Dixie National Forest

Bryce Canyon National Park


This national forest covers over 2 million acres with amazing hiking, biking, camping and exploring opportunities in the red rock country just outside Bryce Canyon National Park. Start with a visit to the Red Canyon Visitor Center; from here you can easily take on hikes along the Pink Ledges, Hoodoo, Birdseye and Golden Wall Trails, or go mountain biking on the Thunder Mountain Trail.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bryce Canyon National Park attractions

1. Red Canyon

0.33 MILES

Deep ocher-red monoliths rise up roadside as you drive along Hwy 12, 10 miles west of the Bryce Canyon turnoff. The aptly named Red Canyon provides an…

2. Bryce Wildlife Adventure

7.58 MILES

This roadside attraction displays dioramas of more than 800 animals from around the world, as well as Native American artifacts and butterfly and giant…

3. Fairyland Point

11.7 MILES

Off Bryce Canyon Scenic Dr, Fairyland offers views north toward the Aquarius Plateau and hoodoos at all stages of evolution, from fin to crumbling tower…

4. Sunrise Point

11.93 MILES

Marking the north end of Bryce Amphitheater, the southeast-facing Sunrise Point offers great views of hoodoos, the Aquarius Plateau and the Sinking Ship,…

5. Sunset Point

12.05 MILES

This is the nexus of the park, with easy access to the lodge, trails and other services. Aside from great views of the Silent City, this point is known…

6. Queen Victoria

12.06 MILES

While many of the hoodoos look like various chess pieces, the Queen Victoria feature at the bottom of the Queen's Garden Trail is one of the more…

7. Thor's Hammer

12.11 MILES

This tower looks like the hammer of the mighty Thor. It's best viewed from the upper switchbacks on the Navajo Loop Trail.

8. Inspiration Point

12.25 MILES

A short path from the parking lot, off Scenic Drive, leads to jaw-dropping views of the Bryce Amphitheater and Silent City. This is also a top spot for…