Bryce Canyon National Park Hiking

Day Hikes in Bryce Amphitheater: The easiest trail is the 1/2-mile (one way) section of Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points. Other sections of the Rim Trail (which extends 5.5 miles / 9.2 km between Fairyland and Bryce Points ) have steeper terrain. The Wall Street Side of the Navajo Loop is now open while the Thor's Hammer side remains closed for repairs.

Day-hiking trails at Bryce Canyon Include:

Upper Inspiration Point (.3 miles / .5 km round trip)

Mossy Cave (.9 miles / 1.5 km round trip)

Bristlecone Loop (1.0 miles / 1.6 km round trip)

Navajo Loop (1.3 miles / 2.2 km round trip)

Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop Combination (2.9 miles / 4.6 km round trip)

Tower Bridge (3 miles / 4.8 km round trip)

Hat Shop (4 miles / 6.5 km round trip)

Swamp Canyon Loop (4.3 miles / 7.2 km round trip)

Peekaboo Loop (5.5 miles / 8.8 km round trip)

Fairyland Loop (8 miles / 12.9 km round trip)

Bryce Canyon National Park is in the southwestern corner of Utah, near Zion and Cedar Breaks. Most of the park is above 8000 feet elevation, so the air is clear and the views long. Bryce Canyon is famous for its odd, fanciful geologic formations known as hoodoos and the myriad of color found in the sandstone.

Trail Report on Fairyland Loop Trail by Jeff Clark

Riggs Spring Loop (8.5 miles / 14.2 km round trip)

The Peekaboo Loop Trail also serves as a horse trail.

Keep in mind that all trails below the rim involve steep climbs out of the canyon. Wear hiking boots with good traction and ankle support. Drink plenty of water. Know and respect your own physical limitations.

NOTE: PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON PARK TRAILS OR AT VIEW POINTS. However pets CAN BE WALKED along roads, in campgrounds, and parking lots, BUT MUST BE ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES.

Backcountry Hikes:

The Under-the-Rim Trail extends 23 miles from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point and has eight backcountry campsites.

The Riggs Spring Loop Trail (8.8 miles round trip) from Yovimpa Point has four backcountry sites. Both trails drop below the rim of the plateau and lead through forested areas.

A backcountry permit is required for all overnight hiking. Permits are available at the Visitor Center for $5. Permits must be obtained in person and are issued at the park visitor center from 8:00 a.m. until two hours before sunset or one hour before the Visitor Center closes. No phone or email reservations will be accepted. In person reservation can be made up to 48 hrs. in advance. Park staff reserves the right to refuse permits to parties that fail to demonstrate the necessary preparedness that Bryce Canyon's high and dry backcountry demands.

Bryce Canyon's backcountry is a primitive area and managed according to regulations that protect its wilderness values. Backcountry camping is allowed on a limited basis and ONLY at designated campsites.