Black Birch Canyon: A stunning spot on the Southern Scenic Drive

ByAdriana for Wanderlicious

I just got back from Bryce Canyon National Park, and I have to tell you about Black Birch Canyon, which is one of the stops on the Southern Scenic Drive.

This spot is a gem where you see vibrant orange, pink and red hoodoos, at mile 16.5, making it one of the key viewpoints to stop at, especially if you’re coming back from Rainbow and Yovimpa Points. The landscape is bizarre, spectacular & otherworldly.

If you have time at your trip to Bryce National Park, you should definitely do the Southern Scenic Drive down to Rainbow Point. There are plenty of viewpoints and overlooks along the way that’s the perfect place for sightseeing and photography.

Doing a road trip around Utah? Have a look at my other travel guides on the Mighty Five, plus more, including:

  • Zion National Park
  • Arches National Park
  • Canyonlands National Park
    Capitol Reef National Park
  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and much more.

Quick Mini Guide To Bryce

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Bryce National Park.

Sunset Point at Bryce Canyon National Park

Where to stay

Best Hikes & When to go

Wall Street, Navajo Trail, the Queen’s Garden Trails. 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

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Black Birch Canyon Overlook

When you get there, you’ll be greeted by these incredible glowing limestone cliffs that rise high above a lush, forested canyon. Vibrant oranges, pink hues, reds and of course, the greens of the forest that carpet the landscape. It’s a sight that makes you appreciate the natural beauty and the unique landscape features of Bryce Canyon.

Quick Facts

  • Location: Mile 16.5 of the 18-mile Scenic Southern Drive
  • Significance: One of nine breathtaking viewpoints along the drive
  • Amenities: Limited, so plan accordingly
Black Birch Canyon
Black Birch Canyon

What’s in a Name?

The name “Black Birch Canyon” is actually a bit misleading. You won’t find black birch trees here since they’re native to the east. Instead, it’s thought that the early explorers mistook quaking aspen for black birch. Aspens have smooth, non-peeling bark and their leaves are perfectly flat, unlike birch leaves which have a slight “V” shape and a papery bark.

Hiking Trails near Black Birch Canyon

Unfortunately, there aren’t any trail loops that start from Black Birch Canyon. It’s more of a scenic overlook than a starting point for a hike. But donā€™t let that discourage you ā€“ the views alone are worth the stop.

You’re very close to a bunch of other viewpoints hiking trails in Bryce National Park:

Landscape Features

  • Elevation: 8750 feet or 2667 meters high.
  • To the South: You can see the hoodoos, those iconic rock spires, eroded from the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Below, there’s a dense forest of pine and fir trees, about 1,000 feet down.
  • To the Southeast: On a clear day, you can spot Navajo Mountain, about 80 miles away near Page, Arizona. Itā€™s fascinating because itā€™s a laccolith ā€“ a volcanic formation that never erupted.
  • To the East: Youā€™ll gaze over the Paria Valley and see the upper steps of the Grand Staircase. The Table Cliff plateau, standing at 10,000 feet, is part of this view. This whole area is shaped by the Paunsaugunt fault, giving a dramatic rise to the cliffs.
  • To the North: You can see the eroded edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, along with the Tushar Mountains and Sevier Plateau in the distance, both formed through volcanic activity.
  • To the West: Here, the rolling ponderosa forests are deeply carved by water flowing north to the Tropic Reservoir. The plateau tilts south, creating a natural rain divide between the Great Basin of Nevada and the Colorado River.
Black Birch Canyon
Black Birch Canyon

Tips for Your Visit

  • Parking: There’s limited parking, so try to visit during off-peak hours. I went late afternoon and it was fine!
  • Shuttle: On busy days, use the free shuttle bus from the Visitor Center ā€“ itā€™s convenient and stress-free.
  • Hydration: Bring more water than you think you need, especially in summer. You can refill at the Visitor Center.
  • Camera: Donā€™t forget your camera. The angles and lighting here make for some spectacular photos.
  • Soak it In: Take a few moments to just soak in the views. Itā€™s a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience.
Black Birch Canyon
Black Birch Canyon

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

You definitely donā€™t want to miss the Bryce Scenic Drive. This 18-mile journey starts at the park entrance in the north and takes you all the way to Rainbow and Yovimpa Points at the southern end of Bryce Canyon National Park.

It’s the perfect way to experience all the stunning viewpoints Bryce has to offer.

Within the first 3 miles, youā€™ll drive through the Bryce Amphitheater area, where you can stop at popular spots like Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point. These are must-see locations, and many visitors donā€™t venture beyond this area.

I can understand why – it’s beautiful and has some of the best viewpoints with all the hoodoos, but don’t miss the scenic drive too! It’s very little effort thanks to the cool drive in the AC (or heat if you’re in Winter).

However, if you continue, the next 15 miles of the Southern Scenic Drive will treat you to 9 additional scenic overlooks and several roadside stops.

This drive is accessible year-round and pet-friendly, making it a fantastic option no matter the season. Whether you have just a couple of hours or an entire day, the Bryce Scenic Drive is a wonderful way to spend your time and take in the breathtaking beauty of the park.

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:

Things to do in Phoenix

Best Wineries with lodging in the USA

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Hi, I'm Adriana, a multi award winning UK travel blogger!

I grew up in Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England, and I got the travel bug from a young age. I love sharing travel guides so you know the most incredible places to visit and best places to stay.

I go out of my way to find the most beautiful spots in the world so I can share it with all of you!

I have an enthusiastic zest for life and I am the eternal optimist. Iā€™m quick to smile, quick to love and always looking for an adventure.

I also make travel videos on social media (265k+) Instagram (@wander.licious) and TikTok (wanderlicious.adri), come say hi!

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