Natural Attraction

Rainbow Point

Natural Attraction
White rock red rock spires and forest at viewpoint

From 9,115 feet atop the Paunsaugunt Plateau, rainbow-hued layers of Pink, Grey, and White Cliffs stack downward in an intricate maze of hoodoos and amphitheaters. Millions of years of tectonic uplift raised sea-level rocks nearly a mile high; gravity and water erosion then carved the landscape you see today. Panoramic views extend to the Tushar Mountains and Black Mountains across the plateau to the northwest, and down the Paria Valley to the east. The plateau edge marks a watershed divide—water here flows west to Nevada's Great Basin, not east to the Colorado River.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
37.476018399,-112.240642878
Accessibility
Paved parking lot and short walk to viewpoint. Wheelchair-accessible parking and viewing areas with paved surface and minimal slope. No handrails at cliff edge.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required
0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Yovimpa Point (co-highest viewpoint), Bristlecone Loop Gazebo, nearby trails including Bristlecone Loop, Under-the-Rim Trail
Nearby Facilities
Restrooms and picnic tables at Rainbow Point; full services (Visitor Center with ranger station, bookstore, orientation film) located at the park's north entrance
Best Time To Visit
Early morning for alpenglow on Pink Cliffs and lower visitor volumes
Tips Advice
  • Touch the red and orange layers—that's oxidized iron giving the rocks their distinctive color.
  • The 'green' shale beneath the pink limestone isn't actually green; it's the play of light on grey rock.
  • Listen for Clark's nutcrackers caching bristlecone pine seeds; you're near the highest treeline in Utah.
  • Bring a light jacket even in summer—wind chill at 9,115 ft is significant.
  • Sunrise alpenglow hits distant peaks first (Tushar Mountains), then slowly illuminates the hoodoos below over 30 minutes.
Insider Tips
  • The parking lot views are stellar—you don't need a hike for the best panorama.
  • If you're doing the Bristlecone Loop, start counterclockwise to reach the ancient bristlecone pines on the first mile of easier terrain.
  • The 1,000 ft elevation difference between the Visitor Center and here means cooler temperatures and potentially active thunderstorms even if the north is clear.
  • The watershed divide you're standing on is tangible: water falling here drains west to Nevada; water 10 miles north drains to the Colorado River.
  • In winter, this lot often clears of crowds by 2pm, offering solitude with excellent light on snowy peaks.

