Under-the-Rim Trail

This is not a hike for the faint of heart. The Under-the-Rim Trail is a 22.9-mile backcountry gut-check that gains 5,500 feet over 2-3 days, connecting Rainbow Point in the south to Bryce Point in the north. You'll traverse forests and meadows with distant cliff views and genuine solitude—but expect zero services, no water sources, and a relentless climb that separates the serious from the tourists. Note: The iconic hoodoos that draw crowds to Bryce are better experienced on frontcountry trails; this route is about wilderness grit, not Instagram moments.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 22.9
Route Type: Point-to-point (south-to-north; shuttle return option available)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 5500

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 22.9
Route Type: Point-to-point (south-to-north; shuttle return option available)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 5500
Estimated Time: 2-3 days
Trail Surface: Firm native sediment with exposed stone and loose sections
Trail Features: Forests and woodlands
Alpine meadows
Distant cliff views
Rock outcroppings
Backcountry solitude
Geological formations
Elevation variety
Trail Highlights: The payoff is genuine wilderness solitude and the sense of accomplishment that comes from 5,500 feet of earned elevation. You'll walk through forests and meadows at elevation with views of distant canyon walls—but not the famous hoodoos (save those for the Navajo Loop or Queen's Garden). The real reward is the silence and the physical test.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Rainbow Point (south trailhead, preferred start) or Bryce Point (north trailhead)
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Shuttle service available to Bryce Point. Oversized vehicles permitted at Rainbow Point but not at Bryce Point when shuttle is in operation. No shuttle to Rainbow Point; private transportation options may be available through commercial providers.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: Day hiking does not require a permit. All overnight backcountry stays require a permit. Reserve online at recreation.gov/permits/4675330. Six campsites and one group site available along the trail. Book early—permits sell out during peak season.
Fees: $35 entrance fee (private vehicle, as of June 2026); no additional backcountry camping fee
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Trail may be inaccessible mid-winter (typically November-March) due to snow accumulation of 2-15 feet. Check current conditions with the park before committing to a winter trip.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: No developed water sources along the trail—you must carry all water needed for 2-3 days (minimum 3-4 liters per day). The NPS notes "Services: None along the trail." Assume zero resupply.
Accessibility: Not accessible. Backcountry trail with natural, uneven terrain. Surface is firm native sediment and exposed stone. Steep sections, no railings, no grading. Total ascent of 5,500 feet demands serious fitness.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Severe elevation gain (5,500 feet)
Dehydration (no water sources)
Altitude exposure and thin air
Backcountry terrain exposure
Winter snow closure
Temperature swings (hot days, freezing nights)
Loose rock and steep descents
Exhaustion and overexertion
Hazard Details: This is a serious backcountry trail. The 5,500 feet of elevation gain is relentless and will tax your legs, lungs, and mental toughness. You're at altitude (8,000-9,000 feet) with no water sources—if you run dry, you're in real danger. Nights drop well below freezing even in summer; hypothermia is a real threat if you're unprepared. Loose sediment and steep sections demand careful foot placement, especially on the descent. Winter snow (2-15 feet) renders this trail completely impassable mid-year.
Cell Service: Backcountry area—cell service is unreliable or absent. Do not count on calling for help. Come prepared and self-sufficient.
Crowd Level: Relatively solitary—backcountry terrain and permit requirement keep crowds minimal
Best Season: Late May through early October
Best Time To Visit: Late May through early October. Avoid mid-winter (November-March) when snow depths reach 2-15 feet and render the trail impassable. Start your hike at dawn to maximize daylight for the brutal elevation gain.
Tips Advice: Carry 3-4 liters of water per day minimum—no sources along the trail.
Get your permit locked in now at recreation.gov/permits/4675330; overnight sites fill fast.
Start at dawn and push hard the first day to establish your pace and camp position.
Tighten your boots before day one—5,500 feet of descent shreds your feet without support.
Pack a headlamp and extra batteries; twilight ends fast at elevation.
Filter your campsite water if creeks appear, but assume the trail is dry.

More details

Park Area: Bryce Canyon backcountry
Trail Markers: Well-marked backcountry route, but bring a map and compass (or GPS). Trail junctions are signed, but backcountry navigation skills are essential. Do not rely on your phone GPS; it may fail or mislead you at elevation.
Dogs Allowed: No. Service animals are allowed in national parks as defined by federal policy.
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mixed exposure—forests provide intermittent shade at lower elevations, but much of the route is open plateau or meadow exposed to sun and wind at altitude
Emergency Contacts: Contact Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center: https://www.nps.gov/brca/ or file a trip plan with the park rangers before you depart. Rangers monitor backcountry and conduct rescue operations.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: November through March; expect 2-15 feet of snow accumulation during this period
Insider Tips: The standard route is south-to-north: Rainbow Point to Bryce Point over 2 overnights.
Six designated campsites and one group site are scattered along the trail.
Three connector trails intersect the main route at Agua Canyon, Whiteman Bench, and Swamp Canyon—these can add flexibility if you want a different descent.
Advanced backpackers often combine this hike with the Riggs Spring Loop for an additional night and a complete loop option.
Oversized vehicle parking is available at Rainbow Point but not at Bryce Point (when shuttle operates), so if your rig is big, start at Rainbow.
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for children or families with young kids. Not suitable for beginners or casual hikers. This requires serious backcountry fitness, wilderness camping experience, and self-reliance. Only attempt if you're an experienced backpacker who's comfortable with multi-day remote hiking.
Nearby Facilities: No services or facilities along the trail. Accessible restrooms available at Rainbow Point trailhead. Nearest supplies and services are at the park Visitor Center area (outside the backcountry). Plan all food, water, and supplies before you start.
Review Summary: Experienced backpackers describe this as a serious, no-nonsense backcountry test. The elevation gain is relentless, the water carry is brutal, and the solitude is genuine. Most hikers rate it as harder than expected—not because of technical terrain, but because of the sheer vertical and zero resupply. Those who finish say it's worth the grit.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can a beginner do this trail?

No. This is a serious backcountry objective for experienced multiday hikers only. If you're new to backpacking, start with a frontcountry trail in the park like the Queen's Garden or Navajo Loop.

Is the 5,500 feet of elevation gain really that hard?

Yes. At altitude, in thin air, with a heavy pack and no water resupply, this is relentless. Most hikers find it harder than the raw numbers suggest. Come fit or suffer.

Do I need a permit?

Day hiking does not require a permit. Any overnight stay requires a backcountry permit. Book at recreation.gov/permits/4675330 as far in advance as possible—they sell out.

How much water do I need to carry?

Minimum 3-4 liters per day (6-8 liters for two days). There are no water sources on the trail. Your water capacity is your limiting factor; don't underestimate.

Is it safe to hike this alone?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Backcountry solo travel means if you get injured, you're on your own. Bring a satellite communicator (like a Garmin InReach) for emergencies. Hiking with a partner is safer.

What's the most common problem hikers face on this trail?

Running out of water or not carrying enough from the start. The second: bailing out from underestimating the elevation gain. Come hydrated and conditioned.

Can I do this as a day hike?

Not safely. 22.9 miles with 5,500 feet of gain requires 2-3 days minimum. Attempting it in one day invites exhaustion, dehydration, and night navigation in the backcountry. Plan for 2-3 nights.