Hike a small portion of the Rim Trail from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point for the best easy views of Bryce Canyon.
Hiking the entire Rim Trail is a 5.5-mile adventure and takes more time than some people have in the park. Instead, hike a small portion from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point for an easy short path along the Bryce Amphitheater.
The hike between these two points is a very popular path in Bryce Canyon. Since it’s easy, you’ll encounter many other park visitors along the way.
Though we did the hike starting at Sunset Point and walked to Sunrise Point and back, the trail can be walked in either direction.
Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Basics
1 Hour
1 Mile Round Trip
Out-And-Back
40 Feet
Duration: 1 Hour
To walk the trail between the two points and back to your starting point will take about an hour, including some time to stop and take in the views.
Distance: 1 Mile Roundtrip
The two points are about half a mile apart from each other. If you want to walk there and back, you’ll walk a full mile round trip. Another option is to walk one way then hop on the free park shuttle during peak seasons and take that back to your vehicle.
Type: Out-and-Back Trail
For those who are going to walk between the points and then back to their vehicle, this is an out-and-back trail. The Rim Trail does not make a loop in the park.
Elevation Change: 40 Feet
The elevation change is very gradual on this portion of the trail.
Season: Any
Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round and is a good park to visit any time of year. In the summer months, the temperatures are usually mild with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s.
During the winter months, there’s a good chance you’ll see a dusting of snow on the ground. If so, watch out for slippery patches of snow and ice on the trail.
Time of Day: Any
The trail is open any time during the day but gets busy during the middle of the day so it’s best to get an early start.
If you are going to start at Sunset Point, the best time to get to the park is about an hour or two before the sunset so you can end up back at Sunset Point while the sun is going down.
Otherwise, if you are starting early, get to the park so that you can watch the sunrise from Sunrise Point.
We were there during the middle of the afternoon and the views were spectacular without actually seeing the sunrise or the sunset.
Amount of Shade: Minimal
The trail is along the edge of the canyon rim, so there is not much shade. There are trees on the inside of the path, and along the way, you’ll find benches under those trees for a resting area. But, while walking along the trail, most of it is exposed to the sun.
Difficulty: Easy
Sunset Point to Sunrise Point is a very easy trail. With minimal elevation gain and a paved walkway, this is a path just about anyone can walk.
What Makes Sunset Point to Sunrise Point a Great Hike?
If you are looking for a short, easy path to see the famous rock formations and hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, this is your path. It was a perfect hike to do with the boys when they were little (ages 3 & 5 at the time) since it didn’t require a lot of walking.
The path is fully paved, making it accessible to people with mobility issues, wheelchairs, and strollers. Sunset Point to Sunrise Point is a great way to see some of the park without the strenuous walks into and out of the canyon. You are above the canyon so you can see formations for a long distance.
Scenery on the Sunset Point to Sunrise Point
Start of the Trail
From Sunset Point, you can get a view of many interesting rock formations such as:
- Thor’s Hammer
- Wall Street
- Silent City
- Queen’s Garden
- Boat Mesa
- Sinking Ship
On the Trail
While walking the trail, you are still looking at the same canyon but you get a different angle on some of the hoodoos.
End of the Trail
The end of the trail brings you to Sunrise Point which overlooks Queens Garden Trail and the Queen Victoria hoodoo.
(I believe the Navajo Loop Trail)
Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trailhead Information
Park Name: Bryce Canyon National Park
You’ll find the Rim Trail, and specifically the portion between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, inside Bryce Canyon Park.
Finding the Trailhead
Follow the signs in the parking lot to the Rim Trail and Sunset Point. This will get you started. Once you get to the point, you will turn left (north) to start walking along the upper part of the rim to Sunrise Point.
Markers Along the Trail
As you walk along the path you’ll come across some informational signs about the hoodoos and rock formations visible from the walkway.
Nearest Restrooms: Trailhead Parking Lots
Both parking lots have restrooms. In the Sunset Point parking lot, there’s a restroom facility that is open year-round. The nearest restrooms to Sunrise Point are in the Park General Store, but that’s only open seasonally.
Parking Area: Sunset Point Parking Area
To take the trail from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point, you’ll want to park in the Sunset Point Parking Area. Or, if you are using the free shuttle service from the visitor center, it will be at stop number 11.
For those wanting to go the opposite way on the trail, you’ll need shuttle stop number 13 or the Sunrise Point Parking.
Note: both of these parking lots do not allow oversized vehicles so plan accordingly.
Other Trails at this Trailhead
There are two trails off of this trail:
- Navajo Loop Trail
- Rim Trail to Queen's Garden Trail
Tips for Sunset Point to Sunrise Point
- Most of the trail does not have rails at the edge of the rim. If you have kids in your group keep them close and in hand if they are young.
- This is one of the few trails in the National Parks where dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash.
- Other lookout points in the park include Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Fairyland Point, Rainbow Point, and Bristlecone Point.
- If you are there during shuttle season, you can hop on the shuttle within the park or park at Ruby's Inn in Bryce Canyon City outside the park. You will still have to pay the park entrance fee even if you get on the shuttle outside of the park.
Accessibility Information for Sunset Point to Sunrise Point
Paved
Paved
Trail Type: Paved
The entire trail, from the parking lot to Sunset Point, along the Rim Trail to Sunrise Point, and from Sunrise Point into that parking lot, is paved. According to the National Park Service, this is a fully accessible area of the park.
Parking: Paved
The parking lots are both paved. Sunset Point’s parking lot is closer to the trail than Sunrise Point. From the parking area, it’s a short distance of about 500 feet to Sunset Point. From there you can enjoy the overlook or continue on the Rim Trail up to Sunrise Point.