Sunset to Sunrise Point - 1mi Easy Hike

Looking down from above over a scenery of irregular red rocks with the sun rising behind them

This is the easiest walk in the park: a paved 1.0-mile rim walk with minimal elevation gain (40 feet) along the iconic Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. You'll stare down the hoodoos—the signature colorful sandstone spires Bryce is famous for—the entire way. Paved surface means zero scrambling, no technical skill, no exposure beyond unguarded viewpoints. This is pure payoff for near-zero effort, and crowds prove it.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Walk in the park. Paved, 40-foot gain, 1 mile. Zero technical challenge.
Elevation Gain Feet: 40

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Walk in the park. Paved, 40-foot gain, 1 mile. Zero technical challenge.
Elevation Gain Feet: 40
Estimated Time: 1 hour for the full out-and-back at a normal pace. Add 30 minutes if you're stopping for photos or slower movement. You can turn around at any point.
Trail Surface: Concrete paved
Trail Features: Hoodoo views from the rim
Bryce Canyon Amphitheater panorama
Paved accessible surface
Unguarded rim viewpoints
Sunrise and Sunset Point overlooks
Trail Highlights: The hoodoos—the colorful sandstone spires rising below the rim—dominate your view the entire mile. This is the park's signature geology on display with zero technical effort. Sunrise Point lives up to its name: golden light hits the eastern hoodoo faces at dawn. Sunset Point captures the western faces in warm afternoon light. You can't miss the payoff—it's front-row the whole walk.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Sunset Point or Sunrise Point (both have parking and accessible restrooms)
Parking Fill Time: Full by mid-morning during peak season (June-August). Arrive before 8 AM to secure a spot. Off-season (November-March) less competitive.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Free shuttle service available between Sunrise and Sunset Points when the shuttle is in operation. Oversized vehicles are not permitted in parking areas when the shuttle runs. Use the shuttle to skip the parking lot hunt or avoid backtracking on the return leg.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for day hikes on this trail.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (NPS Entrance Fee as of 2026-06-12). Motorcycle: $30. Per person (bike/walk-in): $20. Youth 15 and under: free. Nonresident (non-US citizens) aged 16+: additional $100 fee unless entering with Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.
Trail Status: Open year-round
Seasonal Closures: No seasonal closures. The trail remains open 365 days. Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24 hours year-round. Winter snow possible, but paved surface is typically maintained for day-use access.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Water-fill stations available at Sunset Point (seasonally), the Sunset Point restroom building (year-round), and the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally). Bring your own water; this is a dry-air environment at 9,000 feet.
Accessibility: Fully accessible. Concrete paved surface; 97-inch typical width, 72-inch minimum width (wheelchair-passable). Typical grade 3.3%, maximum grade 16.5% on short sections. Total ascent 40 feet. Accessible restrooms at Sunset Point (year-round). Service animals allowed. Pushchairs/wheelchairs navigable with assistance on steep portions.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Sun exposure on exposed rim
Steep unguarded drop-offs at viewpoints
Slippery concrete when wet or icy
Dehydration risk at altitude
Altitude sickness (9,000 feet)
Hazard Details: Slippery when wet or icy in winter—frost and ice can grip the concrete even when it looks dry. Cliff edges at viewpoints with no railings or barriers; watch children closely. Full sun on the rim at 9,000-foot elevation: heat and dehydration are real even on a short walk. The thin air can slow unacclimatized hikers. Short steep sections (up to 16.5% grade) can surprise your knees on descent.
Crowd Level: Conga line. This is the easiest, most accessible trail in the park and a must-do viewpoint. Expect shoulder-to-shoulder traffic, especially mid-morning through afternoon. Solitude hunters should start before 8 AM or return after 5 PM.
Peak Crowd Times: 10 AM to 4 PM year-round, intensifying June-August and during holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break).
Best Season: Year-round. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) have the most stable weather. Summer crowds are intense; winter means possible ice, but the paved surface is typically cleared and passable.
Best Time To Visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer stable weather. Early morning (before 8 AM) beats crowds and intense sun. Winter is possible—the paved surface is usually cleared—but arrives after 10 AM when sun warms the concrete and reduces ice risk. Avoid midday June-August when heat and crowds collide.
Tips Advice: Arrive before 8 AM to beat crowds on this most popular rim walk.
Bring minimum 1L water—sun and altitude on the rim are relentless, even on easy terrain.
No shade. Wear a hat and reapply sunscreen hourly.
Tighten your boots. Short sections hit 16.5% grade; boots slip on descent if loose.
The free shuttle is a game-changer if parking is packed. Use it.
Winter: wait for 10 AM sun to warm the concrete and melt ice.

