Two of Bryce Canyon’s most famous and unusual hoodoos, or rock spires, are the most famous attractions of Agua Canyon. There was once a concerted effort to name all of the hoodoos in the park, similar to constellations, but like the rock itself, many of the names have worn away. In Agua Canyon, however, the Hunter and the Rabbit have kept their names and their status. Their names may require a bit of squinting to understand. Look for the distinct stooped back of the Rabbit and the trees growing on the Hunter’s head. Give your own names to some of the hundreds of other hoodoos that stand nearby.
Park the car off the scenic drive and step out into the brisk air made thin by the 8,800 feet (2,700 meters) of elevation. Traipse down the paved path lined with trees, then stare ahead as the canyon itself opens up. Admire the way the almost pink hoodoos and cliff walls contrast with the bright blue sky and the dark green pines on the canyon floor.
Bring a pair of binoculars and look into the sky, where ospreys soar between long commutes for fishing in lakes miles away. If you’re lucky, spot one of the recently reintroduced California condors and note its incredibly large wingspan. Look out into the distance, where, on a clear day, the expanse of the Grand Staircase and the densely packed trees of Dixie National Forest are visible.
Find the Agua Canyon viewpoint along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive that goes through the center of the park. It is located at the southern end, near Rainbow Point. Drive to the lookout in 25 minutes from Bryce, near the park entrance. There is no regular shuttle stop at this lookout, but a free bus tour visits each stop, leaving from the park entrance, every day twice a day. There is a parking area with no facilities.
To drive to the Agua Canyon viewpoint you will need to buy an admission ticket for Bryce Canyon National Park. The path from the parking area to the lookout is handicap accessible.
