Southern Scenic Drive Viewpoints

Bryce Canyon is situated along the eastern edge of the Paunsagunt plateau, with one main 18-mile north-to-south road and only one entrance/exit. As you enter the park, all viewpoints and hikes are on the left.

The iconic Bryce Amphitheater area is located along the first 3 miles of the main road. Most of the park's day hikes can be found here. The main road continues for another 15 miles along the Southern Scenic Drive until it ends at the park's highest elevations at Rainbow and Yovimpa Points. We recommend visiting these viewpoints on your return trip north as all stops will be on your right side.

Southern Scenic Drive

Rainbow and Yovimpa Points

At 9,115 ft (2,778 m) Rainbow and Yovimpa Points are the highest viewpoints in the park.
Black Birch Canyon

The park has its share of misnomers (Mossy Cave isn't a cave, the canyon isn't really a canyon...) and Black Birch Canyon would be another.
Ponderosa Canyon

Ponderosa Canyon is so named because of the huge Ponderosa pines on the canyon floor.
Agua Canyon

At Agua Canyon two prominent hoodoos command attention. On the left, is "The Hunter" and to the right is the "Rabbit".
Natural Bridge

The impressive feature seen here is not a bridge, it's a natural arch, or window, formed by the expansion of ice in cracks deep within.
Farview & Piracy Points

Navajo Mountain, 90 miles away on the border of Utah and Arizona, can be seen from Farview Point on most days.
Swamp Canyon

Swamp Canyon completes the transition from the hoodoo-filled Bryce Amphitheater to the steep cliffs and buttes of the scenic drive.