Natural Attraction

Farview Point

Natural Attraction
Vibrant red rock cliffs stand above forests with a distant plateau along the horizon

From Farview Point, Utah's vast geological story unfolds in a single panorama: the pink hoodoos of Bryce Canyon drop 1,000 feet below, while Navajo Mountain—a laccolith, or uncapped magma chamber—rises 90 miles away on the southeast horizon. On clear days, the Henry Mountains appear an additional 84 miles east, equally dramatic laccoliths exposed by erosion. The Paria Valley and Grand Staircase spread eastward, stepping through geological formations toward Zion, made visible by Bryce's exceptional air quality—a clear atmosphere that reveals 20 million years of Colorado Plateau uplift and water erosion.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
37.544569,-112.246949
Accessibility
Paved pullout with wheelchair-accessible parking. Main viewpoint is a drive-up overlook. Restrooms and trash receptacles accessible. Optional unpaved trail to Piracy Point is flat (0.15 mi) but not suitable for wheelchairs.

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Piracy Point (0.15-mile trail north), Paria View, Bryce Point, Natural Bridge, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point (all along Southern Scenic Drive).
Nearby Facilities
Restrooms and trash receptacles at pullout. Nearest food, lodging, fuel: Bryce Canyon City (30 minutes north), Tropic (20 minutes).
Best Time To Visit
Early morning to mid-afternoon. Avoid midday sun directly overhead. Late afternoon creates alpenglow on hoodoos.
Tips Advice
  • Stay behind the railing—the drop exceeds 1,000 feet\n
  • Visit early morning or in shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and haze\n
  • Bring binoculars to resolve distant Henry Mountains\n
  • The Paunsaugunt fault appears as a step in the landscape between Bryce's hoodoos and the higher Table Cliff Plateau\n
  • Unpaved trail to Piracy Point is flat but can be muddy or icy; wear appropriate footwear"
Insider Tips
  • Navajo Mountain is a laccolith—an uncapped magma chamber that cooled underground rather than erupting. Compare its singular peaked profile to the Henry Mountains east\n
  • Early morning light strikes hoodoos at a low angle, accentuating striations and color layering\n
  • Air quality here is an invisible asset: Bryce's lack of haze reveals geology 90 miles away that most parks cannot\n
  • On exceptionally clear days, trace the Grand Staircase eastward: Pink Cliffs (Bryce) → Grey Cliffs (Kaiparowits) → White Cliffs (Zion direction)\n
  • The Paunsaugunt fault (2,000-foot vertical displacement) separates Pink Cliffs at Bryce from Table Cliff Plateau to the east—a dramatic step in the landscape"

