This is where you want to find yourself when the world begins to wake…read more
If you're staying at the lodge, it's under a five-minute walk. I usually rise about an hour before sunrise, brew a cup of coffee, unless it's already waiting at the front desk, throw on some layers, and make my way to the rim to see what the sky has in store.
This point offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Bryce Amphitheater, where thousands of hoodoos ignite in fiery hues as the morning sun climbs. With each passing minute, the colors shift and the sky begins to paint itself.
It's quiet and peaceful. Most visitors are still tucked into their warm beds, and for the few who stand beside me in the cold, I offer a knowing smile. We understand what it means to be here, to witness a moment that will live in our hearts long after the day has passed.
From this vantage, you can access the Rim Trail, descend into Queen's Garden, or connect to the Navajo Loop for a variety of scenic hikes. As always, check trail conditions on the National Park website, especially if you're visiting in fall or winter when closures are more common.