More details

Park Area: Rim Trail Area—Sunset and Sunrise Points
Trail Markers: Well marked and paved. Impossible to get lost. The trail is obvious and heavily trafficked.
Dogs Allowed: Yes, leashed pets allowed on paved surfaces only. Clean up after your pet.
Shade Level: Full sun exposure. Zero shade on the paved rim. The asphalt amplifies heat in summer. Wear a hat, reapply sunscreen hourly, and bring sunglasses.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911. Bryce Canyon National Park General Line: 435-834-5322. Visitor Center on-site for ranger assistance.
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: Winter snow is possible November-March, but the paved surface is typically cleared and navigable year-round. Most slippery after freezing nights when frost locks the concrete. Expect icy conditions before 10 AM on cold days.
Mud Season: No mud season—the paved surface drains and dries quickly.
Insider Tips: Start from Sunrise Point and walk downhill to Sunset Point. Less climbing, more flow.
Best light for hoodoo photos is mid-morning (8-10 AM) when sun hits the eastern faces. Afternoon light is softer on the western faces.
Avoid 12-3 PM midday sun intensity.
If your legs are fried from harder hikes, this is your redemption lap—do it and feel the hoodoo payoff without punishment.
Winter: the concrete holds ice until mid-morning. Wait for the sun to warm it (after 10 AM) before starting.
Recent Updates: No known recent changes.
Family Friendly Notes: Safe and easy for families with young children. No scrambling or technical hazards. Watch children closely at rim edges—there are no railings. The paved surface is stroller-friendly if you can push uphill. Older kids love spotting and naming the hoodoos. One-mile length is manageable for short attention spans. Water and restrooms available at both trailheads.
Nearby Facilities: Accessible restrooms at Sunset Point (year-round) and General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally). Water-fill stations at Sunset Point restroom building (year-round) and at the General Store (seasonally). Limited supplies at the General Store. Visitor Center on-site with maps and ranger info.
Review Summary: Hikers rave about this trail's easy accessibility and front-row hoodoo views. The paved surface means zero technical skill required, and the payoff rivals much longer, harder routes. Most praise the iconic scenery; the consistent complaint is crowds, especially midday. It's the park's signature easy walk—you can't go wrong if you manage sun and expect company.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this with kids?

Yes. Paved, easy, stroller-accessible. Watch kids closely at rim edges—no railings. Older kids love spotting hoodoos. One mile keeps short attention spans engaged.

Is this really that easy?

Yes. 1 mile, 40 feet of gain, concrete paved, fully accessible. No scrambling or technical risk. The challenge is managing sun exposure and crowds.

Can I finish in an hour?

Yes. The out-and-back takes 1 hour at normal pace, 1.5 hours with photo stops. You can turn around anytime if slower.

What if I'm scared of heights?

You'll be fine. The trail stays on the rim, but viewpoints have unguarded drop-offs. Stay back from edges if heights scare you—the trail doesn't force you to the rim edge.

Will I get dehydrated?

Possibly, if you underestimate sun and altitude. Bring minimum 1L water. The rim is fully exposed at 9,000 feet in dry air. Dehydration sneaks up fast.

Is this crowded?

Yes. Expect crowds, especially 10 AM-4 PM. It's the easiest, most accessible trail and a signature viewpoint. Go before 8 AM or after 5 PM for fewer hikers.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. Leashed pets allowed on paved surfaces. Clean up after your pet. The wide paved trail is dog-friendly—shade is the only concern.