There are sure to be varying opinions, but I really love the walk/hike along the rim in the early evening to watch the sunset. The colors and shadows intensify and it really is lovely. Do be sure to bring a flashlight in case it gets dark more quickly than you expect. We've hiked pre-dawn, but there is something special about the canyon as dusk colorfully slips into night.

I've been to Bryce for both sunrise and sunset. It's sunrise that's spectacular and dramatic.

You can't have it all. There's a reason you go so much lodging for so little. You're far away. Being that far your choice is to get up extra early or not see it.

For me it's sunrise at Bryce Point. I've been twice and it's one of those things I'll remember.

Sunset at Delicate Arch in Arches, sunrise at Bryce Point and sunset in Sedona in Crescent Moon Picnic Area with a view of Cathedral Rock turning orange over Oak Creek.

Totally agree about the Sunrise being the far superior of the two at Bryce - if you had to choose. We arrived late in the day (having departed from San Diego and also having taken a quick tour of Zion - which I think is more beautiful by the way) - set up the tent - and then drove the 16? miles to the end of the road - stopping along the way and thought the sunset was nice - but didn't really highlight things that much.

The next morning was a photo op supremeo - of the Whodoos and the sun coming up over the horizon - to bring them to their colorful life,

If you get there when it's still dark - and drive a bit beyond the turnoff to Bryce Point - you might see some Antelope or Deer in the meadows a couple of miles south of there, or even after you have paid proper homage to the sunrise at Bryce.

And as enticement for the kids - the small diner - toward - or even across? the road from the main resort area/Ruby's, has the biggest pancakes I have ever enjoyed in my life.

And you can order from a menu that is in 4 languages.

Uno mas mas: Yes, there is one trail where they suggest you could start "in reverse" - and it's not too? long - and is near one of the first few lookout points as you come in the park - but sorry - forget which one.

You could probably google away - or check posts in here under Utah and find it, or even call the park and ask one of the Rangers.

Sunrise is spectacular at Bryce due to the orientation of the canyon.

About the hike.

That's probably the Navajo Loop - Queens Garden hike.

Since Navajo Loop is steeper people usually go down Navajo Loop and up Queens Garden.

Since Navajo Loop is a loop on its own you have to decide which way to go down. What we did was go down one side and partially back up the other side before connecting to Queens Garden.

I think somebody above compared Zion to Bryce. While they are near each other they are totally different.

Zion is beautiful. But there are many beautiful places. Bryce is very different. One of a kind.

You can probably spend more time is Zion but if you go to one make sure you go to the other.

I think Bryce at Sunset would be worth the effort to get everyone up. Not only will you be able to enjoy that gorgeous view with the sun lighting up the hoodoos (and I like Inspiration Point for it the best, though the rim trail is also good), you will be there before most of the crowds show up. It is definitely better with fewer people.

You could go back to Ruby's for breakfast if you want. Then take the Navajo to Queen's Garden loop trail. This is probably the one you have heard about. I think the park recommends from QC to Navajo, I don't know why since Navajo is steeper so it is easier going down than up. And as Myer said you do want to go back up the other side at least as far as the bridges before continuing on to Queen's Garden.

If you can't do the whole loop then at least go down far enough to be on level with the hoodoos. Changes everything.

The drive back to Panguitch isn't soo long, but you might not want to make it twice, so I'd plan to spend as long as you want in the park before returning.

InSandy,
You mention Sunset (not clear if you meant sunset or Sunset Point) but your description appears to be of a sunrise and not a sunset.

Everywhere I've read they recommend NL down and QG up because of NL being steeper.

You are correct about going up NL. We went as far as the bridges then went back down to connect to QG. Due to the elevation you really feel that little bit going up.

After a while you end up getting the same people who've been to 90% of the same places in an area.

Great place to get info on the forum. Eventually you wait for certain people to respond as you identify with their style of travel.

Sunset at Bryce was lovely

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/85455392

We skipped the sunrise point to hike into the canyon as
the sun rose.
This is from the beginning of the Fairyland Loop just
below the rim as the sun came up. The glow of the shadows
as the sun bounced of the hoodoos was stunning.
Not a soul on the trail then either. Total silence...one
of my favorite moments.

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/85494015

And Bryce Point sunrise.

http://tinyurl.com/9gwaw24

and

http://tinyurl.com/8no9kvm

Sorry for the blooper. I did indeed mean to see the sunrise. I like to watch it from Inspiration Point. Thanks Myer for pointing that out.

I've done both and preferred sunset at Bryce.

Sunset will definitely it into your plans better so why knock yourself out by getting up before sunrise, driving back for naps, etc when you can get a more relaxed start and enjoy your day.
It sounds like you're traveling with teens and if they're anything like mine they might opt to stay in bed! We stayed at a cabin in Bryce so we just left them to sleep while we headed out pre dawn and returned to find them... still sleeping; no surprise!

I'd suggest you check the weather conditions the day before and make your decision at the last minute depending on how you feel.

Nice photos peterboy!

My non-photography minded DH does not understand LIGHT. Sunrise/set is not about watching the circle of light come up/go down. It's about what the light does to everything else.

Peterboy, wow! I went through the album 3 times!! (and tried to explain the light to DH!) Spectacular photography. Hope you had a zoom lens on when you got that snake. OMG!

