Inspiration Point is a series of three beautiful viewpoints in Bryce Canyon National Park in an easy 0.6 mile hike.
Lower Inspiration Point
There is a very short walk to the parking lot to get to Lower Inspiration Point. There are railings at all the viewpoints, but none in between. The path is far from the edge, but hold hands of children. This path isn’t paved like Bryce Point or Sunrise to Sunset Points, but is packed earth. Since it had rained and snowed a few days prior, the path was a bit muddy, but it was easy enough to skirt.
Lower Inspiration Point is on the left side of the viewpoint, so you have the best view of the northern spires. These cool hoodoos were mostly created from ice-wedging. During the day, the snow and ice fell down in the cracks of the rock and then at night it would freeze and expand. That process created these amazing Bryce Canyon hoodoos.
Mid Inspiration Point
If you head up the hill about 0.1 mile, then you get to Mid Inspiration Point. This is towards the middle of the amphitheater, so you get great views north and south.
This is a spectacular spot to view the sunrise! Here is looking northeast at the canyon starting to light up.
Here is looking southeast as the sun is rising.
Upper Inspiration Point
On the way to Upper Inspiration Point, we passed this cool tree. It’s amazing how it stays sturdy on the canyon with so many roots exposed. In the first image you can see Upper Inspiration Point in the background.
The path heads up through the trees to the higher viewpoint.
Here is the view looking south at the viewpoint.
This photo is looking straight out.
Here is the view looking north. Mid and Lower Inspiration Points are to the left of this photo.
Here is a detail of one of the hoodoo “castles” we could see and a family photo, both taken at Upper Inspiration Point.
Next to the Upper Inspiration Viewpoint is also the rim trail towards Bryce Point. Near Lower Inspiration Point is the rim trail towards Sunset Point.
The Inspiration hike is uphill, but very short. With the rests in between to take in the view, the majority of people can do this hike.
Stats: Distance – .06 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 15-60 minutes
Elevation gain – 134 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – Pit toilets (flush ones nearby at Sunset or Sunrise Points)
Seasons to hike – Year Round (use micro-spikes when icy or snowy)
Permits needed – $35 per vehicle for 7-day pass or National Parks Pass
Pets allowed – No
Other trails nearby are Bryce Point, Sunset to Sunrise and Navajo Loop / Queen’s Garden Trail. Just outside Bryce Canyon National Park are Pink Ledges in Red Canyon and Mossy Cave Trail.
