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Sunset
Point offers vistas of some of the most famous and breathtaking of Bryce
Canyon's hoodoos. Directly below the point and to the south, the Silent
City rises from the canyon floor, a maze of hoodoos and fins packed in
tight formation. Just below the overlook on the northern edge, Thor's
Hammer stands alone. Striking in form due to its isolation from other
hoodoos, Thor's Hammer is a favorite among visitors.
Geology
Nowhere are the colors of Bryce Canyon's rock better displayed than from
Sunset Point. Called the Claron Formation, this worldly unique rock is
primarily composed of limestone deposited approximately 50 million years
ago in a large freshwater lake, known to geologists as Lake Claron. Iron
oxide minerals supply the vibrant red, oranges, and yellows of the lower
half of the cliffs which geologists call the Pink Member. As its geologic
names suggest, here too patches of pink and purple caused by manganese
oxides add to the rainbow of color. The change from orange to white marks
the beginning of the Upper Member. This section of limestone is more pure,
its lack of color is caused by a lack of mineral impurities.
Nature
Sunset Point is a wonderful place for watching birds. Here Violet-green
Swallows, Cliff Swallows, and White-throated Swifts patrol the cliffs and
hoodoos for insects that they devour on the wing. Clark's Nutcrackers, and
Steller's Jays split open pinecones in search of nuts. Ravens and Hawks
play in the thermals of the cliffs.
Trails
The Navajo Loop Trail descends from Sunset Point through the slot canyon
of Wall Street, where a 450-year-old Douglas-fir reaches upward toward the
sunlight at the top of the canyon. The Navajo Loop is the most popular
trail in the park, and is often combined with the Queen's Garden Trail to
form a longer loop that passes through the Queen's Garden and emerges onto
the rim at Sunrise Point. From here two very scenic and easy strolls can
be taken as part of the
Rim Trail. A ½-mile walk to the north on a wheelchair accessible trail
and you arrive at Sunset Point. Walking ¾ of mile to the south across
gently rolling terrain takes you to Inspiration Point.
Services
Restrooms & Drinking Water
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