Bryce Canyon NP: The Hoodoo Park

On our Mighty 5 adventure, we heard many times along the way that Bryce National Park, with the massive hoodoo habitat, was the favorite. We were looking forward to seeing it and when we did, we immediately realized why so many concurred. Wow! Bryce is amazing! 

Bryce is the smallest of the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks, but that doesn’t stop it from having a large impact. There are an abundance of rock spires, or hoodoos, that take your breath away as you peer down on them. 

Exploring Bryce reminded me a lot of driving the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and stopping at all of the overlooks for varied perspectives of the canyon. After a quick stop at Bryce Canyon NP Visitors Center, we started our adventure. 

Fairyland Point

We began at Fairyland Point. We felt like we were in a fairytale world getting the 1st glimpse! It was unlike anything we had seen so far. We were mesmerized by all of the many white topped spires.

Sunrise Point

There was more to see, so next we headed to Sunrise and Sunset Points. We were here in the late afternoon and didn’t get to witness a sunrise or sunset, but the view was still captivating. The formations are all so unique. 

We spent a while here walking along the rim and admiring the changing view. We hiked up to the overlook platform for a closer look. It was awesome.  

On the opposite side of the path there were several trees down. The tangled limbs and roots were natural art.  The  beautiful landscapes certainly were a contrast to each other on opposite sides of the path. 

Inspiration Point

This is definitely a stop to remember. The views were spectacular at Inspiration Point. Apparently, we couldn’t get enough so we headed up to  Upper Inspiration Point. There is another overlook platform there. It is a very steep hike getting up to it. The views are worth it though. 

On the way back down, because I could breathe again headed downhill (ha), I was intrigued by this kind of sad stalk of a tree.  It seemingly walked on the edge of the cliff with it’s exposed roots. Very interesting and eye catching!

Bryce Point

One of the most awesome viewpoints in Bryce Canyon, is Bryce Point. You’ll not only get beautiful views of grottos in the limestone, and the spectacular Bryce Amphitheater, but also ‘The Alligator’.  For now, anyway. The fin that looks like an alligator at this point, will eventually erode away to create more hoodoos. I’m glad we were able to see ‘The Alligator’, although no one is complaining about the hoodoos. They are what make this park so striking. 

Rainbow Point

At an elevation of over 9000 feet, Rainbow Point exhibits a variety of colors. As you look past the hoodoos way out in the distance you’ll notice the colorful layers of the landscape. 

As we were headed away from Rainbow Point, we noticed 3 buck looking down at us. Well, maybe they were just standing there listening, but it seemed like they were watching us as we drove by. 

Black Birch Canyon 

This overlook at Black Birch Canyon, offers more hoodoos and beyond views. It was a quick stop on our drive around the rim. 

Ponderosa Point 

It appears the hoodoo armies have slid down the cliffs to rest on the edge on either of this overlook at Ponderosa Point. Driving along the rim of Bryce Canyon and being rewarded with another sensational perspective at each stop, is overwhelming in the best way. 

Agua Canyon

We were pleasantly surprised,  when we hopped out at Agua Canyon, to see the unique hoodoo formations. The distinct hoodoo grouping to the left is picturesque and the bold hoodoo statue, The Hunter, grabs your attention at 1st site for sure. 

Natural Bridge

The best surprise! What a delight to have no expectations at this viewpoint, and then to be blown away by the large Natural Bridge. One of my favorite overlooks at Bryce National Park. Beautiful creation!

For the 4th National Park on our Utah Mighty 5 Tour, Bryce Canyon sure did pack a lot of drama (and hoodoos) into a just under 36,000 acres. We were all very impressed with this park! 

Our next, and final Utah National Park coming up, is Zion National Park. Looking forward to another fascinating National Park. 

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