Agua Canyon Overlook – spots not to miss on the Bryce Scenic Drive
Agua Canyon Overlook is another one of the stunning viewpoints in Bryce Canyon National Park that you shouldn’t miss.
Agua Canyon Overlook in Bryce Canyon National Park is one that you definitely make time for on your trip!
The views up and down the canyon are simply some of the most incredible you’ll ever see and I spent weeks touring all the state parks and national parks of Utah and this is honestly probably my favourite.
There are two Hoodoos you can’t miss at Agua Canyon Overlook – The Hunter and The Rabbit.
The landscape is the most jaw dropping, the most dramatic and the formation of the hoodoos is like nothing Iāve ever seen.
So definitely make a stop to the Agua Canyon Overlook because this is a roadside viewpoint that you can simply drive up to that you wonāt regret.
If you’re doing a Utah Road Trip, check out some of my other Utah articles, including the Rainbow Hills, Zion Hikes and Glamping in the region.
Quick Mini Guide To Bryce
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Bryce National Park.
Where to stay
- Bubble dome Glamp and Camp
- Best Western – The closest hotel to the entrance of Bryce.
Best Hikes & When to go
Wall Street, Navajo Trail, the Queens Garden. It’s best to go in Spring or Autumn. The summer becomes very hot & busy, so visit after 4pm.
Bryce Entry Fee
Private Vehicle: $35 for a 7-day pass, $20 for individuals
Car rental
Public transport is limited so car rental is your best option. Consider getting a 4×4 for any dirt roads.
Best Tours
- Hiking Tour
- Off roading ATV in Bryce
- Horse riding the trails.
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Agua canyon overlook
The Agua canyon overlook is one of the stunning stops on the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. If you’re interested in the other viewpoints along the way, have a look at the Swamp Canyon Overlook, Ponderosa Canyon, Bryce Natural Bridge, the Pink Cliffs and Rainbow Point.
Agua Canyon Overlook is one of my favorite spots in the park, with incredible views of funky and unusual rock formations, including two standout hoodoos called “The Hunter” and “The Rabbit.”
It’s about 13 miles south of the Visitor Center and sits at an elevation of 8,800 feet, so the views are pretty breathtaking.
You can easily get there by car, and if you’re using the park shuttle, it stops there too during the season. There’s a parking area, and some interpretive signs that give you a bit of background on the geology and history of the area. While there aren’t any specific hiking trails starting from the overlook, itās perfect for a scenic stop. Trust me, itās an amazing spot for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset. Donāt miss it!
There are a few sights to see:
The Hunter Hoodoo
Definitely a little standout hoodoo that you need to spot (similar to Thor’s Hammer!). But this one is a drive by viewpoint with no hiking involved.
The Rabbit Hoodoo
Definitely a little standout and brightly coloured hoodoo that you can’t miss. This one is another drive by viewpoint with no hiking involved.
Things to note before you go
- There is not a ton of parking at Agua Canyon Overlook, so bear that in mind if going at peak times.
- Get the shuttle bus on busy days, free with park entry run from the Visitors Centre, run by the National Park Service.
- Bring your camera! There are a lot of little angles to photograph when youāre at Swamp Canyon overlook.
- Bring more water than you think you need, especially in the summer! You can fill up at the Visitors Centre.
- Just make sure you take five minutes to take it all in soak up with reviews soak up the incredible viewpoints.
Shuttle Bus times
Bryce Canyon National Park runs a free shuttle bus from mid-April through mid-October. The shuttle generally runs on the following schedule:
- Early Morning: Begins around 8:00 AM and every 15-20 minutes thereafter
- Late Evening: Ends around 6:00 PM
It stops at major viewpoints and trailheads including the Visitor Center, Bryce Amphitheater, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point.
Hiking Trails at Agua Canyon Overlook
With less signage, I strongly recommend you carry a map and any other offline means of navigation.
Agua Canyon Overlook in Bryce Canyon National Park does not have any designated hiking trails starting directly from the overlook itself. However, here are some nearby hiking trails you might want to do.
- Rim Trail:
- Type: Easy to Moderate Hiking
- Duration: Varies depending on section hiked
- Distance: 11 miles (17.7 km) one-way (can be hiked in shorter sections)
- Description: This trail runs along the rim of Bryce Canyon, offering stunning views of the hoodoos and rock formations. Sections of the Rim Trail are accessible from various overlooks, though it does not connect directly to Agua Canyon.
