Bryce Amphitheater's Four Rim Viewpoints

Some of these pinnacles rise as high as 200 feet. Four major viewpoints look down into the amphitheater, and they sit within about 3 miles of where the main road begins, so visiting several in one outing is simple.

Sunrise Point sits farthest north of the four overlooks. It is where the Queens Garden Trail begins, and from the rim you can pick out Boat Mesa and the Sinking Ship. Sunset Point gets you closer to the hoodoos, where Thor's Hammer and the entrance to Wall Street are easy to spot. The Navajo Loop Trail starts at this overlook, and the rock colors look richest from here.

Inspiration Point, at about 8,100 feet, has three viewing areas, and you can reach them from a parking lot at the far end of Inspiration Point Road. Walking to all three covers about 0.6 miles with roughly 165 feet of total climb. The upper level is a short hill that feels steeper than it looks at this altitude, but the wide view from the top repays the climb. Bryce Point, at 8,300 feet, offers a high overlook of the park's most visited section, and its sunrises are a well-known draw.

Sunrise and sunset are both good times to be on the rim. Sunrise Point and Sunset Point were set up so early guests at the lodge could reach the rim at dawn and dusk. The views are just as rewarding in the evening as at first light. Ranger-led programs are held at Sunset Point every day, so an evening visit can include a talk along with the view.