Photographers Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park

This 1.2mi out-and-back hike goes right along the BEST part of the amphitheater rim. While Sunrise Point is your GOAL for sunrise, I do suggest parking at Sunset Point before sunrise so you can enjoy that walk along the rim. Just make sure to get TO Sunrise point in time for the sunrise. However, you CAN park at both points if you want just one or the other. From there - Both points are your KEY hiking entry points into the amphitheater. But #2 below starts from Sunrise Point.

If you can only pick one hike to do, I do think this MAY be a top contender. This 3.1mi loop takes you right down through the Hoodoos and has absolutely stunning views throughout. It honestly covers ALL the ‘Bryce Vibes’ you can ask for. One thing to know about hiking in Bryce - They LOVE their switchbacks. The top is flatish, the bottom is flatish, but your entry/exit hikes are going to involve intense switchbacks to get into/out of the canyon. That being said, they are very beautiful as well. Just see my note below on #3 as far as a detour recommendation.

This is an adventurous BONUS hike. You can stack it onto #2 above, but it does make it quite a long hike by doing so. However, it all connects together, and there is a convenience to only having to hike down into this region once (due to those crazy switchbacks). This area has some great formations as well, but I still stand by saying Navajo Loop is the BEST bang for your buck if you have to pick one. But if you do tack this on, just for a good visual, the entire route is like a figure 8. The first loop and second loop both touch in the center. By itself, it is a 5.2mi loop, but by adding it IN with Navajo/Queen loop it adds 3.4mi total to your hike. I recommend hiking this loop clockwise, just for the best views based on the formations.

This narrow section leads to the most iconic switchback, one worthy of spending time photographing. The Navajo Loop above doesn’t include this by default, it instead goes up past Thor’s Hammer. However, I highly recommend detouring up this route instead! Don’t worry, I have other plans for Thor's Hammer. Wall Street is actually right at Sunset Point, so it will mark the end of your loop. Now the part that is “Wall Street” is technically the spot at the bottom of the switchbacks where a few trees miraculously grow all the way up through the canyon. However, I personally found the switchbacks mesmerizing as a photo and picked that as the lead image here.

As promised, you simply CAN’T miss Thor’s Hammer. It may have been one of the most magical sunrises of the entire park. The reason I separated it out of the Navajo Loop is because you don’t want to miss going fully through Wall Street, but you also do not want to have to hike that twice! However, Thor’s Hammer is a short descent through way less switchbacks, easily tackled by itself. PLUS - It is BEST at sunrise. So, Day 1, I would suggest #1 and #3 above. Then Day 2, I would suggest starting here. You can park at Sunset Point and then take a short descent to this iconic formation. It is in fact probably the MOST iconic Hoodoo in the entire park. Note - the Map Marker in Google is off, so the link I have here is the direct coordinates to the formation itself. As you can see in Google Satellite view, you only need to go down 4 switchbacks to be right next to Thor. They aren’t super steep either, so they can be walked down to in about 10-15 minutes.

Now we can get into some peaceful roadside (or short walk) viewpoints on the rim. There are many to check out! After seeing sunrise at Thor’s Hammer on Day 2, it is perfect to rest and hit these spots. This one, and the next one (Bryce Point), are both just south of the main area and are still in the heart of Hoodoo heaven!

Another great rim viewpoint. It is actually where the Peekaboo hike trailhead technically starts (if you want to tackle it by itself). I actually recommend SUNSET here if you have to pick a spot for sunset. Even though sunset isn’t as magical as sunrise, this particular spot gets you a bit out on a peninsula and makes a great 360 degree vantage point.

A less known viewpoint to check out but still fantastic. This one goes NORTH of the main area.

From the Sunset point, drive this full 18-mile scenic road south to Rainbow Point, which has several viewpoints along the way. This photo is of Rainbow Point itself. These spots along the way are all great pull-offs to peak at: Swamp Canyon Overlook, Farview Point, Bryce Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon Overlook, Ponderosa Canyon, Black Birch Canyon, and Yovimpa Point (which is at Rainbow Point but faces south instead).

This is located on that Scenic Drive, but I wanted to isolate it as it was one of my favorites. Again, these are ALL roadside spots. They're best for after wearing yourself out hiking (or for the afternoon when it might be hotter out).

Also located on that Scenic Drive, I've included it here because it was probably my 2nd favorite pull-off on the route. A must see! While it is further down and away from the hoodoos and main magic of Bryce, it has some great isolated formations that press against layers of mountains off in the distance.

I saved a SECRET FAVORITE for LAST. Did you expect to see a WATERFALL out here? I didn’t. And once I knew it existed, I HAD to go. This takes you around the north side of the park to somewhere very different. This spot's a nice short 0.8mi hike along the river. It's a small parking lot, so you may have to wait for a spot. The waterfall itself was a bit weak in July, but the trail along the river has amazing views, AND you can walk up and on top of the waterfall as well!

This short 0.7mi hike is located right behind their Visitors Center and goes through the heart of Red Canyon. It's a great hike if you only have time for one. This is a great aerial view showing the trail you get to hike through.

The main road itself covers great views and has pulloffs, including these two tunnels that are back to back.

For something a bit further from the main traffic, this 0.6mi hike is a nice getaway. You may have it all to yourself and pass by several different little arches.

This 4.6mi loop starts across from the Visitors Center and is absolutely stunning. The Golden Wall sits way above, and trails run across the rim. I didn’t hike this myself, but I admit, it is a drone-friendly area. Thus I captured some amazing shots of this stunning trail. I would 100% hike it if I'm ever in the area again.