Along the road to Rainbow Point are numerous lookouts over other amphitheaters in the park – Swamp Canyon, Farview Point, Natural Bridge, Aqua Canyon, and Ponderosa Canyon. Each affords a little different view of the wonderful geology and distant landscapes. Each viewpoint is worthwhile though none are as dramatic as the views over the main amphitheater.
Swamp Canyon appears relatively small and sheltered from the overlook, bounded on both sides by fins and hoodoos. Many people assume that Swamp Canyon must be a misnomer, but compared to the rest of the park it is a virtual wetland. Here, below the rim, two tiny creeks and a spring provide enough water to sustain more lush vegetation like grasses and willows.
Farview Point is appropriately named, with spectacular views of famous landmarks that make up the Grand Staircase. These magnificent views result from Bryce Canyon's extremely high air quality, with potential visibility as far away as the Black Mesas in Arizona — up to 160 miles! Navajo Mountain, 90 miles away on the border of Utah and Arizona, can be seen on all but the worst days.
In reality, Natural Bridge belongs to the classes of arches. It has been formed by the constant erosion of water (as streams or rivers), which was even easier in Natural Bridges case, as it is standing at the top of a steep gully, where the washed-out rock is swept away quite quickly.
Aqua Canyon has one of the best views of the park. Unlike in the main amphitheater, the hoodoos are not lined up uniformly. Here they are scattered among the trees that share a portion of this landscape. The color contrast and diversity of landscape are Aqua Canyon's most striking features.
Ponderosa Point is overlooking Ponderosa Canyon, named because of the huge Ponderosa Pines on the canyon floor. Some of these trees measure more than 5 foot in diameter and exceed heights of 150 foot. However from high above at the viewpoint you would never know this.
Directions
Those viewpoints are on the main road on your way to or from Rainbow Point.
