Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park

The Fairyland Loop is a quiet 8 mile hike that combines hiking along the plateau rim near Boat Mesa with a hike in the canyon with long views of the Bryce Amphitheater surrounded by unique hoodoos. You can start this hike at Fairyland Point or on the rim trail north of Sunrise Point at the Tower Bridge trailhead. We recommend hiking in a counter-clockwise direction. There is no shuttle pick-up at Fairyland Point, so you will need to hike to your starting point to complete the loop.

Trailhead: Fairyland Point or north of Sunrise Point at the Tower Bridge trailhead .

Parking: At Fairyland Point (oversized vehicles permitted) or at Sunrise Point (oversized vehicles are not permitted in this parking area when the shuttle is in operation. ) Check when parking lots are busiest .

Distance: 8.0 mile (12.9 km)

Approximate Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain: 1900 feet (579 meters)

Difficulty: Strenuous (rapid elevation gain, longer length)

Services: Accessible restrooms available at the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally). Water-fill stations available at the General Store (seasonally). No services at Fairyland Point.

Shuttle Service: Yes at Sunrise Point, None at Fairyland Point. Private options may be available.

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

This trail may be inaccessible during mid-winter due to snow depths ranging from 2-15 ft. (.7-5 m)

The Tower Bridge hike consists of the southern portion of the Fairyland Loop trail. This is an out-and-back trail that descends to a shady 1/4-mile spur trail leading to the Tower Bridge hoodoo. From there, hikers can return the way they came or continue to hike the entirety of the Fairyland Loop Trail.

Trailhead: North of Sunrise Point

Parking: Available at Sunrise Point (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles are not permitted in this parking area when the shuttle is in operation.

Distance: 3.0 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip

Approximate Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation Gain: 760 feet (232 meters)

Difficulty: Moderate (less than 1000 feet elevation gain, moderate length)

Services: Accessible restrooms and water-fill station available at the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally).

Shuttle Service: Yes.

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Our most popular hike in the park and the one we most recommend to first-time visitors. The Queen's/Navajo Combination Loop combines the open views and unique hoodoos of the Queen's Garden Trail with the iconic switchbacks and towering canyon walls of the Navajo Loop Trail. Descend Queen's Garden at Sunrise Point, ascend the Navajo Loop to Sunset Point, and then complete the loop back to Sunrise Point via the Rim Trail, enjoying views into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater below.

Trailhead: Sunrise or Sunset Point

Parking: Available at both Sunrise and Sunset Points (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles are not permitted in these parking areas when the shuttle is in operation.

Distance: 2.9 miles (4.6 km)

Approximate Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation Gain: 625 feet (191 meters)

Difficulty: Moderate (less than 1000 feet elevation gain, moderate length)

Services: Accessible restrooms available at Sunset Point (year-round) and available at the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally). Water-fill stations available at Sunset Point (seasonally), the Sunset Point restroom (year-round), and the General Store (seasonally).

Shuttle Service: Yes.

Use the Two Bridges side of the Navajo Loop in winter when Wall Street is closed. We recommend hiking this loop in a clockwise direction.

Pets are not allowed on this trail . Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Mossy Cave trail is one of the lowest elevation hikes in the park as well as one of the only hikes that begins with a climb and ends with a descent. It is also the northernmost hike in the park, located just off of SR 12 as it winds its way through the park boundary.

Trailhead: Northern end of the park, 4 miles east on Hwy 12

Parking: At trailhead (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles permitted.

Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)

Approximate Time: 1 hour

Elevation Gain: 150 feet (46 meters)

Difficulty: Easy (elevation gain of 200 feet or less, shorter length)

Services: Accessible restrooms available at the trailhead.

Shuttle Service: None. Private options may be available.

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Delicate rocks and sensitive plants exist throughout this area. Please stay on the main trail and respect all posted signs.

While visitors are permitted within the water , we ask that they enter and exit at bridge crossings to reduce social trails elsewhere.

Mossy Cave is a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect.

Be sure to always check the Calendar or stop by the Visitor Center to find the programs that will be available during your visit.

Typically offered year-round at sunset as weather permits. Those planning to join a ranger-led full moon hike at Bryce Canyon National Park can make reservations online via Recreation.gov . Tickets for each month’s hike are released in two phases, 14 and 5 days in advance.

This is a "ranger's choice" hike and can range from an easy hike along the rim of the plateau to a more strenuous hike that descends down into the canyon along steep and rocky trails. More information will be given on the day of the event. Hikes are typically 1 to 2 miles.

