Bryce Canyon

The Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is technically not a canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters eroded into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The result: thousands of slender, tower-like rock formations — called hoodoos — in vibrant shades of red, orange, pink, and white. There is no comparable concentration of these formations anywhere else on Earth.

The Best Viewpoints

• Sunrise Point — Perfect for (surprise) sunrise. The first rays of sun make the hoodoos glow in fiery orange.
• Sunset Point — Starting point for the Navajo Loop Trail and the most popular viewpoint in the park.
• Inspiration Point — An elevated view over the entire Bryce Amphitheater. The most dramatic viewpoint.
• Bryce Point — The best overall view of the amphitheater. Also the starting point for the Peekaboo Loop Trail.

Hiking

Bryce Canyon offers the unique opportunity to hike among the hoodoos — not just look at them from above.

• Navajo Loop Trail (2.2 km, 1–2 hours) — The most popular trail descends steeply into the canyon, through the spectacular "Wall Street" slot (so narrow that only a strip of sky is visible) and back up. Moderately challenging.
• Queen's Garden Trail (2.9 km, 1–2 hours) — The easiest descent into the canyon, past the "Queen Victoria" hoodoo formation.
• Navajo Loop + Queen's Garden Combination (4.6 km, 2–3 hours) — The best hike in the park. Down via the Navajo Loop, through the canyon to Queen's Garden, and back up via the Queen's Garden Trail.
• Peekaboo Loop Trail (8.8 km, 3–4 hours) — More challenging but less crowded. Fantastic perspectives on the hoodoos.

Night Sky

Bryce Canyon has one of the darkest night skies of any national park. On clear nights, up to 7,500 stars are visible (in the city: a maximum of 50). From April to October, the park offers Astronomy Rangers Programs with telescopes and guided stargazing — free of charge. The Milky Way over the hoodoos is one of America's most unforgettable natural experiences.