🥾 Trail

Backcountry Hiking and Camping

Q: Are there bears out here?

Yes. Black bears and mountain lions are active in Bryce backcountry. Attacks are rare if you follow protocol: Use the free bear-resistant canister (borrow at Visitor Center). Make noise while hiking. Avoid solo hiking if possible. Never leave food unattended.

Q: What gear is absolutely essential?

Trekking poles (essential for descent control on steep switchbacks). Water filter and 2L+ capacity minimum. Gas camp stove (no fires in backcountry). Bear-resistant canister (free to borrow). Headlamp. First aid. Tent with stakes for wind. Quality boots already broken in.

Q: How do I get a permit?

Required and non-negotiable: $10 permit + $5/person (ages 16+). Get at Visitor Center 9am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-6pm. Cash or card accepted. You can reserve up to 48 hours ahead if you're planning carefully.

Q: What if winter snow blocks the route?

Mid-winter (Dec-Feb) often has 2-15 feet of snow—trails can be impassable or extremely difficult. Plan your trip Spring-Fall for reliable access. Call (435) 834-5290 for current conditions if you're attempting winter.

Q: Can I go solo, or do I need a partner?

Technically yes solo, but not recommended. Bears and mountain lions present; solo hikers carry higher risk. Partner up if you can. Minimum group size in backcountry is 1, but 2+ is safer.

Q: Will I see the famous Bryce hoodoos from down here?

Not the dense hoodoo forest from the rim. You'll hike the base of the Paunsaugant Plateau in forested valleys. The rainbow-hued hoodoo cliffs are visible as distant vistas to the west on the horizon. It's a different experience—solitude and forest, not hoodoo-packed views.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Overview

About This Trail

This is a strenuous backcountry experience descending below Bryce Canyon's rim into forested valleys and meadows. You'll witness distant rainbow-hued hoodoo vistas while navigating elevation changes up to 5,884 feet over 2-3 days (Under-the-Rim Trail) or 4-6 hours (Riggs Spring Loop). The reward is solitude—backcountry camping is limited to designated campsites to preserve the experience. Permits are required; reserve at the Visitor Center before you go.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous

Trail Highlights

Solitude beneath the rim—backcountry camping in designated sites preserves this experience. Hike through forested valleys and meadows at high elevation with distant hoodoo cliffs visible on the western horizon. Few hikers venture below the rim, making this true wilderness.

Insider Tips

• Bear-resistant food canisters are free to borrow at the Visitor Center—use them. Bears in the park, and you're sleeping in the canyon. • Agua Canyon Connecting Trail (Under-the-Rim) closed—check Visitor Center for alternate linking options. • Sheep Creek campsite on Under-the-Rim Trail is closed. Plan your route around this. • Rainbow Point Tour bus (seasonal) eliminates the drive stress and provides reliable transport to the trailhead. Call (435) 834-5290 to check availability. • Water sources not marked on the official map—ask Visitor Center rangers for exact creek locations before you hike. • No open fires permitted in backcountry. Gas stove only. Bring a lightweight camp stove and fuel. • Trekking pole discipline on the descent prevents knee injury. Rent or bring quality poles.

Best Season to Hike

Spring, Summer, Fall. Year-round permitted but mid-winter snow (2-15 feet) often makes trails difficult or impassable.

Hiking Tips

Bring 2L+ water and carry a filter—high elevation (6,800-9,115 ft) increases thirst rapidly.
Borrow a free bear-resistant food canister at the Visitor Center—highly recommended.
Trekking poles are essential for descent control on steep switchbacks.
Gas camp stove only—no open fires allowed in backcountry outside campground fire rings.
Get your permit 9am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-6pm at Visitor Center; reserve up to 48 hours ahead.
Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising black bears or mountain lions.

Family Info

Not suitable for small children due to strenuous terrain, high altitude (6,800-9,115 feet), and exposure to bears/mountain lions. Demands fitness, balance, and self-reliance. Solo hikers should consider partnering given wildlife presence. Maximum group size: 6 per regular site, 15 per group site.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 22.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 5,884 ft

Duration: 2-3 days (Under-the-Rim Trail, 22.9 miles); 4-6 hours (Riggs Spring Loop, 8.8 miles)

Difficulty: Strenuous

Route Type: Out-and-back with shuttle option (Under-the-Rim Trail); Loop option (Riggs Spring Loop)

Surface: Dirt and rock, mostly forested with some exposed meadow sections

Getting There

Trailhead: Under-the-Rim: Rainbow Point (southern end) or Bryce Point (northern end). Riggs Spring Loop: Trailheads near Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point.

Requirements

Permit Required

$10 permit + $5/person (ages 16+). Cash and card accepted. Available at Visitor Center 9am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-6pm. Reservations possible up to 48 hours in advance. Regular campsites: 6 people maximum. Group sites: 15 people maximum.

Fees: Backcountry permit: $10 + $5/person (ages 16+). Park entrance fee: $35 (private vehicle), $20 (per person without vehicle).

Shuttle Available

Rainbow Point Tour bus available seasonally for trailhead transport (eliminates driving to the trailhead). Reservations and availability: (435) 834-5290. When available, may reserve seats to Rainbow and Yovimpa Point.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No—pets not permitted in Bryce Canyon backcountry.

Biking: No—foot traffic only on backcountry trails.

Trail Markers: Well-worn trail with generally clear markings, but backcountry map (available free at Visitor Center) is essential. Trail may be harder to follow in snow.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Creek water likely available at or near designated campsites, but exact locations not marked on official trail map. Inquire at Visitor Center about water sources. Carry a water filter and minimum 2L capacity.

Shade: Good shade through most forested sections. Exposed areas on open meadows and steep switchbacks offer full sun—wear a hat and sunscreen.

Cell Service: Unreliable or absent at elevation and in canyon bottoms. Do not rely on cell for emergencies; plan accordingly.

Hazards:

Backcountry terrain is very rugged and not considered wheelchair accessible. Elevation 6,800-9,115 feet creates significant altitude exposure and rapid dehydration at high elevation. Black bears and mountain lions present—make noise, avoid solo hiking if possible, and use bear-resistant food canister (free at Visitor Center). Winter snow 2-15 feet can block trails mid-season. Multiple steep switchbacks demand trekking poles and quad strength for descent control.

Emergency: Visitor Center: (435) 834-5290. Nearest hospital: Panguitch Valley Hospital (~45 minutes away). In life-threatening emergency, consider helicopter evacuation if weather permits.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Very low—the permit system and strenuous nature keep crowds minimal. Backcountry campsites limited to 6-15 people per site ensures isolation.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Very rugged terrain not considered wheelchair accessible. Strenuous elevation changes (5,884 feet) and high altitude require strong fitness and acclimatization. Not suitable for those with unmanaged altitude or cardiovascular concerns.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Visitor Center (permits, backcountry maps, bear canister loans). North Campground and Sunset Campground for vehicle camping (established fire rings available there). Historic Service Station and Bike Rentals nearby. No services on the trail itself.

FAQs

Can I actually do this trail?

Only if you're fit for 5,880+ feet of elevation gain over 2-3 days at high altitude (6,800-9,115 feet). This is not beginner-friendly. Be honest about your fitness. If strenuous day hikes leave you sore, this will break you. Consider Queen's Garden or Navajo Loop instead.

Are there bears out here?

What gear is absolutely essential?

How do I get a permit?

What if winter snow blocks the route?

Can I go solo, or do I need a partner?

Will I see the famous Bryce hoodoos from down here?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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