- Peekaboo Loop Trail:
- Type: Strenuous Hiking
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km) loop
- Description: Accessible from Bryce Point, which is a short drive from Agua Canyon Bryce Overlook. This trail takes hikers through the heart of Bryce Amphitheater, past spectacular hoodoos and rock formations.
- Fairyland Loop Trail:
- Type: Strenuous Hiking
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) loop
- Description: Begins at Fairyland Point or Sunrise Point, not far from Agua Canyon. This trail offers a less crowded experience with fantastic views of unique rock formations.
the Bryce Scenic Drive
A lot of people go straight to hike the Navajo trail, or look at Sunrise point or Sunset point. And they miss the whole scenic drive that takes you to the very end of Bryce Canyon, which is Rainbow point and Yovimpa point.
- Duration: 2-12 Hours (depending on whether you hike any of the trails).
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
The Bryce Scenic Drive is definitely one not to miss. This is a 18-mile drive and starts at the park entrance in the north of the National Park and will take you all the way to Rainbow and Yovimpa Points. Rainbow Point is right at the southern end of Bryce Canyon National Park.
It’s a fantastic way to see all the incredible viewpoints in Bryce.
Along the way, you’ll pass the Bryce Amphitheater area within the first 3 miles, where you’ll find popular spots like Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point (most people don’t go beyond that!).
After that, the next 15 miles take you through the Southern Scenic Drive, which has 9 scenic overlooks and several roadside stops for vehicles.
The drive is accessible year-round, and pets are allowed, making it a great option no matter the season. Whether you have just a couple of hours or a full day, the Bryce Scenic Drive is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Agua Canyon Overlook facts
- Location: Agua Canyon Overlook is situated along the main park road, approximately 13 miles south of the Visitor Center.
- Elevation: The overlook is at an elevation of around 8,800 feet (2,682 meters).
- Views: The overlook provides stunning views of hoodoos and other rock formations, including two prominent hoodoos named “The Hunter” and “The Rabbit” (or “Backpacker”).
- Accessibility: The overlook is easily accessible by car and is part of the park’s shuttle route during the operating season.
- Amenities: The overlook has a parking area and is equipped with interpretive signs that provide information about the geology and natural history of the area.
- Hiking: While there are no specific hiking trails that start directly from Agua Canyon Overlook, the viewpoint is a great stop along the scenic drive to take in the beauty of the park and enjoy the unique rock formations.
- History: Bryce Canyon was named after Ebeneezer Bryce, one of the early settlers in the region.
Weather in Utah
Be wary of the weather in Utah, it’s so diverse! In the winter, it is literally freezing.
In the summer it is literally boiling, and it can actually be difficult to be out in the middle of the day. Whatever the time of year you visit, be prepared, whether that’s water bottles, or extra layers to keep warm.
Utah Weather in January
- Average temperature: -1Ā°C (30Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 10
- Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
Utah Weather in February
- Average temperature: 2Ā°C (35Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 11
- Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:00 PM
Utah Weather in March
- Average temperature: 7Ā°C (45Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 6
- Average daylight hours: 12
- Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
Utah Weather in April
- Average temperature: 11Ā°C (52Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 6
- Average daylight hours: 13
- Average sunrise time: 6:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 7:30 PM
Utah Weather in May
- Average temperature: 16Ā°C (61Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 14
- Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:00 PM
Utah Weather in June
- Average temperature: 21Ā°C (70Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 3
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:45 PM
Utah Weather in July
- Average temperature: 26Ā°C (79Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:45 PM
Utah Weather in August
- Average temperature: 24Ā°C (75Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 14
- Average sunrise time: 6:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:30 PM
Utah Weather in September
- Average temperature: 19Ā°C (66Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 12
- Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 7:30 PM
Utah Weather in October
- Average temperature: 12Ā°C (54Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 11
- Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
Utah Weather in November
- Average temperature: 5Ā°C (41Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 10
- Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:00 PM
Utah Weather in December
- Average temperature: -1Ā°C (30Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 9
- Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:00 PM
Certainly a bucket list Utah Road Trip. Have a look at my other USA articles that you might find interesting:
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