More details

Family Friendly Notes
Safe for all ages if supervised near plateau edge—no railings, unprotected steep drops. Keep children close to parents. Extreme altitude may cause headache in young children unaccustomed to high elevation; bring extra water. Children under 15 admitted free to park. Walking surface is paved and accessible.
Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Elevation Feet
9115
Distance From Entrance
Southern terminus of main park road
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view
How To Get There
Located at the southern terminus of the main park road via the Southern Scenic Drive. Follow paved access to the parking area at road's end.
Parking Availability
Designated lot at road terminus
Road Type
Paved
Seasonal Access
Open year-round, 24 hours a day. Road occasionally closes briefly during heavy snow; check park website or call Visitor Center before winter visits.
Entry Fees
$35 per private vehicle; $30 per motorcycle; $20 per individual (bicyclist/walk-in); $100 additional nonresident fee (age 16+); $80 America the Beautiful annual pass
Main Features
Paunsaugunt Plateau edge; Pink, Grey, and White Cliffs stacked in colorful layers; thousands of hoodoos arranged in bowl-shaped amphitheaters; tectonic uplift showcase; watershed divide; views of Tushar Mountains, Black Mountains, Sevier Plateau, and Table Cliff Plateau; Paria Valley and distant peaks
What Youll See
Bryce's iconic colored strata (pink, white, grey, rust-red layers); thousands of hoodoos arranged in bowl-shaped amphitheaters; deep valleys draining toward the Paria River; distant Tushar and Black Mountains across the plateau; the Table Cliff Plateau to the east; visible layer transitions showing geological history
Unique Characteristics
Highest viewpoint in Bryce Canyon National Park; tectonic uplift raised sea-level rocks 9,115 ft in 20 million years; watershed divide between Colorado River and Great Basin; most expansive panoramic views in the park
Safety Considerations
Steep unrailed cliff drops—stay back from edge. Extreme altitude (9,115 ft) causes hypoxia in unaccustomed visitors; location is 1,000 ft higher than Visitor Center and temperature drops significantly. Strong winds common at exposed plateau edge. Weather changes rapidly; afternoon thunderstorms possible in summer. Intense sun; bring sunscreen and hat.
Best Viewpoints
North along plateau edge for Paunsaugunt Amphitheater; east toward Paria Valley for Grey and White Cliffs; northwest for Tushar and Black Mountains
Photo Opportunities
Plateau edge silhouettes at sunrise; layered colored strata lit by low-angle morning light; pink alpenglow on distant Tushar Mountains at sunset; long shadows in hoodoos during golden hour
Stargazing Quality
Excellent. At 9,115 ft elevation in a remote area, skies are exceptionally dark.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Exceptional. Early morning alpenglow illuminates the Pink Cliffs in warm tones; sunset casts long shadows in the hoodoos below.
Visitor Center Present
0
Restrooms Available
1
Restroom Type
Flush toilet
Picnic Areas
1
Interpretive Signs
1
Cell Service
Unreliable; download offline maps and directions before visiting
Water Available
0
Guided Tours Available
1
Trailheads Here
Bristlecone Loop Trail, Riggs Spring Loop, Under-the-Rim Trail
Connecting Trails
Short plateau-edge path leads to Bristlecone Loop; trail network connects to other rim viewpoints
Nearby Services
Nearby towns include Bryce Canyon City, Tropic, and Cedar City
Common Wildlife
Clark's nutcracker, Steller's jay, mountain bluebird, gray jay, chipmunk, mule deer
Best Wildlife Times
Early morning (sunrise to 9am) and late afternoon (4-7pm) for mammal sightings
Wildflower Peak
Limited alpine wildflowers at 9,115 ft
Fall Colors Peak
Limited fall color at this elevation due to sparse vegetation
Geological Formation Type
Eroded Plateau Edge
Scientific Interest
Visible Tertiary-age strata revealing 65+ million years of geological history; tectonic uplift mechanism (Colorado Plateau rose from sea level); active erosion sculpting new amphitheaters; evidence of glacial periods in surrounding landscape; watershed divide between Colorado River basin and Great Basin
Road Opening Dates
Typically open year-round; brief closures possible during heavy winter snow
Winter Access
Accessible year-round via paved road. Snowshoe hiking available when snow depth permits; check with Visitor Center for current conditions.
Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon for best light and reduced crowds
Best Season
Park open year-round, 24 hours daily
Weather Patterns
Afternoon thunderstorms possible in summer; strong winds at exposed plateau edge; extreme cold in winter; intense sun at high elevation causing rapid sunburn
Fishing Nearby
0
Swimming Allowed
0
Boating Allowed
0
Climbing Areas
0
Review Summary
Visitors consistently note that Rainbow Point offers the most comprehensive geological panorama in Bryce Canyon, spanning from the nearest Pink Cliffs to distant mountain ranges across multiple plateaus. The extreme elevation and exposed location appeal to photographers and geology enthusiasts seeking the park's most expansive views. Quick access (drive-up) makes it accessible to all fitness levels.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth driving all the way to the southern end of the park?

Absolutely. Rainbow Point is the highest viewpoint at 9,115 ft and shows the most deeply eroded Paunsaugunt Plateau edge. You can see further from here than any other Bryce viewpoint, with panoramic views spanning multiple mountain ranges.

Will I get altitude sickness at 9,115 feet?

Most visitors don't, but some experience headache or fatigue. Drink plenty of water, rest 30 minutes after arriving, and don't overexert on trails. If symptoms persist, descend to the Visitor Center (1,000 ft lower).

Is there a restroom here, or do I need to plan ahead?

Flush toilets are available on-site. There is no potable water tap at Rainbow Point, so bring water for longer hikes. The Visitor Center has full facilities including water and a cafeteria.

Are the trails starting here difficult?

The Bristlecone Loop is only 1.0 mile and rated easy—a plateau-top walk that doesn't descend into the hoodoos. The Riggs Spring Loop (8.8 mi) and Under-the-Rim Trail (23 mi) are backcountry routes and strenuous.

Can I see this in 15 minutes if I'm short on time?

Yes. The views from the parking area are stellar; you don't need a hike. Even 10 minutes standing on the plateau edge shows Bryce's most dramatic geology. If you have 30 minutes, walk to the Bristlecone Loop Gazebo for slightly different angles.

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.