Backcountry Hiking - 22.9mi Strenuous Backpacking

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 22.9
Route Type: Out-and-back with shuttle option (Under-the-Rim Trail); Loop option (Riggs Spring Loop)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 5884

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 22.9
Route Type: Out-and-back with shuttle option (Under-the-Rim Trail); Loop option (Riggs Spring Loop)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 5884
Estimated Time: 2-3 days (Under-the-Rim Trail, 22.9 miles); 4-6 hours (Riggs Spring Loop, 8.8 miles)
Trail Surface: Dirt and rock, mostly forested with some exposed meadow sections
Trail Features: Forested valleys and alpine meadows
Distant rainbow-hued hoodoo vistas
Paunsaugant Plateau rim views
Elevation changes 6,800-9,115 feet
Designated backcountry campsites
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Under-the-Rim: Rainbow Point (southern end) or Bryce Point (northern end). Riggs Spring Loop: Trailheads near Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: 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.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: $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).
Trail Status: Open year-round. Agua Canyon Connecting Trail closed until further notice. Sheep Creek campsite (Under-the-Rim Trail) closed.
Seasonal Closures: Mid-winter (typically December-February) snow depths of 2-15 feet may render trails difficult or impassable. Call Visitor Center for current conditions before planning winter trips.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: 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.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Black bears and mountain lions
Winter snow (2-15 feet) mid-winter closure risk
Extreme elevation (6,800-9,115 feet)
Rapid altitude thirst and dehydration
Steep elevation changes (5,884 feet gain/loss)
Exposed weather swings
Difficult terrain not wheelchair accessible
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Unreliable or absent at elevation and in canyon bottoms. Do not rely on cell for emergencies; plan accordingly.
Crowd Level: Very low—the permit system and strenuous nature keep crowds minimal. Backcountry campsites limited to 6-15 people per site ensures isolation.
Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall. Year-round permitted but mid-winter snow (2-15 feet) often makes trails difficult or impassable.
Best Time To Visit: Spring through fall offer stable weather and safe hiking conditions. Avoid mid-winter (Dec-Feb) when 2-15 feet of snow can block or severely impede trails. Start hikes by 6am to minimize afternoon weather exposure and ensure you reach camp before sunset at elevation.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Bryce Canyon National Park
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.
Dogs Allowed: No—pets not permitted in Bryce Canyon backcountry.
Biking Allowed: No—foot traffic only on backcountry trails.
Shade Level: Good shade through most forested sections. Exposed areas on open meadows and steep switchbacks offer full sun—wear a hat and sunscreen.
Emergency Contacts: Visitor Center: (435) 834-5290. Nearest hospital: Panguitch Valley Hospital (~45 minutes away). In life-threatening emergency, consider helicopter evacuation if weather permits.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Mid-winter (typically December-February) may have 2-15 feet of snow. Trails potentially impassable or extremely difficult during this window.
Mud Season: Spring snowmelt (March-April) may create muddy and slippery sections, especially on switchbacks and lower-elevation portions.
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.
Recent Updates: Agua Canyon Connecting Trail (links Under-the-Rim to Ponderosa Canyon) closed until further notice. Sheep Creek campsite (Under-the-Rim Trail) closed. These impact route planning and campsite availability—consult Visitor Center for workarounds and current conditions.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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.
Review Summary: Hikers report the strenuous 5,884-foot elevation gain and high altitude (6,800-9,115 feet) demand serious fitness, but solitude and distant hoodoo vistas reward the effort. The backcountry experience is engineered for preservation—limited permit slots, designated campsites, group size limits—so expect quiet nights and self-sufficiency. Most say the grit is worth it for the isolation.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.