Capturing the Magic of Bryce Canyon: The Best Photography Spots

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most mesmerising landscapes in the American Southwest, rivalled only by Arches National Park in its ability to captivate visitors. Its otherworldly rock formations, known as hoodoos, rise in spectacular rows from the eastern rim of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, creating a scene that feels almost supernatural. Thanks to its proximity to Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon is easily accessible, drawing travellers and photographers from all over the world. While solitude may be hard to find, what you will discover is a landscape so vivid and surreal that it will leave you in awe from the moment you set eyes on it.

Unlike other national parks with diverse terrain and ecosystems, Bryce Canyon's main attraction is its amphitheatre of crimson, orange, and pink-hued spires. These formations transform under different lighting conditions, making the park a paradise for photographers. The key to capturing Bryce at its best is understanding the light - this is sunrise country. The park faces east, meaning the hoodoos glow most brilliantly in the early morning as the sun illuminates their intricate textures. Sunset, too, brings dramatic light, enhancing the deep reds and casting long shadows across the canyon.

To make the most of your visit, it's highly recommended to stay overnight in the park or at a nearby lodge so you can visit the park in the early morning hours and until sunset. Arriving early in the morning or staying until sunset will reward you with the best photographic opportunities. The Bryce Canyon faces east so sunrises are the best time to capture the beauty of this place. If time is limited, Sunset Point offers the quintessential Bryce Canyon view and should be your first stop. The Rim Trail between Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration Points is an easy walk that provides endless vantage points, while hiking into the canyon itself - though requiring some effort - offers a unique and immersive experience.

Whether you have only a single day or a full two-day adventure, this guide will help you find the best photography spots in Bryce Canyon to ensure you capture its magic. PS. If you have only one sunrise then go straight to location 3 - Inspiration Point.

As usually all these places and lookouts are easily accessible by foot, public transport or by taxi/car. I also provided links to Google Maps and The Photographer's Ephemeris (TPE).

Midday is the least ideal time for photography in Bryce Canyon, as the overhead sun creates harsh lighting, minimal shadows, and washed-out colours. The intricate hoodoo formations, which rely on contrast and directional light to reveal their texture and depth, tend to blend together under the intense, direct sunlight. If you visit Bryce only during midday, capturing professional-quality images will be challenging.

However, that doesn't mean photography is impossible - it just requires a different approach. Instead of shooting from the rim, where the formations appear flat and lack depth, take advantage of Bryce Canyon's extensive trail network and descend into the amphitheatre. By hiking below the rim and shooting upward, you can incorporate shadows, increase contrast, and add a sense of scale to your images. The Navajo Loop Trail, beginning at Sunset Point, is a great option, offering a short but rewarding 1.5-mile / 2.4 km hike that winds through some of Bryce's most striking formations.

To avoid overexposed, washed-out images, consider using a polarising filter to deepen the blue sky and reduce glare on the rock surfaces. A lens hood can also help minimise lens flare in the bright midday sun. If you must shoot from the rim, look for shaded areas or wait for passing clouds to soften the light.

For the best photographic results, plan your visit around sunrise and sunset, when the low-angle light enhances the colour and texture of the formations. Use the midday hours to explore the trails, scout new locations, or take a break before returning for the golden-hour glow that transforms Bryce Canyon into a photographer's dream.

If you want to add the perfect finishing touch to your Bryce Canyon images, visiting in winter is like putting frosting on the cake. A fresh dusting of snow - or deep drifts blanketing the hoodoos - creates a striking contrast against the canyon's fiery red and orange rock formations. The interplay of white snow, deep blue winter skies, and warm golden light makes for truly spectacular compositions. Winter also brings a sense of solitude, with fewer visitors braving the cold, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive photography experience. The best times to shoot remain sunrise and sunset, when the soft light enhances the texture of the snow-covered formations. Be prepared for icy trails and frigid temperatures, and use a sturdy tripod to stabilise shots in potentially windy conditions. With the right preparation, winter photography at Bryce Canyon offers some of the most magical and unique images you can capture.

For the best access to Bryce Canyon's stunning viewpoints, Bryce Canyon Lodge is the top choice. Located just a short walk from Sunrise Point, the lodge offers 70 rooms, 40 rustic cabins, and a quality restaurant. However, it is only open seasonally from May 1 to October 15, and its rates are among the highest in the area. For those visiting outside this window or seeking more budget-friendly options, a variety of motels and lodges can be found just outside the park entrance in Bryce Canyon City. Many of these accommodations, such as Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn, Bryce Canyon Resort, and Bryce View Lodge, operate year-round and offer comfortable stays with convenient access to dining and other amenities. Whether you prefer the historic charm of the lodge or the affordability and availability of nearby motels, staying close to the park ensures you can maximise your time capturing Bryce Canyon's breathtaking landscapes.

Useful Maps:

For in-depth information on all photography locations in Bryce Canyon National Park, I highly recommend Photographing the Southwest: Vol. 1 - A Guide to the natural Landmarks of Southern Utah by Laurent Martres.