ansh

Hi,

First of all, thanks for sharing some useful info about white rim trail @canyonlands, and so i learned that I would be short of time there. But this earns me more time in Bryce NP!!

Now, what is the best place to see sunrise at Bryce? It may sounds crazy, how abt hiking down into the rim for a sunrise/sunset view?

isabel

The best views of sunrise are on the rim looking down into the canyon, and not surprisingly, they are indeed from "Sunrise Point". You need to really get there when it is still dark out to watch the hoodoos 'wake up'. It's not about watching the sun rise over the horizon (like at the beach) but about the way the whole place changes colors. Once the sun is on the horizon it's almost too late. So you need to get there in the dark. For that reason hiking down in would pose safety issues cause you'd be doing it in the dark. But it is amazing, an experience I won't forget. Here's my photos - you can see the difference as the light changes as the sun comes up. The first photo is a sunrise photo, then there are a few more later on. http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/utah

Also here's my trip report, might have some helpful info. Don't know where else besides Bryce you are going. http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...parks-trip.cfm

Myer

Bryce Canyon is top to bottom. Zion is bottom to top.

Going down into Bryce Canyon doesn't give you a sunrise or sunset. That has to be at the top at a viewpoint.

In my opinion the best place is Bryce Point. There's a parking lot and it's a short walk from there. The viewing area protrudes into the Canyon.

Depending upon when you're going it can get cool (cold) and winding there. You can bet you won't be alone in the dark waiting for the sun to begin to rise.

I've been there twice. It's truly spectacular.

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

Select the 2007 & 2010 trips that include Utah. The 2008 trip to Utah doesn't include a Bryce sunrise.

As far as hiking is concerned, Bryce is very different than any other place. The best reasonably short hike down into the hoodoos is Navajo Loop going down (is steeper on this side) and Queen's Garden going back up (supposedly less steep).

If you want to make it longer you can hike the Peek-a-Boo trail in between that goes part way up the opposite side of the Canyon.

Myer

Bryce Point is similar to Sunset Point but I think Bryce Point is more dramatic.

Either is a good choice.

ElendilPickle

We hiked a short distance down the Queen's Garden trail in order to get sunrise pictures of the hoodoos lighting up. It was light enough to see, and Mr. Pickle got some great shots. I don't have any of them online, though.

Lee Ann

InSandy

As you can see from the variety of responses there are a variety of places to get a good view of the hoodoos with the morning light on them. Scout it out the night before to see what would work for you. I personally think Inspiration point is the best