Working slowly back towards the main entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park on that frosty cold December morning after Rainbow Point, Yovimpa Point, and Black Birch Canyon, the next stop was Ponderosa Point.
Ponderosa Point at Bryce Canyon National Park
Access to Ponderosa Point — whose lookout is at an elevation of 8,904 feet above sea level — is a very quick and easy walk from the small parking area along the side of the main road of Bryce Canyon National Park. The view can even be seen from a vehicle in the parking area — although leaving the vehicle is preferable.
Ponderosa Point is one of nine viewpoints along the Southern Scenic Drive of Bryce Canyon National Park; and it overlooks Ponderosa Canyon.
Visitors must drive approximately 13.8 miles from the entrance to get to Ponderosa Point.
Ponderosa Canyon is so named because of the enormous ponderosa pine trees along the canyon floor.
Some of the ponderosa pine trees in Ponderosa Canyon measure greater than five feet in diameter; and they can exceed 150 feet in height.
Final Boarding Call
As with almost anything else found at Bryce Canyon National Park, the views from Ponderosa Point were breathtaking.
Agua Canyon is the logical next stop after visiting Ponderosa Point.
Bryce Canyon National Park celebrated 100 years of existence in 2023; and it is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Bryce Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 640201
Bryce, Utah 84764
435-834-5322
Credit cards are accepted.
All Weekly Passes are valid for seven days.
Weekly passes are non-transferable and are valid for seven consecutive days — including the date of purchase. Weekly passes may be upgraded to annual passes within seven days of purchase.
- Private Vehicle: $35.00. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle with a maximum capacity of 15 passengers and all occupants.
- Motorcycle: $30.00. Admits one non-commercial motorcycle.
- Per Person: $20.00. Admits one individual with no car. This weekly pass is typically used for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Youth 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge.
- Non-Commercial Organized Groups. Organized groups such as Scouts, Rotary, Clubs, Youth Groups, Churches, Reunions, etc. that do not qualify for an Academic Fee Waiver are charged as follows:
- $35.00 Admits private, non-commercial vehicle with a maximum capacity of 15 passengers.
- $20.00 per person for non-commercial vehicles with a minimum capacity of 16 passengers. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. The pass and photographic identification must be present upon entry.
Please refer to the National Parks of Utah and Colorado: Itinerary and Master Guide article — which is still a work in progress — for links to other articles at The Gate With Brian Cohen which pertain to the national parks of Utah and Colorado.
All photographs ©2020 by Brian Cohen.
