Bristlecone Loop Trail

Red rocks topped with dark green trees slope down into a canyon of red rocks

This 1-mile loop meanders through bristlecone pines at 9,100+ feet, reaching the park's highest plateau. You'll encounter trees older than 1,800 years and gaze across the Four Corners landscape. The 200-foot elevation gain is moderate on paper, but the altitude itself will challenge your lungs. Expect seasonal closures mid-winter when snow depths reach 2-15 feet.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 200

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 200
Estimated Time: 1 hour baseline; 1.5-2 hours with altitude adjustment and photo stops
Trail Surface: Firm Native Sediment
Trail Features: Ancient bristlecone pines (1,800+ years old)
Four Corners panoramic views
High-elevation forest ecosystem
Douglas fir and blue spruce forest
Trail Highlights: Ancient bristlecone pines up to 1,800 years old and panoramic vistas stretching into the Four Corners area from 9,100+ feet elevation

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Rainbow Point or Yovimpa Point at the southern end of the park
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service available. Private tour options may be available through commercial vendors.

Permits & conditions

Fees: Included in Bryce Canyon entrance fee ($35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days)
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Mid-winter (typically December through March) closures due to snow depths of 2-15 feet

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: No water sources on trail. Carry all water.
Accessibility: Not ADA-accessible. Native sediment surface with typical slope 7%, maximum slope 20%. Total ascent 200 feet. Surface firmness suitable for sturdy hiking boots.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: High altitude (9,100+ feet)
Winter snow closures
Steep sections with 20% max grade
Dehydration risk at elevation
Sun exposure on open sections
Hazard Details: High altitude demands acclimatization. Winter snow can reach 2-15 feet, making trail impassable. Maximum grade of 20% requires attention on descent. Dehydration at high altitude is a silent risk.
Crowd Level: Conga line mid-day in summer; solitude before 8 AM and after 3 PM
Peak Crowd Times: Mid-morning through mid-afternoon (10 AM - 3 PM) during summer and fall peak season
Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Best Time To Visit: Arrive before 7:00 AM in peak season to secure parking. The altitude (9,100+ feet) demands 10-15 minutes of acclimatization at the trailhead before starting. Spring, summer, and fall are open; mid-winter brings seasonal closures. Morning light best illuminates the bristlecone grove.
Tips Advice: Altitude is 9,100+—acclimatize for 15 minutes at the trailhead before hiking
Dehydration at elevation is a silent killer—carry 2+ liters of water and drink constantly
Sun and wind hit hard at this elevation; hat and sunscreen are not optional
Arrive by 7:00 AM in peak season; parking fills by 8:30 AM
Check seasonal closure status before you drive—mid-winter snow makes this impassable
Native sediment requires solid hiking boots; traction is crucial on descent
Pets strictly prohibited; service animals only

More details

Park Area: Southern Plateau
Trail Markers: Well-defined, well-traveled loop with obvious path
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets are strictly prohibited. Service animals are permitted.
Shade Level: Partial. Forest provides shade in first 0.5 miles; open plateau with limited shade beyond.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911. Bryce Canyon Visitor Center at park headquarters for non-emergency support.
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: Mid-winter, typically December through March. Snow depths 2-15 feet.
Insider Tips: The bristlecone pines are gnarled, otherworldly survivors—photograph them, meditate with them, respect their age
The Four Corners vista opens suddenly around mile 0.3; don't miss it by hiking with blinders on
Come before 8:00 AM or after 3:00 PM to escape crowds and have the ancient trees to yourself
The descending second half of the loop is steeper (20% grade)—don't rush; careful foot placement on native sediment
Bring a lightweight fleece; temperature can drop significantly compared to lower elevations
Family Friendly Notes: Easy distance and gain make it accessible for kids. However, 9,100+ feet elevation requires monitoring for altitude sickness. Steep sections (20% max grade) need attention with young children. Hand-holding recommended on exposed sections.
Review Summary: Hikers praise this accessible loop for its ancient bristlecone pines and high-elevation vistas. Most report the 1-mile distance as deceptively easy—the real challenge is the 9,100-foot altitude. Popular and well-maintained.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail actually easy?

Technically yes—1 mile, 200 feet of gain. But 9,100 feet elevation is the game-changer. Expect thin air, faster heart rate, and slower pace. Not hard, but altitude demands respect.

Can I hike it alone?

Yes, it's safe and heavily used. Cell service is unknown—tell someone your plans. The trail is obvious, but bring a map as backup at this elevation and latitude.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Pets are strictly prohibited. Only service animals are allowed.

How long does it actually take?

NPS says 1 hour. Reality: 1.5 to 2 hours if you rest for altitude adjustment or linger in the bristlecone grove. Slow pace is smart at 9,100 feet.

When is it closed?

Open spring, summer, fall. Mid-winter closures when snow reaches 2-15 feet (December through March). Check park conditions before you drive up.

Is water available?

No water on the trail. Dehydration at altitude is serious. Carry 2+ liters and drink before you're thirsty.