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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USAUtahBryce Canyon
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Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

Bryce Canyon City - Sunset Point - Swamp Canyon Overlook - Ponderosa Canyon Overlook - Rainbow Point

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km27 h/stage0.1

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive in Utah?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 0EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 149EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 194EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 0EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 229EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 283EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 355EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 445EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 140EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 365EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Bryce Canyon Itinerary

The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is an unforgettable road trip through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Starting in Bryce Canyon City, the drive takes you 27km to Rainbow Point, passing through the stunning views of Sunset Point, Swamp Canyon Overlook and Ponderosa Canyon Overlook. The best time of year to take this trip is spring or fall, when the temperatures are mild and the colors of the canyon are at their fullest. The roads are in overall good condition, with some parts being curvy and narrow, so be sure to drive carefully. The trip is suitable for all drivers, and with a moderate budget you can enjoy an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 27 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Bryce Canyon City

Distance 27 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: modest 7.0 kWh Airports BCE , CDC
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Bryce Canyon City, located in Utah's Garfield County, is a popular destination for travelers looking to explore the region's stunning red-rock canyons. The city is the perfect starting point for the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, a route that takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the area. Along the scenic drive, travelers can explore the dramatic hoodoos and other formations that make Bryce Canyon so distinct. The route also takes you through some of the most beautiful natural landmarks, such as Red Canyon, Red Butte, and Pink Cliffs. When visiting Bryce Canyon City, be sure to check out some of the town's most popular attractions. The Bryce Canyon National Park, home to the world's largest collection of hoodoos, is a must-see. Other highlights include the Bryce Point Lookout, the Natural Bridge, and the Rim Trail. For a unique experience, visitors can take a horseback ride through the canyon or explore the area on foot. Travelers planning to visit Bryce Canyon City should fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), located about three hours away. From the airport, visitors can rent a car and begin their scenic drive. With so much to explore, Bryce Canyon City is sure to make your road trip an unforgettable experience.

1 Bryce Canyon City - Sunset Point

Distance 2 km Driving time 0.0 h Pace: modest 0.5 kWh View map Itinerary
limited number of petrol stations scenic road sections of narrow road junction of road trips
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Welcome to the Bryce Canyon City to Sunset Point road trip! This beautiful journey will take you 1mi through some of the most scenic roads in the United States. The drive should take you less than 0 hours, so you can take your time to take in the sights and explore the area. Keep an eye out for possible lack of gas stations along the way, and be aware that in some sections the road is quite narrow. As you travel, you'll be able to visit Bryce Canyon City and Sunset Point, two of the most interesting places in the area. There's plenty to see and do in both places, so make sure you don't miss out! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

2 Sunset Point - Swamp Canyon Overlook

Distance 6 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: modest 1.6 kWh View map Itinerary
limited number of petrol stations scenic road sections of narrow road attractive landscape camping sites
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Embark on a 4mi road trip from Sunset Point to Swamp Canyon Overlook and enjoy the picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. As you drive, keep in mind that there may be sections of the road that are narrow, and that there may be a lack of gas stations along the way. While you're driving, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty around you and make sure to take some photos! Once you arrive at Swamp Canyon Overlook, you can explore the area and take in the stunning views. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

3 Swamp Canyon Overlook - Ponderosa Canyon Overlook

Distance 14 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: modest 3.6 kWh View map Itinerary
limited number of petrol stations scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Start your road trip adventure with a scenic drive from Swamp Canyon Overlook to Ponderosa Canyon Overlook. This 9-mile journey will take you less than an hour and you will be able to take in the beauty of the surrounding nature. Keep an eye out for the winding roads and the narrow sections. Don’t forget to check the gas tank as there might not be any gas stations along the way. On your way, you can visit the Canyon Overlooks and take in the breathtaking views. Make sure to check out the Itinerary for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy the journey!

4 Ponderosa Canyon Overlook - Rainbow Point

Distance 5 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: modest 1.3 kWh View map Itinerary
limited number of petrol stations scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Ponderosa Canyon Overlook to Rainbow Point road trip stage! This 3mi-long drive will take you fewer than 0 hours, and you'll be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful views in the US. As you drive, keep an eye out for the scenic road, as well as the winding sections and narrow roads. Keep in mind that there may not be any gas stations along the way, so make sure you fill up before you start the drive. Once you arrive at Rainbow Point, you'll be able to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and canyons. Make sure to take lots of pictures and take in the beauty of the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Rainbow Point

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Rainbow Point is the perfect ending point for a road trip along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. Located in the southern region of the US state of Utah, this small town is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of the area and reflect on the adventure. The town of Rainbow Point itself is an interesting mix of old and new. The local church, built in the late 19th century, is a popular destination for visitors, offering a glimpse into the past. The town also has several restaurants and cafes, so you can enjoy a meal or a drink before heading home. Nearby, the Rainbow Point Nature Trail is a great spot for a peaceful stroll. The trail follows the course of the nearby river, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you can spot beavers, deer, and other wildlife. The closest international airport to Rainbow Point is Salt Lake City International Airport (IATA: SLC), located about a two-hour drive away. If you are continuing your journey by car, the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is an ideal way to take in the beauty of the area. Rainbow Point is the perfect spot to end your trip along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. With its charming old buildings, its stunning nature trail, and its proximity to the airport, it's the perfect spot to reflect on your adventure and plan your next one.

Bryce Canyon at a glance

Before you set off

The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is an unforgettable Road Trip that takes you through the heart of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, which is known for its unique geology and stunning, natural amphitheaters known as `hoodoos.` Extending for approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) from Bryce Canyon City to Rainbow Point, the drive offers travelers panoramic views of the park's extraordinary geological formations, colorful rock layers, and expansive vistas.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Sunrise Point, with its breathtaking views at dawn;
  • Inspiration Point, offering layered vistas of the canyon;
  • Bryce Point, known for its extraordinary views of the hoodoos;
  • Rainbow Point, the highest point in the park that provides sweeping views of the southern part of the park and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal time to take the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is during the spring (April through June) or fall (September through October). These seasons provide mild weather, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to see the park's kaleidoscope of colors in natural lighting that accentuates the red, orange, and white hues of the rocks.

Potential Risks:

Drivers should be cautious, especially during winter when Roads can be icy and during summer thunderstorms that may create hazardous conditions. Wildlife crossings are also something to be mindful of while driving.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

The Scenic Drive is open year-round and is suitable for all drivers, with no entrance fee for bicycles or pedestrians. A moderate budget can cover the cost of fuel, park entrance fees, and any refreshments or souvenirs from the visitor center. Along the drive, there are several pullouts and parking areas designed to accommodate visitors wishing to take in the views or access trailheads for a closer look at the canyon's splendor.

A good choice for:

Embarking on the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is more than just a Road Trip; it's a journey through millions of years of natural history. Did you know that the park's rock spires, or hoodoos, are formed by the freeze-thaw cycles that sculpt these formations over time? Or that Bryce Canyon isn't actually a canyon, but a series of giant natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of a high plateau? These geological wonders, combined with the drive's accessibility and the stunning vistas it offers, make the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts and a fulfilling adventure that leaves a lasting impression on all who travel it.

Facts for safer driving in Utah

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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