Day Hikes

Ranger Kate Pitts hiking the Rim Trail near Bryce Point.

Photographed by Brian B. Roanhorse NPS 11 June, 2014.

 

Due to unsafe snow conditions the Rim Trail (between Inspiration and Fairyland Points) and the Mossy Cave Trail are the only two hikes currently open.

Bryce Canyon offers several day-hiking trails. Because many of these are interconnected, our most popular hikes are combinations of two or more of these basic trails. The hiking trails are divided into three categories of difficulty:

• Easy
• Moderate
• Strenuous

Keep in mind that all trails below the rim involve steep climbs out of the canyon. Here are a few more hiking reminders;

• Wear hiking boots with good "lug" traction and ankle support.
• Carry plenty of water; 1 quart (liter) per 2-3 hours of hiking for each person
• Park elevations reach over 9,000 feet (2774 meters). Even mild exertion may leave you feeling light-headed and nauseated.
• Some trails are also shared by horses/mules April to October. Hikers must yield to horses/mules. Hiking clockwise reduces your chances of encountering horses/mules.
• Stay on maintained trails. DO NOT use "social" trails.
• Be respectful of others; keep noise levels down - no yelling.
• Do not feed wildlife.
• Remember, ultimately, you are responsible for your own safety.
• In winter, Crampons and ski poles are advised for extra grip and support.

 

Pets
Pets are only allowed on paved trails and viewpoints, roads, campsites, and picnic areas. The section of Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points is open to pets. They must be leashed at all times and you are required to clean up after your pet. More info...

 

Easy Hikes at Bryce Canyon

TRAIL NAME	DISTANCE	ELEV CHANGE	DESCRIPTION
Mossy Cave North end of park, 4 mi East on Hwy 12	0.8 mi 1.3 km 1 hr	200 ft/ 61 m	Streamside walk up to a mossy grotto that fills with spectacular icicles in winter, and dripping mosses in summer.
Sunset to Sunrise Sunset Point	1.0 mi 1.6 km 1 hr	34 ft/ 10 m	Paved portion of Rim Trail; easiest hike with views of the scenic Bryce Amphitheater.
Rim Trail Walk the rim of the scenic Bryce Amphitheater (not a loop)	1.0-11.0 mi 1.6-17.7km 1-7.5 hrs	1177 ft/ 359 m	View the hoodoos from above. Trail paved between Sunrise and Sunset Points.
Bristlecone Loop Rainbow Point or Yovimpa Point	1.0 mi 1.6 km 1 hr	200 ft/ 61 m	Hike through spruce-fir forests with bristlecone pines and expansive vistas.
Queen’s Garden Sunrise Point (not a loop)	1.8 mi 2.9 km 1-2 hrs	357 ft/ 109 m	The least difficult trail that descends into the canyon. See Queen Victoria at the end of a short spur trail.

 

Moderate Hikes at Bryce Canyon

TRAIL NAME	DISTANCE	ELEV CHANGE	DESCRIPTION
Navajo Loop Sunset Point *Not a loop in winter	1.3 mi 2.2 km 1-2 hrs	550 ft/ 168 m	See Thor’s Hammer, Two Bridges, and the bottom of Wall Street on this short but steep trail.
Queen’s/Navajo Combination Loop Sunset / Sunrise Point Most Popular Trail!	2.9 mi 4.6 km 2-3 hrs	600 ft/ 183 m	Combine Queen’s Garden & Navajo Loop to form a 2.9-mile loop. Clockwise direction recommended; use Two Bridges in winter.
Tower Bridge North of Sunrise Point (Portion of the Fairyland Loop)	3.0 mi 4.8 km 2-3 hrs	802 ft/ 245 m	See Bristlecone pines and the Chinese Wall. A shady 1/4-mile spur trail leads to the bridge.
Hat Shop Bryce Point (not a loop)	4.0 mi 6.4 km 3-4 hrs	1075 ft/ 328 m	Descend the Under-the-Rim Trail to see a cluster of balanced-rock hoodoos.
Sheep Creek/ Swamp Canyon Swamp Canyon	4.0 mi 6.4 km 3-4 hrs	647 ft/ 198 m	A beautiful hike through a section of the park’s quiet backcountry.

 

Strenuous Hikes at Bryce Canyon

TRAIL NAME	DISTANCE	ELEV CHANGE	DESCRIPTION
Fairyland Loop Fairyland Point or north of Sunrise Point	8.0 mi 12.9 km 4-5 hrs	1716 ft/ 523 m	See the Chinese Wall, Tower Bridge, and tall hoodoos on a picturesque, less crowded trail.
Peekaboo Loop Bryce Point	5.5 mi 8.8 km 3-4 hrs	1571 ft/ 479 m	Steep, spectacular hike through the heart of the park. See the Wall of Windows. Clockwise direction required.
Navajo / Peekaboo Combination Loop Sunset Point	4.9 mi 7.8 km 3-4 hrs	1581 ft/ 482 m	Combine Navajo and Peekaboo Loop Trails into a mini figure-8. Clockwise direction required on Peekaboo Loop.
The Figure 8 Combination Sunrise / Sunset Point	6.4 mi 10.2 km 4-5 hrs	1631 ft/ 497 m	Combine Queen’s Garden, Peekaboo Loop, and Navajo Loop into one ultimate hike! Clockwise direction required on Peekaboo Loop.
Bryce Amphitheater Traverse Bryce Point	4.7 mi 7.5 km 3-4 hrs	1010 ft/ 308 m	Descend From Bryce Point. turn left (clockwise) on Peekaboo Loop, connect to Queen’s Garden and Ascend to Sunrise Point. Use shuttle or 3.2 mi Rim return.

 

 

BACKCOUNTRY HIKES AND CAMPING
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. Click Here for detail information and maps.

Permits must be obtained in-person and are issued at the park visitor center from 8:00 a.m. until one hour before the Visitor Center closes. No phone or e-mail reservations will be accepted. In-person reservations may be made up to 48 hours 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 managed according to regulations that protect its wilderness values. Camping is allowed on a limited basis and ONLY at designated campsites.

NOTE: Open fires are NOT PERMITTED in Bryce Canyon's backcountry!

 

LIGHTNING SAFETY
Lightning is a year-round danger – especially during summer storms! If you can hear thunder, lightning is within 10 miles (16 km) and you need to seek the shelter of a building or your vehicle immediately. Click Here for more information.