Last updated: May 2, 2024
Thing to Do
See the Bryce Amphitheater
NPS Photo
Check out the Park App's "Tours" section for a guided walkthrough of this "Must See" area.
By far the most iconic section of the park, the Bryce Amphitheater is home to the greatest concentration of irregular rock spires (called "hoodoos") found anywhere on Earth. Viewpoints along the first 3 miles (4.8 km) of the main road provide access to this area. This area is referred to as an "amphitheater" as it is a bowl-shaped area shaped by the drainage of seasonal rains and melting snow (not truly a canyon, as those are shaped by flowing rivers).
Views of the Bryce Amphitheater include Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point. These views are accessible year-round, and also serve as trailheads for the variety of hikes that descend below and travel along the rim of the Paunsaugunt plateau.
Especially if you're only here for a couple hours, these viewpoints should be your highest priority when seeing the park.
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
Activity
Scenic Driving
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
- Pets are permitted on all paved surfaces in the park: campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads, paved viewpoint areas, on the paved trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, and on the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point.
- Pets are not permitted on unpaved trails or viewpoints, in public buildings or on public transportation vehicles. These regulations also apply to pets that are carried.
- Pets must be on a leash at all times; the leash must be no longer than 6 feet.
- Pet owners may not leave pet(s) unattended or tied to an object. Pets may not be left in vehicles while their owners hike. Be aware that idling and generator use is not permitted in park parking lots.
- Pets may not make unreasonable noise.
- Pet owners are required to pick-up after their pets (excrement and other solid waste).
Activity Fee
Yes
Park admission provides access to this activity.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
All viewpoints in the Bryce Amphitheater are paved and provide relatively flat access to the views. Visit our Accessibility page for more information.
How to see the Views
As this is the most popular area of the park, it's also the first to experience congestion on busy days. Please keep this in mind, especially if you're visiting in the warmer months, and consider riding the free shuttle. If you are driving you can check when parking lots are busiest.
Another great way to see the amphitheater area is by biking the Shared-Use Path. It provides 5 miles (8 km) of vehicle-free two-lane path connecting the shuttle station north of the park with the Visitor Center, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point. If you want to enjoy a bicycle ride but didn't bring one, you can rent an Ebike or Standard bike at the Historic Service Station.
Whether you're riding the shuttle or driving yourself, we recommend beginning at Bryce Point--the southernmost and perhaps most famous view into the Bryce Amphitheater.
Another great way to see the amphitheater area is by biking the Shared-Use Path. It provides 5 miles (8 km) of vehicle-free two-lane path connecting the shuttle station north of the park with the Visitor Center, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point. If you want to enjoy a bicycle ride but didn't bring one, you can rent an Ebike or Standard bike at the Historic Service Station.
Whether you're riding the shuttle or driving yourself, we recommend beginning at Bryce Point--the southernmost and perhaps most famous view into the Bryce Amphitheater.
To reach Bryce Point, travel 1.5 miles (2.4 km) past the Visitor Center along the Main Road, turning left at the sign for Bryce Point. From here it is 2 miles up to the viewpoint.
On your way back down, turn right just before reaching the Main Road to see Inspiration Point. Here you might consider walking up the steep slope to the upper viewpoints, but be especially careful in winter! Those looking for an easier walk might prefer to head north along the rim, keeping an eye out for the steep cliffs in this area.
Head back down from Inspiration Point and return to the Main Road. Turn right to return to the Visitor Center. Your next signed right turn will be for Sunset Point.
Seeing Sunrise Point can be done two ways. One is to simply walk from Sunset Point using the Rim Trail. From Sunset to Sunrise Point it is a flat 0.5 mile (0.8 km) walk one-way, making for the park's easiest 1 mile (1.6 km) walk when you choose to walk to Sunrise Point and back. The other way is to drive, but be aware that it is a 0.2 mile (0.3 km) walk from the Sunrise Parking area. To drive, return to the Main Road from the Sunset Point parking area and turn right. Your next signed right turn will be for the Lodge--turn right here. Continue past the Lodge on your right and the Historic Service Station on your left. Sunrise Point and the General Store will be the right turn just past the Service Station.
Riding the Free Shuttle (mid-April to mid-October)
With the exception of vehicles measuring 20 feet/6 meters or longer, which are restricted from the Bryce Amphitheater during shuttle hours, riding the shuttle is not mandatory. However, by riding our buses you will support our efforts to keep our parking lots from growing any larger, to keep our pure air as clean as possible, and to provide enough room in our little park for everyone to experience the magic of Bryce Canyon.
The Bryce Amphitheater Shuttle runs regularly on 15 minute intervals from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with extended hours to 8 p.m. in summer, and brings visitors to areas of interest, viewpoints, and trailheads within the Bryce Amphitheater area of the park. The shuttle is free with park admission.
There is no extra fee to use the shuttle system. Paying your $35 entrance fee to Bryce Canyon entitles you and your vehicle's occupants to unlimited use of the Bryce Canyon Shuttle buses. Read more about the Shuttle