For more information on full moon hikes, including schedules and how to participate, please visit our Full Moon Hikes page.

Due to the nature of this special activity all participants must agree to the following rules:

Children 7 and younger are not permitted.

Hiking boots or hiking shoes (lug soles) in good condition are required for your safety and the safety of Park Staff and other Participant(s).

White light flashlights, headlamps are not allowed to be used during the hike (you may bring them for later use). Red light flashlights and headlamps are permitted as necessary. Flash photography may be permitted under key restrictions.

Bring drinking water and a jacket - night time temperatures can be cold.

Due to steep and rocky trails this activity is not wheelchair accessible.

The Figure-8 Combination combines three amphitheater hikes, Queen's Garden, Navajo Loop, and the Peekaboo Loop, into one ultimate hike! We recommend a clockwise direction descending Queen's Garden, connecting to the Peekaboo Loop (we recommend hiking it in a clockwise direction), and ascending either side of the Navajo Loop (Two Bridges in winter). From there you can complete the trail by hiking back to Sunrise Point along the Rim Trail.

Trailhead: Sunrise Point or Sunset Point

Parking: Available at both Sunrise and Sunset Points (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles are not permitted in these parking areas when the shuttle is in operation .

Distance: 6.4 miles (10.3 km)

Approximate Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain: 1575 feet (480 meters)

Difficulty: Strenuous (rapid elevation gain, longer length)

Services: Accessible restrooms available at Sunset Point (year-round) and available at the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally). Water-fill stations available at Sunset Point (seasonally), the Sunset Point restroom (year-round), and the General Store (seasonally). Pit toilets on the west side of Peekaboo Loop (summer only)

Shuttle Service: Yes.

This trail may be inaccessible during mid-winter due to snow depths ranging from 2-15 ft. (.7-5 m)

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Hikers will encounter horses and mules on the Peekaboo Loop and should give the right-of-way to these riders.

You can hike these trails individually as the Peekaboo Loop , Queen's Garden , and the Navajo Loop .

The iconic Navajo Loop Trail begins and ends at Sunset Point. Its switchbacks wind between narrow walls of colorful limestone with views of towering Douglas-fir trees and the park's most famous hoodoo: Thor's hammer. The loop has two sides: Two Bridges and Wall Street. The Two Bridges side is open year-round, however, the Wall Street side is closed during the winter months. During this time Two-Bridges can be hiked as an out-and-back trail or combined with other trails.

Trailhead: Sunset Point

Parking: At trailhead (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles are not permitted in these parking areas when the shuttle is in operation.

Distance: 1.3 mile (2.1 km)

Approximate Time: 1-2 hour

Elevation Gain: 515 feet (157 meters)

Difficulty: Moderate (less than 1000 feet elevation gain, moderate length)

Services: Accessible restrooms available at Sunset Point (year-round). Water-fill stations available at Sunset Point (seasonally) and the Sunset Point restroom (year-round).

Shuttle Service: Yes.

Only a loop in summer. During this time, we recommend hiking in a counter-clockwise direction. During winter months, Two Bridges can be hiked as an out-and-back trail or combined with other trails.

Pets are not allowed on this trail . Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

This trail is commonly combined with Queen's Garden to create a 2.9 mile round trip trail where you can descend Queen's Garden at Sunrise Point and ascend Navajo Loop to Sunset Point. Complete the loop using the Sunset to Sunrise section of the Rim Trail.

The Bryce Amphitheater Traverse is a one-way hike combining the Peekaboo Loop with the Queen's Garden trail. Hikers descend from Bryce Point, turning left (clockwise) on Peekaboo Loop and then connecting to the Queen's Garden trail to ascend to Sunrise Point.

Trailhead: Bryce Point

Parking: At trailhead (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles are not permitted in this parking area when the shuttle is in operation.

Distance: 4.7 miles (7.6 km)

Approximate Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: 1145 feet (349 meters)

Difficulty: Strenuous (rapid elevation gain, longer length)

Services: Pit toilets on the west side of Peekaboo Loop (summer only)

Shuttle Service: Yes.

This trail may be inaccessible during mid-winter due to snow depths ranging from 2-15 ft. (.7-5 m)

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Hikers will encounter horses and mules on the Peekaboo Loop and should give the right-of-way to these riders.

