Navajo Loop to connect with Queens Garden. Take Queens Garden up to Sunrise Point to see both overlooks. Walk the Rim Trail to connect back to where you parked!
The Rim Trail also connects from Sunrise Point to Fairyland Point, and from Sunset Point onto Inspiration and Bryce Points.
My Experience at Sunrise and Sunset Points in Bryce
We had planned to spend 1.5 days at Bryce Canyon in mid-August on a trip that included seeing Zion, Valley of Fire, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, and Kanab, Utah. We left Zion by mid morning after hiking Angels Landing. So we arrived at Bryce Canyon by mid-day and were ready for another adventure. Since we were semi-exhausted from climbing one of America’s most dangerous hikes (on the day’s first shuttle bus, I’ll add), we chose to hike to Fairyland Loop to Tower Bridge.
The following day, we had more energy in our reserves and were ready for a longer trail where we could get the full Bryce experience. I love starting my hiking days early to avoid the worst of the crowds and the heat of the afternoon, so we decided to get to the park for sunrise. However, we chose to start at Sunset Point to see the sunrise since this would be the best route for that day’s hike.
Unfortunately, it was very cloudy that morning! So, we saw a bit of the sunrise, but overall that part of the experience fell short. Although, the geology of the park and the views we got from Sunset Point definitely delivered!
We hiked from Sunset Point, down Wall Street, onto Navajo Loop, connected to Peekaboo Loop Trail, then back to the connector, onto Queens Garden, up to Sunrise Point, and took the Rim Trail back to the parking lot at Sunset Point. My legs ached by the end of it and I was ready for a car nap. But, that’s absolutely a great way to experience the park and I’d hike that route again if I get the opportunity to go back. This route allows you to see some of the most famous parts of the park, like the Wall of Windows and Queen Victoria, as a big figure eight loop.
Stargazing at Sunrise and Sunset Points
Bryce Canyon National Park boasts some of the darkest skies in the United States. Certified as an International Dark Sky Park, it offers breathtaking views of the night sky, untainted by light pollution.
On a clear night with the new moon as your guide, you’ll be covered by a canopy of thousands of stars. You might even be able to see the Milky Way, Venus, and Jupiter.
Aspiring astronomers can time their trip just right by checking to see when there are ranger-led astronomy programs are held. In the program, you’ll be able to peer through powerful telescopes and learn about our galaxy.
More Tips for Visiting Bryce Canyon
- Pack layers – Bryce Canyon experiences all four seasons, and temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day, especially at higher elevations.
- I was chilly with a long sleeve shirt on during my morning hike in mid-August.
- Bring sturdy shoes – You’ll likely be doing some walking on uneven, slightly rocky terrain. Hiking boots will serve you best if you choose to hike into Bryce Canyon.
- Stay hydrated – Especially during the summer months, it’s important to drink plenty of water in the dry desert climate. Pack some electrolytes and bring a salty, protein-rich snack, too.
- Be prepared for crowds – Bryce Canyon is one of the country’s most popular parks, so expect crowds, especially at viewpoints during sunrise and sunset.
- ALWAYS practice the 7 Leave No Trace principles to leave this area better than when you arrived.
