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Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

Bryce, Utah

4.4/5
based on 9 reviews

Details

Distance

20.8 miles

Elevation Gain

2516 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Mariya Dondonyan

Develop a more intimate connection with Bryce Canyon National Park to take in as many sights as possible in a shorter period of time.

Inspiration Point: All who look out from this point are bound to be inspired. The intricacies of the hoodoos and their formation through the erosion of the Claron Formation is simply beautiful. You get the most spectacular perspective of the main amphitheater in Bryce Canyon here.

Swamp Canyon: Swamp Canyon appears relatively small and sheltered from the overlook, bounded on both sides by fins and hoodoos hence why you'll get a closer and more intimate connection with Bryce's canyon.

Farview Point: From this vista you can look out over parts of Bryce Canyon, and also famous features in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. From north to south you can see the Aquarius Plateau (Pink Cliffs), the Kaiparowits Plateau (Grey Cliffs), Molly's Nipple (White Cliffs), and parts of the Kaibab Plateau. On most days you can easily see Navajo Mountain.

Natural Bridge: The structure called Natural Bridge is one of several natural arches found in Bryce Canyon (not a bridge) This arch is particularly photogenic in Bryce: it has been sculpted from some of the reddest rock of the Claron Formation (rich in iron oxide minerals) and has a beautiful contrast to the dark green of the Ponderosa forest that peeks through the arch from the canyon below and if you go during the winter time, the snow makes for more gorgeous views of all these points.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Romantic
Scenic

Reviews

This is a great drive with many overlooks to stop at. In spring, you can sometimes see prairie dogs? Not sure if that is accurate but we met a guide who told us those little guys were everywhere that time of year.

This was a beautiful scenic drive with lots of pull outs and over looks. Just be sure you're watching the road, it's narrow and windy. On my last visit, the driver of the car in front of me was hanging out the window shooting pictures and almost crashed multiple times.

We did this drive on a bad-weather day and it was actually a great choice! We stopped at most of the overlooks (which we would have otherwise ignored) and it was an easy day on the legs!

Bryce is a relatively small park, so do this. It's beautiful and a nice break from hiking. This park is something else! And underrated!

The Bryce Canyon scenic drive is a fantastic way to see all the major sights, but beware the road is currently closed off beyond the natural bridge due to snowfall. The best sights are definitely the natural bridge and inspiration point. Bryce Canyon is a natural wonder, absolutely stunning and bursting with unique views and hikes. For those who are physically unable to descend into the canyon, have no fear of missing out - the scenic drive is amazing!

This was a great drive. The view points were spectacular, until a snow storm came in and we couldn't see much of anything. We got to see the Natural Bridge which was great!

Hard to judge because it was in the midst of a rainstorm when I did the scenic drive in Bryce so it was more admiring the low-hanging clouds than the landscapes, but either way we were impressed multiple times at the viewpoints. Not as good as hiking in, but still time well spent.

Bryce Canyon is by far one of the most naturally occurring structures I've ever seen in my life. I've travelled clear across Canada and the United States and this... This you have to see. Definitely top 10.

Do yourself a favor and stop at every overlook, each one is a unique view of these rare formations.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Hike Mossy Cave in Bryce Canyon

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Hike the Fairyland Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon NP

Tower Bridge via Fairyland Loop

Wall Street Loop in Bryce Canyon