The Figure-8 Combination combines three amphitheater hikes, Queen's Garden, Navajo Loop, and the Peekaboo Loop, into one ultimate hike! We recommend a clockwise direction descending Queen's Garden, connecting to the Peekaboo Loop (we recommend hiking it in a clockwise direction), and ascending either side of the Navajo Loop (Two Bridges in winter). From there you can complete the trail by hiking back to Sunrise Point along the Rim Trail.

Trailhead: Sunrise Point or Sunset Point

Parking: Available at both Sunrise and Sunset Points (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles are not permitted in these parking areas when the shuttle is in operation .

Distance: 6.4 miles (10.3 km)

Approximate Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain: 1575 feet (480 meters)

Difficulty: Strenuous (rapid elevation gain, longer length)

Services: Accessible restrooms available at Sunset Point (year-round) and available at the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally). Water-fill stations available at Sunset Point (seasonally), the Sunset Point restroom (year-round), and the General Store (seasonally). Pit toilets on the west side of Peekaboo Loop (summer only)

Shuttle Service: Yes.

This trail may be inaccessible during mid-winter due to snow depths ranging from 2-15 ft. (.7-5 m)

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Hikers will encounter horses and mules on the Peekaboo Loop and should give the right-of-way to these riders.

You can hike these trails individually as the Peekaboo Loop , Queen's Garden , and the Navajo Loop .

Combine two of our most iconic trails, the Navajo and Peekaboo Loop trails, into a a mini Figure-8 combination loop. Start the hike at Sunset Point, descend down either side of the Navajo Loop (Two Bridges in winter), connect to the Peekaboo Loop (we recommend hiking it in a clockwise direction), and ascend Navajo back to Sunset Point.

Trailhead: Sunset Point

Parking: At trailhead (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles are not permitted in this parking area when the shuttle is in operation.

Distance: 4.9 miles (7.9 km)

Approximate Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: 1475 feet (450 meters)

Difficulty: Strenuous (rapid elevation gain, longer length)

Services: Accessible restrooms available at Sunset Point (year-round). Pit toilets on the west side of Peekaboo Loop (summer only). Water-fill stations available at Sunset Point (seasonally) and the Sunset Point restroom (year-round).

Shuttle Service: Yes.

In winter, use the Two Bridges side of the Navajo Loop.

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Hikers will encounter horses and mules on the Peekaboo Loop and should give the right-of-way to these riders.

You can hike these two trails individually as the Peekaboo Loop and the Navajo Loop .

The Peekaboo Loop descends 670 feet (204 meters) from Bryce Point to this hoodoo-filled loop trail before ascending back up to Bryce Point. In summer months, hikers will encounter horses/mules on this trail. We recommend hiking this trail in a clockwise direction.

Trailhead: Bryce Point

Parking: At trailhead (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles are not permitted in this parking area when the shuttle is in operation.

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)

Approximate Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: 1560 feet (474 meters)

Difficulty: Strenuous (rapid elevation gain, longer length)

Services: Pit toilets on the west side of Peekaboo Loop (summer only)

Shuttle Service: Yes.

This trail may be inaccessible during mid-winter due to snow depths ranging from 2-15 ft. (.7-5 m)

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Hikers may encounter horses and mules on this trail and should give the right-of-way to these riders.

The Bristlecone Loop, accessible from Rainbow Point at the southern end of the park, meanders through the forest atop this highest portion of the park, reaching elevations over 9,100 feet (2778 m). Here you will pass by bristlecone pines up to 1,800-years-old and experience vistas reaching into the Four Corners area.

Trailhead: Rainbow Point or Yovimpa Point

Parking: At trailhead (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles permitted.

Distance: 1.0 mile (1.6 km)

Approximate Time: 1 hour

Elevation Gain: 200 feet (61 meters)

Difficulty: Easy (elevation gain of 200 feet or less, shorter length)

Services: Accessible restrooms available (seasonally).

Shuttle Service: None. Private options may be available.

This trail may be inaccessible during mid-winter due to snow depths ranging from 2-15 ft. (.7-5 m)

Pets are not allowed on this trail . Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

This forest is dominated by Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, and White Fir, making this good habitat for grouse, woodpeckers, owls, and a variety of squirrels and chipmunks. Here you are also sure to see Ravens and Steller's Jays.

The Riggs Spring Loop is a backcountry trail that begins and ends at Yovimpa Point. This trail travels through spruce, fir, and bristlecone forests offering beautiful views of distant cliffs. The western section of the trail is steeper and more heavily forested. Permits are not required to hike this trail, but all overnight stays require a permit .

