Rainbow Point
Cliff Scenic Bryce Canyon overlook with panoramic amphitheater views
High overlook on the southern rim of Bryce Canyon National Park with views across hoodoos and the Paunsaugunt Plateau; trailheads and sunset viewing attract visitors.
Rainbow Point is a high-elevation viewpoint at the southern end of the scenic drive in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, and is the park’s highest viewpoint at about 9,115 feet (2,780 meters).
The viewpoint is part of Bryce Canyon National Park, which was established as a national park in 1928; the park developed scenic roads and viewpoints in the 20th century to provide public access to major overlooks including Rainbow Point.
Located in southern Garfield County in southwestern Utah, Rainbow Point sits at the southern terminus of the park’s main scenic road, roughly within the boundaries of Bryce Canyon National Park.
- Elevation: Sits at about 9,115 feet (2,780 meters), the highest scenic overlook on Bryce Canyon National Park's main drive
- Trails: Contains the Bristlecone Loop, a short roughly 1-mile (1.6 km) trail that passes ancient bristlecone pines near the overlook
- Access: Road access is along Bryce Canyon's scenic drive and can be impacted seasonally by snow
How to Get to Rainbow Point #
Rainbow Point sits at the southern terminus of Utah State Route 63 inside Bryce Canyon National Park. From the park entrance (near Bryce Canyon City) drive south on SR‑63 for roughly 18 miles to the end‑of‑road viewpoint. In peak season, park shuttles and organized tours leave from Bryce Canyon City.
From Interstate 15, take the UT‑20/UT‑63 connector via US‑89 (Bryce Canyon City) - the park is well signposted. Winter driving can require chains; check NPS alerts before travelling.
Tips for Visiting Rainbow Point #
- Arrive before sunrise for clearer air and smaller crowds; an hour of golden light can transform the hoodoos into something unreal.
- Acclimate to altitude - Rainbow Point sits at about 9,100 ft (2,780 m); shortness of breath is common on the rim.
- Walk the Bristlecone Loop to see ancient, wind‑twisted bristlecone pines and fewer people than the main viewpoint.
- In summer months use the park shuttle (when running) and park in Bryce Canyon City if lots fill; winter requires chains or a 4WD vehicle.
Best Time to Visit Rainbow Point #
Spring through autumn is the most pleasant time to visit; winter snows close some park roads, though the rim remains dramatically beautiful year‑round.
Weather & Climate near Rainbow Point #
Rainbow Point's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 24°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C. The driest month with just 19 mm.
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July
July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 58 mm of rain.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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