Inspiration Point

The basics

Most tours to Bryce Canyon National Park include a stop at Inspiration Point, as it’s among the top viewpoints in the park. Options include full-day small-group tours from Las Vegas (some of which also visit nearby Zion National Park) and longer, multi-day tours that visit all five of Utah’s national parks. If you prefer to visit Inspiration Point independently, download a driving tour app before you set out.

Things to know before you go

• Inspiration Point is a must-see for first-time visitors to the park and for photographers.

• Vault toilets are available at the Inspiration Point parking lot.

• Inspiration Point is wheelchair accessible, with a sloped sidewalk that leads from the parking lot to the lower overlook. Note, however, that the middle and upper overlooks can only be reached via an unpaved trail.

How to get there

Inspiration Point is a 7-minute drive southeast of the Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center, and has a paved parking area so that people with their own cars can drive right up. Spots can be limited, though, so you may be better off taking the Bryce Canyon shuttle bus (Inspiration Point is stop number 9).

When to get there

The best time to visit Inspiration Park (and Bryce Canyon National Park in general) is during the slightly cooler April and October shoulder seasons. Access can be limited during the winter, when there’s often snow and ice on the ground and trails close. Head to Inspiration Point early to catch sunrise views, but expect crowds during the busy summer season.

What are hoodoos?

Also sometimes called "fairy chimneys" and "tent rocks," hoodoos are tall, pole-like rock formations created by erosion. They’re similar to pinnacles, except that they’re often more tower-like, whereas pinnacles tend to be pointier at the top. While hoodoos are a key attraction in Bryce Canyon, they’re also found in desert areas elsewhere in Utah and beyond.