Trailhead: Yovimpa Point

Parking: At trailhead; oversized vehicles permitted

Distance: 8.6 miles (13.9 km)

Approximate Time: 5 hours

Elevation Gain: 2200 feet (671 meters)

Difficulty: Strenuous

Services: Accessible restrooms available at Yovimpa Point (year-round). No water-fill stations.

Shuttle Service: None. Private options may be available.

This trail may be inaccessible during mid-winter due to snow depths ranging from 2-15 ft. (.7-5 m)

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Backcountry camping is permitted only in designated backcountry campsites and all overnight backcountry stays require a permit.

Typically this loop is hiked in a counter-clockwise direction with a single overnight. Some backcountry hikers will combine this loop with additional nights along the Under-the-Rim Trail . For more information and reservation information visit our Backcountry Information page .

Visit our Hiking Page for more details on the hikes below.

This is a High Elevation Park

With most of the park at 8,000 feet (2,438 m) or above, elevation is a very real factor to consider when choosing your hike. At this elevation, there's about 70% of the oxygen available at sea-level, and you'll certainly feel it if you begin to hike. When you're choosing a hike, do yourself a huge favor and don't choose something at the edge of your abilities. Take it easy, and rest assured that even short hikes have as much beauty to offer as the longest ones. Elevation-related injuries, such as heart issues, are among the park's most common medical emergencies.

UV radiation is also a lot stronger at this elevation. Make sure you cover up, wear sunscreen, or take other precautions to protect your skin and eyes.

Lastly, storms can form quickly here. If thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning--especially during the summer monsoon season--is a deadly threat. Take shelter in your vehicle, a building, a shuttle bus, or if you're on a trail find a low lying depression. Both trees and hoodoos can conduct lightning down to you.

Water and Footwear

With less oxygen available in each breath, you're going to be breathing harder, which means that you're going to dehydrate more quickly. We recommend a liter of water for every 1-2 hours you plan to hike. There is no water available once you're on a trail (backcountry hikes pass seasonal springs and drainages, but even these are rarely reliable), so make sure you pack all that you need.

Our number one cause of injuries in the park? Bad footwear. Trails have a lot of small, loose rock on their otherwise flat surfaces making slipping and twisting an ankle all too easy. Footwear with a good tread and ankle support is highly recommended. In winter, ice creates even more hazardous conditions. We strongly recommend the use of footwear traction devices when ice is present.

Easy Hikes

Mossy Cave: 0.8 mi (1.3 km)

Sunset to Sunrise (along Rim Trail): 1.0 mi (1.6 km)

Bristlecone Loop: 1.0 mi (1.6 km)

Moderate Hikes

Queen's Garden: 1.8 mi (2.9 km)

Navajo Loop: 1.3 mi (2.2 km)

Queen's/Navajo Combo Loop: 2.9 mi (4.6 km)

Tower Bridge: 3.0 mi (4.8 km)

Swamp Canyon Loop: 4.0 mi (6.4 km)

Strenuous Hikes

Hat Shop: 4.0 mi (6.4 km)

Fairyland Loop: 8.0 mi (12.9 km)

Peekaboo Loop: 5.5 mi (8.8 km)

Navajo/Peekaboo Combo: 4.9 mi (7.8 km)

Figure-8 Combo: 6.4 mi (10.2 km)

Bryce Amphitheater Traverse: 4.7 mi (7.5 km)

The Fairyland Loop is a quiet 8 mile hike that combines hiking along the plateau rim near Boat Mesa with a hike in the canyon with long views of the Bryce Amphitheater surrounded by unique hoodoos. You can start this hike at Fairyland Point or on the rim trail north of Sunrise Point at the Tower Bridge trailhead. We recommend hiking in a counter-clockwise direction. There is no shuttle pick-up at Fairyland Point, so you will need to hike to your starting point to complete the loop.

Trailhead: Fairyland Point or north of Sunrise Point at the Tower Bridge trailhead .

Parking: At Fairyland Point (oversized vehicles permitted) or at Sunrise Point (oversized vehicles are not permitted in this parking area when the shuttle is in operation. ) Check when parking lots are busiest .

Distance: 8.0 mile (12.9 km)

Approximate Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain: 1900 feet (579 meters)

Difficulty: Strenuous (rapid elevation gain, longer length)

Services: Accessible restrooms available at the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally). Water-fill stations available at the General Store (seasonally). No services at Fairyland Point.

