Bryce Canyon National Park · Utah

Sheep Creek Connector

2.1 mi of trail, end to end · about 70 ft of climbing · 650 ft of descent · 7,391 ft–7,987 ft · native surface · hiking

7,982 ft 7,391 ft · 2.1 mi high 7,987 ft

Swamp Canyon Loop the Park Service's write-up

3-4 Hours · no dogs

Start Swamp Canyon Overlook

A large formation of red rock partially in shadow with threatening storm clouds above it
The Swamp Canyon Loop takes you into the forested backcountry wilderness area of the park. Photo: NPS Photo/P. Densmore

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?

Accessibility This is a backcountry trail with natural terrain and is not considered an accessible trail. Surface Type: Firm Native Sediment Total Ascent: 800 feet (244 meters) Length: 4.0 mi (6.4km) roundtrip Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 32 trails in Bryce Canyon National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.