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Bryce Canyon National Park

Hiking

This page presents information on the many trails within Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah.

Trails ranging from easy to strenuous wind along the canyon rims and into the canyons. There are close-up views of the park's geology and excellent photographic opportunities along all of the park's trails. Ask at the Visitor Center for current trail information. During the peak season there is a shuttle system in place. Hitchhiking is prohibited within the park. Wear hiking boots with good traction. Carry and drink plenty of water. Park elevations reach over 9100 feet. If you are not accustomed to high altitudes, even mild exertion may leave you feeling light-headed and nauseated.

Backcountry camping is allowed on a limited basis and only at designated campsites. A $5.00 backcountry permit is required. Permits are issued at the Visitor Center from 8:00 a.m. until two hours before sunset. Campfires are not allowed in the backcountry.

Water sources are unreliable and are not maintained or tested for bacterial contamination or heavy metals. Each person should carry a minimum of one gallon of water from an approved drinking water source for each day they are in the backcountry.

There are approximately 61 miles of trails. Most of the hiking is moderately difficult, with many ups and downs, but the trails are well graded and signed. There is little vegetation along most trails, so protection from the sun is necessary.

Stop at the Visitor Center and talk to a ranger before making any overnight trip into the backcountry. Maps and other information concerning trails, campsites, water availability, and backcountry regulations are available at the Visitor Center.

See Bryce Canyon National Park Hiking page.
See Bryce Canyon National Park Backcountry Hiking Guide and Map.
See our Backpacking Tips.
See our Day Hiking Tips.

Hiked

Check our personal notes for detailed descriptions of these trails:

Bristlecone Loop Trail
Distance:	1 mile loop	Rating:
Elevation:		Total Ascent:	100 feet
Trailhead:
Description:	You will hike through dense spruce-fir forests to exposed cliffs where Bristlecone pines survive and the distant views are exceptional. ( Map )

Fairyland Loop
Distance:	8.3 miles loop	Rating:	Strenuous
Elevation:		Total Ascent:	900 feet
Trailhead:	Start at either Fairyland View or just north of Sunrise Point and hike into Fairyland and Campbell Canyons.
Description:	Around the base of Boat Mesa. This is a less crowded trail, dotted with juniper and mountain mahogany. ( Map )

Hat Shop Trail
Distance:	3.8 miles one way	Rating:	Strenuous
Elevation:		Total Ascent:	900 feet
Trailhead:	Bryce Point.
Description:	This trail leads from Bryce Point to the Hat Shop, where hard gray caps balance precariously on top of narrow pedestals of softer rust-colored rock. This trail is a steep climb back. ( Map )

Navajo Loop
Distance:	1.4 mile loop	Rating:	Moderately Strenuous
Elevation:		Total Ascent:	521 feet
Trailhead:
Description:	A series of switchbacks leads to Wall Street, a narrow canyon with high rock walls and Douglas fir trees. The northern section of the trail affords close-up views of Thor's Hammer. ( Map )

Navajo Loop / Queen's Garden Combination
Distance:	2.9 mile loop	Rating:	Moderately Strenuous
Elevation:		Total Ascent:	521 feet
Trailhead:
Description:	Combine the two trails with a connecting trail that winds along the canyon floor through an open forest of pine and juniper. Hike the rim back to your starting point. This loop has some of the best scenery in the canyon. ( Map )

Peekaboo Loop
Distance:	6.8 mile loop	Rating:	Strenuous
Elevation:		Total Ascent:	800 feet
Trailhead:
Description:	Includes a steep hike past the Wall of Windows, the Three Wise Men, and the Peekaboo box canyon. The trail is also used by horses in the summer and fall. Pit toilets and a picnic area are available at the bottom. ( Map )

Queen's Garden
Distance:	1.8 miles one way	Rating:	Moderate
Elevation:		Total Ascent:	320 feet
Trailhead:
Description:	Considered the easiest trail for descending below the rim. Portals carved into the rock offer the opportunity to see formations in the shapes of Queen Victoria and her "garden." ( Map )

Riggs Spring Loop
Distance:	8.8 mile loop	Rating:	Moderate
Elevation:		Total Ascent:
Trailhead:	The trailhead is at Rainbow Point.
Description:	This trail traverses above and below the Pink Cliffs at the southern edge of Bryce Canyon. ( Map )

Rim Trail
Distance:	11 miles one way	Rating:	Easy to Moderate
Elevation:		Total Ascent:	550 feet
Trailhead:	The trail parallels Bryce Amphitheater, between Fairyland and Bryce points, with several points of access.
Description:	Hike all or part of this trail for outstanding views of Hoodoos from above, as well as panoramic vistas of over 100 miles. The section between Sunset and Sunrise Points is paved and fairly level. ( Map 1 ) ( Map 2 )

Swamp Canyon / Under-the-Rim / Sheep Creek
Distance:	3.2 mile loop	Rating:
Elevation:		Total Ascent:
Trailhead:
Description:	( Map )

Tower Bridge
Distance:	3.8 miles one way	Rating:	Strenuous
Elevation:		Total Ascent:	800 feet
Trailhead:	Start just north of Sunrise Point.
Description:	Descend past Bristlecone pines and the Chinese Wall along this beautiful stretch of the Fairyland Trail. Follow a .25 miles shady side trail south to the bridge. ( Map )

Under-the-Rim Trail
Distance:	23 miles one way	Rating:	Moderately Strenuous
Elevation:		Total Ascent:
Trailhead:	Rainbow Point and Bryce Point.
Description:	This hike follows the foot of the Pink Cliffs through the southern reaches of Bryce Canyon. It's best to begin at Rainbow Point and climb out at Bryce Point. ( Map )

Whiteman Connecting Trail
Distance:	.9 miles one way	Rating:	Easy to Moderate
Elevation:		Total Ascent:
Trailhead:
Description:	This trail connects the park road to the Under-the-Rim Trail near the Swamp Canyon campsite. This trail is easy going east and moderate heading west. ( Map )

Not Hiked

Agua Canyon Connecting Trail
Mossy Cave
Yovimpa Point Loop Trail

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