Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
290.00 ft (88.39 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.40 mi (7.08 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Bryce Canyon rim, more accurately called the eastern rim of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, stands an astounding 8,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level and up to 3,000 feet above the Paria River, the canyon's main drainage. At this altitude, snow can linger well into spring, creating a vivid contrast to the deep orange sedimentary hoodoos* that make up the canyon's numerous amphitheaters. 

Starting out at Bryce Canyon National Park's popular Sunset Point, it's a 2.2 mile one-way hike south to Bryce Point (8,296'), passing Inspiration Point en route. Although a popular way to take in the dramatic vistas of Bryce Canyon, stepping onto the Rim Trail is an easy way to gain some serenity away from the other masses of visitors who congregate at each of the viewpoint parking lot areas.

* Hoodoos are thin, spire-like formations commonly found in arid drainages of sedimentary rock. Over time, weather erodes softer rock and leaves harder rock to remain. In contrast to spires or pinnacles, hoodoos are distinct because of their variable form and thickness that reflects differentiation in the hardness of the soil/rock.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

Constant and dramatic views over Bryce Canyon.

Cons

Extremely crowded during summer.

Trailhead Elevation

8,010.00 ft (2,441.45 m)

Features

Big vistas
Geologically significant

Location

Comments

Thank you so much John and Tyson! I think a SW road trip is a great idea!

Here is a standing invitation: Anyone affiliated with the Outdoor Project is welcome to join us on the road wherever we are and pitch a tent on our site. