For first-time visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, this practical guide to Rainbow Point explains how to reach the site, the current shuttle limitations, typical entrance fees, nearby parking availability, accessibility, and the best hikes from the viewpoint.
A brief overview of Rainbow Point in Bryce Canyon
Rainbow Point is the highest viewpoint in Bryce Canyon National Park, sitting at an elevation of 9,115 feet (2,778 metres). Located at the very end of the 18-mile Southern Scenic Drive, it offers a different perspective than the popular Bryce Amphitheater. Instead of looking down into a bowl of hoodoos, you look northward across the entire park and out towards the “steps” of the Grand Staircase.
It is arguably the best spot in the park for understanding the regional geology, but it requires more effort to reach than Sunset or Sunrise Points.
Getting to Rainbow Point: Driving vs shuttle
The most common mistake visitors make is assuming the free park shuttle goes to Rainbow Point. It does not.
By car: Driving is the primary way to reach Rainbow Point. It is located at the southern terminus of the main park road (Route 63), approximately 18 miles (29 km) from the Visitor Center. The drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes without stops, though you will likely want to stop at other viewpoints like Agua Canyon or Natural Bridge on the way back.
By shuttle: The free Bryce Canyon shuttle system only services the Bryce Amphitheater area (Bryce, Inspiration, Sunset, and Sunrise Points). It does not go to Rainbow Point or any other viewpoint on the Southern Scenic Drive. The Bryce Point stop is the southernmost point on the shuttle route.
By guided tour: Historically, a concessionaire-operated Rainbow Point bus tour has been offered, which is the only shuttle-like option for reaching this end of the park without a private vehicle. However, as of recent reports, this guided tour is not currently being offered. Visitors should check the official NPS website for the latest updates on commercial services.
Parking availability and restrictions at Rainbow Point
Because Rainbow Point is at the end of the road, the parking lot acts as a turnaround loop.
- Availability: The lot is relatively large but fills up quickly between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm during the peak season.
- Oversized vehicles: Unlike the Bryce Point or Paria View lots, oversized vehicles (RVs and trailers) are permitted to park at Rainbow Point. However, spaces for vehicles over 25 feet are limited.
Rainbow Point elevation and views
At 9,115 feet, Rainbow Point is the highest part of the park. The air is thinner here, and temperatures are typically cooler than at the Visitor Center.
The view looks north, allowing you to see the Pink Cliffs (where you are standing), followed by the Grey, White, Vermilion, and Chocolate cliffs in the distance. This sequence is known as the Grand Staircase. On clear days, you can see as far as the Kaibab Plateau in Arizona, near the Grand Canyon.
Hikes from Rainbow Point: The Bristlecone loop
Two major trails start from the parking area, which is shared with Yovimpa Point:
- Bristlecone loop: This is a 1-mile (1.6 km) easy loop that winds through a high-elevation forest. The highlight is the grove of ancient Bristlecone Pines, some of which are up to 1,800 years old. This is generally an easy walk that takes about one hour.
- Under-the-rim trail: This is a strenuous backcountry trail that descends into the canyon. It is 23 miles long and extends all the way to Bryce Point. This trail requires preparation; permits are necessary for overnight camping.
Bryce Canyon national park entrance fees
While there is no specific ticket for Rainbow Point, you must pay the national park entrance fee to access the scenic drive.
| Pass type | Price (checked December 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle pass | $35.00 | Valid for 7 days; covers everyone in the car. |
| Motorcycle pass | $30.00 | Valid for 7 days. |
| Per person (walk-in/bike) | $20.00 | Valid for 7 days; for those entering without a car. |
| America the beautiful annual pass | $80.00 | Valid for all US National Parks and federal recreation lands for one year. |
Important notice for international visitors (non-US residents): Effective January 1, 2026, an additional per-person surcharge of $100 will apply to non-residents aged 16 and older at certain parks, including Bryce Canyon. This is charged in addition to the standard entrance fee. Non-residents planning multiple park visits may benefit from the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which is slated to increase to $250.
You can purchase passes at the park entrance station or online at Recreation.gov to save time at the gate.
Accessibility and facilities at Rainbow Point
- Wheelchair access: The viewpoint at Rainbow Point is paved and considered accessible, as is the shared path to Yovimpa Point. The path from the parking lot to the lower viewing rail does slope downward.
- Restrooms: There are public restrooms located at the parking lot. These facilities are generally open seasonally but may close in deep winter due to freezing pipes.
- Water and food: There are no food services or water filling stations at Rainbow Point. Fill your bottles at the Visitor Center or Sunset Point before driving up.
Best time to visit Rainbow Point
The best time to visit Rainbow Point is early morning.
Because the view faces north, the sun is behind you for much of the day, illuminating the distant cliffs, which is optimal for photography. Additionally, arriving before 9:00 am ensures you get a parking space before the mid-day rush.
In winter, the road to Rainbow Point is plowed, but it can close temporarily during and immediately after heavy snowstorms. Always check the current conditions at the Visitor Center before driving the 18 miles south.
FAQ: Practical visitor questions about Rainbow Point
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does the shuttle go to Rainbow Point? | No. The free park shuttle loop only serves the Amphitheater area. You must drive your own vehicle to reach it. |
| Is it worth the drive? | Yes. The view is significantly different from the main amphitheater, and the Bristlecone Loop offers a chance to see 1,800-year-old trees. |
| Can I park an RV there? | Yes. Oversized vehicle parking is available, though spaces are limited. |
| How long does the drive take? | It takes about 30–40 minutes to drive the 18 miles from the park entrance to Rainbow Point. |
| Are there food options? | No. There is no food or water available at Rainbow Point. |
More Utah travel
Other Utah travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Driving Utah Highway 12 – one of America’s most spectacular drives.
- A taste of cowboy country at the Bryce Canyon City Rodeo.
- Practical guide to the Navajo Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park.
- Practical guide to Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park.
- First time visitor’s guide to Dead Horse Point State Park.