Shuttle Service: Yes at Sunrise Point, None at Fairyland Point. Private options may be available.

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

This trail may be inaccessible during mid-winter due to snow depths ranging from 2-15 ft. (.7-5 m)

The Hat Shop trail descends from Bryce Point into the backcountry using the Under-the-Rim trail, offering views of the colorful cliffs of the Grand Staircase. This strenuous out-and-back hike leads down 1,380 feet (421 meters) over two-miles to a cluster of balanced-rock hoodoos before hikers turn around to return to Bryce Point. These narrow, orange pinnacles wear "hats" of large gray boulders, giving them a distinct appearance compared to hoodoos seen in the Bryce Amphitheater to the north.

Trailhead: Bryce Point

Parking: At Bryce Point; oversized vehicles are not permitted in this parking area when the shuttle is in operation.

Distance: 4.0 miles (6.4 km)

Approximate Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: 1,380 feet (421 meters)

Difficulty: Strenuous (rapid elevation gain, longer length)

Services: None.

Shuttle Service: Yes.

During winter, the Hat Shop trail is not advised unless you are very well prepared for ice, deep snow, and other winter conditions.

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

The Queen's Garden Trail is the least difficult of the trails descending from the rim into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. Hike this out-and-back trail to the Queen Victoria hoodoo at the end of a short spur trail and experience the splendor of hiking amongst the hoodoos.

Trailhead: Sunrise Point

Parking: Available at Sunrise Point (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles are not permitted in this parking area when the shuttle is in operation.

Distance: 1.8 miles (2.9 km) roundtrip

Approximate Time: 1-2 hours

Elevation Gain: 450 feet (137 meters)

Difficulty: Moderate (less than 1000 feet elevation gain, moderate length)

Services: Accessible restrooms and a water-fill station are available at the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally).

Shuttle Service: Yes.

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

This trail is commonly combined with the Navajo Loop to create a 2.9 mile round trip trail where you can descend Queen's Garden at Sunrise Point and ascend Navajo Loop to Sunset Point. Complete the loop using the Sunset to Sunrise section of the Rim Trail.

The Rim Trail hike meanders along the rim of the iconic Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, giving you views of the hoodoos below. This portion of the Rim Trail, from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point, is the only paved section of this trail and is the easiest walk in the park.

Trailhead: Sunset Point or Sunrise Point

Parking: Available at both Sunrise and Sunset Points (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles are not permitted in these parking areas when the shuttle is in operation.

Distance: 1.0 mile (1.6 km) (half-mile one-way)

Approximate Time: 1 hour

Elevation Gain: 40 feet (12 meters)

Difficulty: Easy (elevation gain of 200 feet or less, shorter length)

Shuttle Service: Yes.

Services: Accessible restrooms available at Sunset Point (year-round) and at the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally). Water-fill stations available at Sunset Point (seasonally), the Sunset Point restroom (year-round), and the General Store (seasonally).

Pets are allowed on paved surfaces .

The Rim Trail stretches from its beginning in the south at Bryce Point 5.5 miles (8.9 km) north to Fairyland Point. As it follows the edge of the Bryce Amphitheater area of the park, it connects to Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point providing a relatively easy hike (depending on how much of it you do) that offers spectacular views of the park's most popular area.

Trailhead: Bryce , Inspiration , Sunset , Sunrise , or Fairyland Point .

Parking: Available at each trailhead above (check when parking lots are busiest ). With the exception of Fairyland Point, oversized vehicles are not permitted in these parking areas when the shuttle is in operation.

Distance: 1.0 mile to 11.0 miles (1.6 km to 17.7 km) depending on how far you choose to walk.

Bryce to Inspiration: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)

Inspiration to Sunset: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)

Sunset to Sunrise: 0.5 miles (0.8 km)

Sunrise to Fairyland 2.8 miles (4.5 km)

Approximate Time: 1 hour to 7.5 hours

Elevation Gain: 719 feet (219 meters)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Services: Accessible restrooms available at Sunset Point (year-round) and available at the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally). Water-fill stations available at Sunset Point (seasonally), the Sunset Point restroom (year-round), and the General Store (seasonally).

Shuttle Service: Yes. Available at Bryce, Inspiration, Sunset, and Sunrise Points. Fairyland does not have shuttle service.

In winter, the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) section of the Rim Trail from Bryce Point to Inspiration Point is regularly closed.

