Which hike/campsite has the best views of Bryce Canyon?

I did some hiking at Bryce last fall. I did a day hike from Bryce Point to Sunset Point via the Peek-a-boo and Navajo Trails. This was an excellent high with truely amazing views of the various rock formations and famous features (wall of windows, Wall Street, etc).

I did not do the trails that you specifically mention, but did drive around to some of the other overlooks and read up on some of the other trails (backpacking the full length of the park along the Under the Rim trail is on my list of things to do).

As you probably know, the Riggs Spring Loop trail is much shorter (8.8 miles RT) and stays in a smaller area on the extreme southern part of the park. Molvar and Martin describe the trail as being mostly through wooded areas (limited views). Of the 3 campsites along the way, they say Yovimpa Pass is the least pretty due to an old gravel road and nearby pumping station.

The Under the Rim trail is the monster trail of the park and the only one longest enough for a true multi-day backpack. It is 23 miles one way from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point and you would need to work out some sort of transportation arrangement between the trailheads. You could add this route on to the Riggs Spring Loop (they meet at Rainbow Point).

Note that while both of these trails should go through some pretty country and have nice views of the cliffs, they do not go through the main basin ('Bryce Canyon' proper) where most of the famous postcard views are. That area has no campsites and is used mostly for day hiking (definitely should check it out while you are there).

Any camping in the park must be limited to predefined campsites and will require permits. Much of the area is heavily wooded, and so (judging from Molvar and Martin) most of the campsites are very pretty, but do not have clear views of the cliffs from camp.

I have not driven the road from Tropic to the park boundary, but the National Geographic map indicates it as being an improved dirt road (generally means suitable for non-4x4).

Sorry, I could not give you more detailed or first-person info on your trails, but hopefully this helps.

Remember, you don't have to out-run the bear,you just have to out run the guy in front of you!.