Bristlecone Loop Trail

Easy 1-mile loop to ancient bristlecones at 9,100 feet—altitude will challenge you. Respect the elevation.

Trail

Trail

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
No
Shuttle Details
No shuttle service available. Private tour options may be available through commercial vendors.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
No
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
Yes
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
No
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.

Day Hikes

Easy rim walks to strenuous hoodoo loops. Elevation is your challenge: thin air, lightning, loose rock.

Fairyland Loop

8-mile strenuous loop: quiet trail with epic hoodoo-amphitheater views. 1,900 ft gain, no water—plan your hydration.

Full Moon Hike

Ranger-led moonlit hike through hoodoos. Variable terrain, lottery entry, night temps drop fast.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated June 2026. Report an issue.