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Sunset Point

The trailhead for Bryce Canyon's Navajo Loop, with Thor's Hammer and the Silent City directly below the rim at 8,000 feet.

(4,477)

Bryce Canyon City, UT

Trail Information

Miles

Ft Elevation

Difficulty

Est. Time

Free Entry

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Trail Type:

About

Sunset Point is a Bryce Amphitheater overlook and trailhead for the Navajo Loop Trail, connected to Sunrise Point by a flat, paved half-mile stretch of the Rim Trail — the easiest hike in the park.

Best Time to Visit Sunset Point

Despite its name, Sunset Point is better suited to sunrise than sunset. The viewpoint faces east, so morning light hits the hoodoos from the front. At actual sunset, the sun drops behind the viewer and the canyon falls into shadow — warm late-afternoon light still washes across the formations, but for a true horizon sunset, other park viewpoints facing west are more rewarding.

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions at the rim. Summer mornings are excellent but afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly from June through September — lightning exposure on the open rim is a real concern, and timing your visit for the morning reduces that risk significantly. In winter and during the shoulder months of October through April, the rim trail and viewpoint can be icy; traction devices are recommended if conditions are frozen. Snow on the hoodoos adds a striking visual contrast that draws photographers willing to deal with cold temperatures and shorter days.

Trail Tips for Sunset Point

The 0.5-mile paved Rim Trail connecting Sunset Point to Sunrise Point is flat, wide, and wheelchair accessible — leashed dogs are permitted on this paved section, but are not allowed on any below-rim trail in the park.
Ranger-led programs originate at Sunset Point during the spring-through-fall season, including 30-minute Geology Talks and 1.5-hour interpretive rim walks. Both are free and wheelchair accessible — check the posted schedule at the viewpoint or the Visitor Center.
The General Store, offering snacks, groceries, and showers, is about 0.5 miles north via the Rim Trail and operates mid-April through October. Sunset Campground is directly across the road from the parking lot.
Flush restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and interpretive exhibits are available at Sunset Point year-round.
Cell service is unreliable in and around the canyon. Download offline maps before arriving if you plan to explore beyond the rim viewpoint.

Getting There

Sunset Point sits about 1.5 miles south of the Visitor Center on the main park road. An entry pass is required for all vehicles and visitors entering Bryce Canyon National Park. Parking at Sunset Point fills by around 9 AM on summer mornings. The park shuttle is the most reliable way to reach the viewpoint — it stops at Sunset Point every 15 minutes during its operating season (mid-April through mid-October) and eliminates the need to find parking. Arriving before 8 AM or after 4 PM also improves your chances of a parking spot. Oversized vehicles 23 feet and longer are restricted from the parking area during shuttle operating hours.

Trail closure notice: As of early 2026, the Navajo Loop Trail below this overlook is temporarily closed due to mudslides on the Two Bridges section. Check the NPS alerts page for current status before planning any below-rim hiking from this trailhead.

What to Expect at Sunset Point

Sunset Point delivers one of the most concentrated views of Bryce Canyon's geology without requiring any descent. At roughly 8,000 feet on the Bryce Amphitheater rim, the viewpoint looks east directly into the densest section of hoodoos in the park.

NPS interpretive signs at the viewpoint explain how the formations developed. The rim itself extends along an unfenced stretch, giving visitors room to spread out even on crowded days.

Reviews (4,477)

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4,477 reviews

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GDM

a month ago

Bryce Canyon National Park was honestly one of the most breathtaking places I have ever visited. From the moment I arrived, I was completely speechless. The endless hoodoos, the rich shades of red and orange, and the dramatic cliffs looked like something out of a movie. Every viewpoint offered a different perspective, and I found myself stopping constantly just to take it all in. The highlight of my visit was watching the sunrise over the canyon. As the first light touched the rock formations, the entire landscape seemed to glow. It was peaceful, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable. I also enjoyed walking along the trails and experiencing the canyon from below, which made the scale and beauty of the formations even more impressive. The park is incredibly well organized, easy to explore, and surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the United States. Bryce Canyon is not just a place to see; it is a place to feel. It gave me a deep sense of wonder and gratitude, and it is a memory I will carry with me for a very long time. Without a doubt, this was one of the highlights of my entire trip.

Carlos Soto

4 months ago

Bryce Canyon National Park is absolutely stunning and unlike anywhere else. The landscapes feel almost unreal, and every viewpoint offers something spectacular. The park itself is very well organized and easy to navigate, making the entire visit smooth and enjoyable. The visitor center was excellent — informative, well designed, and staffed by friendly, knowledgeable people who were happy to help and answer questions. The gift store was honestly one of the best I’ve seen in a National Park, with an incredible selection of souvenirs, books, apparel, and local items. The only area that could use a little improvement would be the bathrooms, especially considering the amount of visitors the park receives. They weren’t terrible, but definitely could use a bit more attention and upkeep during busy periods. Overall, Bryce Canyon is an unforgettable destination and absolutely worth visiting. The scenery alone makes it one of the most unique National Parks in the country.

Scott Colgan

2 months ago

This national park is amazing. Sunset point offers stunning views of Bryce Canyon National Park! The Navajo trailhead is at this point. While fairly short, the trail switchbacks help reduce the angle of the trail, but there is still quite the elevation gain coming back out. The views are stunning and highly recommended. Going through Wall Street offers amazing views. 10/10 must do in this national park.

MelaninMossAndMeals

2 months ago

Ridiculously beautiful park! Absolutely one of my favorites. The views are unbeatable. We've visited both during snow season and summer. Snow was fun but limited hiking. Definitely prefer warmer weather. Trails are well maintained and signage was very helpful. Every corner we turned we were in awe. The elevation coming from sea level was a little tough but manageable. Great visitors center with helpful rangers. Thankful that showers and laundry were available for camping. The general store was well stocked with items you might need if forgotten. We really enjoyed our time here.

Florian M.

3 months ago

Although Sunrise Point and Sunset Point are not far apart, the breathtaking beauty of this national park is best appreciated from these distinct viewpoints at sunrise and sunset, respectively. We visited Bryce Canyon National Park in October 2025 and marveled at a sunset there. Even though the lighting conditions were not perfect—the sky was cloudy—the hoodoos still displayed their full spectrum of colors, offering a different visual experience than at sunrise. A calm, peaceful atmosphere prevailed at sunset, too. Thanks to its beauty and breathtaking landscape, Bryce Canyon National Park ranks among our favorites in the USA.