More details

Park Area
Southern Scenic Drive
Family Friendly Notes
Good for families with young children if supervised—exposed cliff edge requires vigilance. Unpaved trail to Piracy Point is flat and appropriate for young hikers.
Attraction Type
Geological Viewpoint
Distance From Entrance
16 miles south of the park entrance via Southern Scenic Drive (approximately 20–30 minutes from Visitor Center).
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view
How To Get There
Drive to mile 10.25 of the 18-mile Southern Scenic Drive (one of nine viewpoints). Paved parking pullout; 0.15-mile unpaved but flat trail leads north to Piracy Point.
Parking Availability
Pullout parking, typically holds 10–15 vehicles. Fills by 8–9 am in peak season (June–August). Better availability in shoulder seasons.
Road Type
Paved (Southern Scenic Drive to pullout). Unpaved trail to Piracy Point.
Seasonal Access
Open year-round as part of the Southern Scenic Drive, typically passable 365 days/year. Winter conditions (December–March) may require caution; check current road status.
Entry Fees
$35 per private vehicle (7-day pass). $30 per motorcycle. $20 per person (walk/bike). $100 additional for non-US residents (16+). America the Beautiful pass ($80/year) covers all federal sites.
Main Features
Hoodoos carved from Paunsaugunt Plateau. Distant views: Navajo Mountain (90 miles southeast, laccolith). Henry Mountains (84 miles east, laccoliths). Table Cliff Plateau (10,000 ft). Paria Valley and Grand Staircase geology. 1,000-foot drop to ponderosa forest floor.
What Youll See
Bryce Canyon's pink and white hoodoos carved into the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The Paria Valley, Table Cliff Plateau (10,000 ft), Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Grand Staircase descending eastward. Southeast: Navajo Mountain 90 miles away (a laccolith). East: Henry Mountains 84 miles away (also laccoliths). On clear days, five distinct geological formations are visible.
Unique Characteristics
One of nine viewpoints along Southern Scenic Drive. 90-mile sightlines. California Condor habitat (rare sightings). Exceptional air quality as a defining feature.
Safety Considerations
Exposed cliff edges with 1,000-foot drop—stay behind viewpoint railing. Unpaved trail to Piracy Point can be muddy or icy in winter. Altitude (~9,100 ft) may affect some visitors.
Best Viewpoints
Main overlook railing for the panorama. For photography, position to frame Navajo Mountain southeast with hoodoos below.
Photo Opportunities
Landscape: frame Navajo Mountain on southeast horizon with hoodoos in foreground. Alpenglow: late afternoon light on Pink Cliffs. Telephoto to resolve Henry Mountains.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Good for alpenglow on hoodoos and distant peaks. Sunset itself is off the west rim, but late afternoon light enhances eastward-facing formations.
Visitor Center Present
0
Restrooms Available
1
Picnic Areas
0
Guided Tours Available
0
Trailheads Here
Piracy Point Trail (0.15 miles, unpaved, flat)
Common Wildlife
Ravens, Clark's nutcrackers, juncos, mountain chickadees in ponderosa forest. Occasional Osprey nesting at Tropic Reservoir nearby. Rare California Condors.
Best Wildlife Times
Morning and late afternoon. Ravens, juncos, nutcrackers active. California Condors, if present, visible mid-morning when thermals develop (rare).
Wildflower Peak
June–July. Showy Goldeneye, Shrubby Cinquefoil in meadows above the rim.
Fall Colors Peak
Late September–early October. Ponderosa forest and aspen show golden hues.
Geological Formation Type
Erosional Plateau and Distant Laccoliths
Scientific Interest
Showcases Colorado Plateau uplift (~2,000 feet across Paunsaugunt fault over 20 million years). Navajo Mountain and Henry Mountains are laccoliths—magma plumes that warped overlying rock without erupting. Exposed granite cores visible today result from subsequent erosion. Multiple stratigraphic formations visible: Pink Cliffs (Claron formation), Grey Cliffs (Cretaceous shales), White Cliffs (sandstones).
Snow Lingering
Snow lingers into April at this elevation.
Best Season
May through October. Clear autumn (September–October) and spring (May) offer best air quality for viewing distant peaks.
Weather Patterns
Afternoon winds common. Afternoon haze reduces visibility. Best visibility early morning. Exposure to weather on open plateau.
Peak Fill Times
Mid-morning through mid-afternoon, June–August.
Fishing Nearby
0
Boating Allowed
0
Climbing Areas
0
Review Summary
Visitors consistently recognize Farview Point as a worthwhile stop, particularly those interested in distant geology and panoramic views. Satisfaction correlates strongly with clear-air conditions—those visiting on crisp spring or fall days report exceptional experiences, while summer haze can limit distant visibility.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I actually see Navajo Mountain and the Henry Mountains?

Navajo Mountain is visible on most days, 90 miles away. The Henry Mountains, 84 miles east, appear only under clear conditions with excellent air quality—spring and early fall offer the best visibility.

How long do I need to spend here?

15–20 minutes for the main overlook. Add another 15 minutes if you walk to Piracy Point.

Is there parking?

Yes, a pullout with 10–15 spaces. It fills by mid-morning in peak season (June–August); visit early or in shoulder seasons for easier parking.

Are restrooms available?

Yes, accessible restrooms are at the pullout.

Will I see California Condors?

Unlikely. Sightings here are rare, though populations in nearby Zion and Vermilion Cliffs are growing. Condors range over 100 miles daily but prefer those areas.

Is the trail to Piracy Point worth doing?

It's optional. The main overlook captures the panorama. The 0.15-mile trail is flat, unpaved, and adds 15 minutes if interested in a different angle.

Lower Inspiration Point

Bryce hoodoos from Lower Inspiration Point; ice-wedging sculpts pink and white Claron limestone.

Natural Bridge

A massive stone arch carved by ice, not water—Nature's window into the hoodoo-forming process.

Agua Canyon

The Hunter and Rabbit hoodoos frame Agua Canyon. Winter freeze-thaw sculpts these Claron Formation spires.

High Plateaus Institute

Historic 1932 log cabin—the park's first administrative center. Now a field institute and summer Junior Ranger hub.

Bristlecone Loop Gazebo

Octagon log shelter at Bristlecone Loop midpoint surrounded by bristlecone pines with distinctive five-needle bundles.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.