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.

🥾 Trail

Under-the-Rim Trail

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Bryce Canyon backcountry

Distance

22.9 mi

Elevation Gain

5,500 ft

Est. Time

2-3 days

Route Type

Point-to-point (south-to-north; shuttle return option available)

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Late May through early October

Overview

About This 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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Late May through early October

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 22.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 5,500 ft

Duration: 2-3 days

Difficulty: Strenuous

Route Type: Point-to-point (south-to-north; shuttle return option available)

Surface: Firm native sediment with exposed stone and loose sections

Getting There

Trailhead: Rainbow Point (south trailhead, preferred start) or Bryce Point (north trailhead)

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

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

Shuttle Available

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.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Service animals are allowed in national parks as defined by federal policy.

Biking: No

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.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: 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.

Shade: 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

Cell Service: Backcountry area—cell service is unreliable or absent. Do not count on calling for help. Come prepared and self-sufficient.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: 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.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Relatively solitary—backcountry terrain and permit requirement keep crowds minimal

Accessibility & Family

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.

Family Notes:

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.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

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?

Do I need a permit?

How much water do I need to carry?

Is it safe to hike this alone?

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

Can I do this as a day hike?

📖 National Park Service — Under-the-Rim Trail (official page) (checked 2026-06-13) 📖 National Park Service — Bryce Canyon National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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

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