Sunrise Point

Best Time to Visit Sunrise Point

The viewpoint earns its name at dawn, when the sun rises directly over the eastern horizon and lights the hoodoos from the front. Early morning in any season offers the sharpest light and the fewest people. Shoulder seasons — April through May and September through October — provide the best balance of good conditions and manageable crowds. Summer mornings fill the parking lot by mid-morning, and afternoon thunderstorms build quickly from June through September; start early and plan to be off the exposed rim or out of the inner canyon before early afternoon. Winter visits are possible but the Queen's Garden descent can be icy October through April — traction devices are strongly recommended for anyone venturing below the rim in this window. At elevation 8,100 feet, physical exertion runs noticeably harder than at sea level regardless of season.

Trail Tips for Sunrise Point

• The paved Rim Trail to Sunset Point allows leashed dogs; the Queen's Garden Trail and all other trails descending into the Amphitheater do not — dogs are not permitted on unpaved trails within Bryce Canyon National Park.
• Water is available at the trailhead, but there are no water sources on the Queen's Garden Trail or the inner canyon section of the loop — carry enough for the full 2.9 miles.
• The Queen's Garden descent is gradual, but the return climb on the Navajo Loop side is steep; budget extra time for the uphill section at this altitude.
• Cell service is limited or absent in the inner canyon — download trail maps before you descend.
• The combination loop runs counterclockwise: descend via Queen's Garden from Sunrise Point, complete the loop at Sunset Point, and return to Sunrise Point along the paved Rim Trail.

Getting There

Sunrise Point is located on the park's main road, about one mile south of the Visitor Center. An entry pass is required for all vehicles entering Bryce Canyon National Park. The parking lot at Sunrise Point fills quickly on summer mornings — the park shuttle is the most reliable way to arrive without a parking scramble. The shuttle stops at Sunrise Point during its operating season, which runs mid-April through mid-October. Restrooms and drinking water are available near the parking area. If you're planning to watch the sunrise, arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before sunrise to secure a spot at the railing.

What to Expect at Sunrise Point

Sunrise Point sits at 8,100 feet on the northern end of the Bryce Amphitheater rim, reached by a short paved path from the parking lot. The Pink Cliffs of the Table Cliff Plateau are visible roughly 17.5 miles out, and on clear days the horizon extends to Navajo Mountain. From the rim, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point are visible to the south along the plateau edge.

The 0.5-mile paved Rim Trail to Sunset Point runs along the canyon edge with continuous hoodoo views and benches at intervals. From here, the Queen's Garden Trail drops 320 feet over 1.7 miles into the Amphitheater, passing named formations on the canyon floor.