Bryce Canyon Road Mile 2.9 to 17.4

The Bryce Canyon Road continues on. For the previous section, see Bryce Canyon Road Part 1

A parking area for the Swamp Canyon and Sheep Creek Connecting Trails is on the left. This area ia mainly of interest for backpackers descending to the Under-the-Rim Trail.

Another parking area is on the left for the Whiteman Connecting Trail. As above, this area is intended for backpackers headed for the Under-the-Rim Trail.

The first major viewpoint on the main road, Farview Point, is on the left. As its name implies, this vista point allows a far-reaching view usually extending all the way to the Kaibab Plateau of the Grand Canyon North Rim far to the southeast.

A small parking area for Natural Bridge is on the left. This is a stop everyone should make, as it allows a relatively close view of a large arch formation.

Another small parking area for the Agua Canyon viewpoint is on the left. This is one of the most scenic spots in the upper half of the park.

Next is Ponderosa Point, an overlook into the Ponderosa Canyon. Along with the scenery, there is the Agua Canyon Connecting Trail, leading to the Under-the-Rim Trail.

Yet another viewpoint to the left is here, signed for Black Birch Canyon. Frequently overlooked by visitors, this is one of the more scenic spots in the park.

The road ends at the Rainbow Point area, the highest point reached by road in the park at 9,115 feet. The other end of the Under-the-Rim Trail lies here, as does the starting point of the Riggs Spring Loop Trail. Both of these trails are backcountry overnight experiences. A trail heading off to the right from Rainbow Point is the Bristlecone Loop Trail. This short and relatively easy hike leads to an overlook and examples of the bristlecone pine tree (pictured right), found in only a few places in the western US. These trees can live for thousands of years, often appearing dead to the eye. Another viewpoint, Yovimpa Point, can also be reached off of this loop trail, or from the Rainbow Point parking area.