Pets are only allowed on the paved section of the Rim Trail between Sunrise and Sunset Points . Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

The easiest hike in the park is the section of the Rim Trail that connects Sunset and Sunrise Points . It is 0.5 miles (0.8 km) long and walkers can begin from either Sunrise or Sunset Point. Elevation gain is 34 feet (10 meters). We recommend hiking from one point and back for a very easy 1 mile (1.6 km) walk. This section of trail is accessible and pet friendly on paved surfaces .

The Rim Trail stretches from its beginning in the south at Bryce Point 5.5 miles (8.9 km) north to Fairyland Point. As it follows the edge of the Bryce Amphitheater area of the park, it connects to Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point providing a relatively easy hike (depending on how much of it you do) that offers spectacular views of the park's most popular area.

Recommended: Sunset to Sunrise

The easiest hike in the park is the section of the Rim Trail that connects Sunset and Sunrise Points. It is 0.5 miles (0.8 km) long and walkers can begin from either Sunrise or Sunset Point. Elevation gain is 34 feet (10 meters). We recommend hiking from one point and back for a very easy 1 mile (1.6 km) walk.

Winter Closures

In winter the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) section of the Rim Trail from Bryce Point to Inspiration Point is regularly closed.

Section Lengths

Difficulty: Varies (Easy to Moderate)

Total Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)

Ascent/Descent (South to North): 1,330 feet (405 m) / 1,825 feet (556 m)

Average time: 3-4 hours

Bryce to Inspiration: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)

Inspiration to Sunset: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)

Sunset to Sunrise: 0.5 miles (0.8 km)

Sunrise to Fairyland 2.8 miles (4.5 km)

Riding the Shuttle

During shuttle season, hikers may use stops at Bryce, Inspiration, Sunset, and Sunrise Points to complete one-way hikes. Fairyland Point has no shuttle service.

Swamp Canyon appears relatively small and sheltered from the overlook, allowing the viewer to develop a more intimate connection with the landscape than some of the grander viewpoints in the park. The Swamp Canyon Loop, which starts at the viewpoint, is more rugged than the Bryce Amphitheater trails, taking hikers into a more forested backcountry hike. There is less signage on this hike and hikers are encouraged to carry a map.

Trailhead: Swamp Canyon Viewpoint (Mile 6 on the Southern Scenic Drive)

Parking: At Swamp Canyon Viewpoint (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles permitted.

Distance: 4.0 mile (6.4 km)

Approximate Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation Gain: 800 feet (244 meters)

Difficulty: Moderate (less than 1000 feet elevation gain, moderate length)

Services: None.

Shuttle Service: None. Private options may be available.

This trail may be inaccessible during mid-winter due to snow depths ranging from 2-15 ft. (.7-5 m)

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

The Tower Bridge hike consists of the southern portion of the Fairyland Loop trail. This is an out-and-back trail that descends to a shady 1/4-mile spur trail leading to the Tower Bridge hoodoo. From there, hikers can return the way they came or continue to hike the entirety of the Fairyland Loop Trail.

Trailhead: North of Sunrise Point

Parking: Available at Sunrise Point (check when parking lots are busiest ). Oversized vehicles are not permitted in this parking area when the shuttle is in operation.

Distance: 3.0 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip

Approximate Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation Gain: 760 feet (232 meters)

Difficulty: Moderate (less than 1000 feet elevation gain, moderate length)

Services: Accessible restrooms and water-fill station available at the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally).

Shuttle Service: Yes.

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

The Riggs Spring Loop is a backcountry trail that begins and ends at Yovimpa Point. This trail travels through spruce, fir, and bristlecone forests offering beautiful views of distant cliffs. The western section of the trail is steeper and more heavily forested. Permits are not required to hike this trail, but all overnight stays require a permit .

Trailhead: Yovimpa Point

Parking: At trailhead; oversized vehicles permitted

Distance: 8.6 miles (13.9 km)

Approximate Time: 5 hours

Elevation Gain: 2200 feet (671 meters)

Difficulty: Strenuous

Services: Accessible restrooms available at Yovimpa Point (year-round). No water-fill stations.

Shuttle Service: None. Private options may be available.

This trail may be inaccessible during mid-winter due to snow depths ranging from 2-15 ft. (.7-5 m)

Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Backcountry camping is permitted only in designated backcountry campsites and all overnight backcountry stays require a permit.

Typically this loop is hiked in a counter-clockwise direction with a single overnight. Some backcountry hikers will combine this loop with additional nights along the Under-the-Rim Trail . For more information and reservation information visit our Backcountry Information page .