Utah - Bryce Canyon

Decided to take a detour on our way to Capitol Reef National Park. Headed south to Bryce Canyon National Park. We have been here before, but this time we took our time and explored more of the area.

The Visitor Center parking lot was only half full. We made a quick stop to get a map of the area and headed straight to Sunrise Point.

The parking lot at Sunrise Point was packed! A parking lot attendant told us that we would need to drive to another lot and walk over. However, we were very lucky. Just as he finished giving us directions to the overflow lot, a car in front of us pulled out and left. We immediately pulled in! Sunrise Point is the most famous spot for watching the sunrise in Bryce Canyon. Its popularity is due to its direct view of the sun rising over the iconic hoodoos, creating a breathtaking display of colors.

Sunrise Point

There is an 18 mile road that leads further into the park to other viewing points. Based on the crowds, we decided to drive directly to the last viewpoint and work our way back.

We drove all the way to Rainbow Point. As expected, the parking lot here was practically empty. It was a good call to go directly here. Topping out at 9,115 feet and claiming the title of highest overlook in the park. There are Bristlecone pine trees here as well.

Many of the overlooks were empty and it was easy to pull up and see the sights. We stopped at Ponderosa Point. Ponderosa Canyon is so named because of the huge Ponderosa Pines on the canyon floor. Some of these trees measure more than 5 ft. in diameter and exceed heights of 150 ft.

We also stopped at Natural Bridge Point. Natural Bridge is one of the largest and most impressive arches in Bryce Canyon, spanning 85 feet.

At Fairview Point, there was a Hoodoo Foods Truck in the parking lot. I had to stop and get a sandwich. I got a philly cheese steak sandwich. It was not too bad!

Getting a Philly cheese steak sandwich at the Hoodoo Food Truck

On the way out, we stopped at Fairy Canyon. This area has towering hoodoos that look like delicate fairy castles.