Zion indeed is beautiful. We've spent more time there than Bryce (albeit years ago) so we thought we'd give Bryce more time this trip. We haven't ruled out going into Zion though. It's hard to be so close but not see it.

Go DOWN NL and UP QG. Got it! Thanks so much!

We're leaning towards sunset. Not sure we can do 2 sunrises in a row (Tetons the morning before). But who knows... we'll check weather reports and I'll bribe the family. I'll let you know who wins! haha

Ohh.. and sunset at Delicate Arch has been planned for a while! (though that has its own set of "which one" issues!)

4sharie,
Why don't you carry and use the camera?

Actually, I was just in Glacier NP and took sunset and sunrise photos of Swiftcurrent Falls into the sun.

I positioned the sun just coming over a rock and that gave it a star effect without blowing out the image.

You can see the photos at:
www.travelwalks.com

Glacier photo 1 was taken into the sun for sunset from downstream and photo 7 was sunrise taken into the sun from upstream.

Of course, that requires some care.

Another vote for sunrise, especially if you are a photographer. At Bryce the main road/lookout points are above the 'amphitheater' where the hoodoos are. It faces east. So the trees and all block the sun before sunset - no direct low sun on what you are photographing, so somewhat washed out colors. Whereas for sunrise the colors are extremely dramatic. They are pretty dramatic in the middle of the day too though. Here are my photos - http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/utah. There are several that I labeled as 'sunrise'. Most of the rest were midday, but #106 is late afternoon and you can already see the shadows. I did take a bunch at sunset but they were no where as good as the sunrise and midday ones that I didn't even put them in my gallery.

I did go alone while my traveling companion slept in (but we were just at Rubys). Obviously you have to go at least a half hour before sunrise cause you need to be there as the sun comes up, so you have to go in the dark but it wasn't scary. And at least in August there were plenty of people at Sunrise Point when I got there - people were even juggling for the best spot to put tripods. My shots were all handheld.

I went back to Rubys to get my traveling companion and breakfast and then we did the Navaho/Queens Loop - the way Meyer describes.

If you have time I highly recommend going to Calf Creek Falls as a side trip (see photos of the waterfall). And Zion is just as spectacular, in a different way, from Bryce.

isabel,
So you went to Sunrise Point for the Bryce sunrise. I'll check out your photos.

So now we have recommendations for Bryce, Inspiration & Sunrise Points.

I was ammused that as most of us were leaving Bryce Point and the drama had ended, a busload of tourists arrived. I guess dark was too early for them.

You also liked Lower Calf Creek Falls. I've been twice in mid-May and mid-Sept. I found the angle of the sun better near mid-day in May than Sept.

And also close to Bryce is Willis Creek slot canyon. While the real adventure is the drive there the very easy walk thru the slot is definitely worth the effort. And you can be sure of peace and quiet.

isabel,
Very nice photos.

Looks really different to see the sunrise from the opposite side of the canyon.

Myer, you betcha the camera is in my hands! I was just trying to explain to DH why the light is so important and why I neeeed to be there at sunrise. (fail) I figure once we're empty nesters then we'll be able to take photography trips and not "field trips" for the kids. For now I try to be content with trying to sneak in photography when the timing works out.

isabel, fantastic photos. Thanks for sharing.

Going to look into Calf Creek and Willis Creek.

4sharie,
Lower Calf Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall. However, it's quite long and not much shade until you get there.

I don't remember if you mentioned the age of the kids.

Willis Creek is a seldom visited real slot canyon. It's a very easy walk. The slots are each about 100 yards long and get taller the further you go. So do about 4 or 5. There's one spot you either climb down a little 6 foot waterfall or walk around it. But it's all a very level walk with a small stream in the middle.

The adventure is the drive there. A sandy dirt road with ruts in it. A few small hills and a few small curves. Since there were no other cars on the road I used both sides to pick good parts of the road.

At least now there's a sign at the parking lot.

I've never seen more than one or two people there. People here who have gone have all thought it was a good, fun stop.

It's just south of Cannonville just east of Bryce. There's a visitors center there so you can stop for instructions.

You can see my photos at:
www.travelwalks.com

There's an excellent video on Youtube called

Willis Creek Slot Canyon.

Myer,,, I've been meaning to ask you, what is your definition of a "real slot" canyon? And you cite Willis as one.... What canyon would you consider not a real slot?

I'm thinking my definition is different than yours, and I'm just curious... Have we had this discussion before?

InSandy,

I'm probably stressing that while it's seldom visited, it's real and very worth it if you want to see a slot canyon.

However, there is what is described as a slot canyon along Burr Rd. I stopped there and saw what appeared to be a slot canyon at the openning but it went nowhere. So after a few minutes of looking around we turned and went out.

I almost got the feeling it was a small cave that was open at the top.

I guess that's an unreal slot canyon.

Myer, the kids are 17 and 13. 17 yr old hurt his knee last week, so not sure how much he can push it. Willis Creek is on the wrong side of the park for our limited time. I think our next trip out West will just be in southern Utah. LOVE it there.

I've enjoyed your photos a few times. Envious of your amazing adventures.

Is there a slot canyon on the NL/QG loop?

No slot canyons there.

Willis Creek is east of Bryce but Cannonville is under 30 minutes from Bryce.

Not very far.