Sunrise Point
#3 in Best Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park
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This scenic point offers not only amazing views but some of the more fancifully named formations in the park. Visitors have views of the Boat Mesa and the Sinking Ship, which are set against the Pink Cliffs of the Aquarius Plateau. Boat Mesa is topped by the resistant rock called "The Conglomerate at Boat Mesa" and rises above the hoodoos of Fairyland Canyon to 8,073 feet. Don't worry; these names make sense when you see the formations.
Sunrise Point is the trailhead for the easy 1.8-mile Queens Garden Trail that descends into a section of hoodoos, which are naturally ruled by the Queen Victoria hoodoo (hence the name). Sunrise is also the end point of the Navajo Loop and Queen Victoria combination, one of the most popular hikes in the park. Past visitors said this is a superb lookout with spectacular sunrises. However, if you can't make it for sunrise, rest assured the beauty and colors are incredible at all hours of the day, according to recent travelers.
Access to Sunrise Point is included in park admission. Sunrise Point is the No. 8 stop on the free park shuttle. From April through October, the Bryce Canyon General Store is open here, which has a snack bar, restrooms, drinking water and showers. Additional information can be found on the NPS website.
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2 of 7#1 Inspiration Point
For diverse perspectives of the main amphitheater, head to Inspiration Point, which is home to three levels of viewpoints. From here, visitors can look toward the Silent City (near Sunset Point) with rows of hoodoos set against the backdrop of Boat Mesa. Recent visitors called the view breathtaking and noted that this is a great way for people with mobility issues to see "one of the most incredible views in the USA."
There are no trails that lead into the canyon, and the park says that the cliffs of Inspiration Point are quite dangerous, with crumbly rock, slippery slopes and sheer drop-offs. Visitors should remain behind the railing at all times. However, you can walk to Sunset Point from here along an easy path that extends for less than a mile. Inspiration Point is the No. 4 stop on the park's free shuttle. Check out the NPS website to find out more about Inspiration Point's geology.
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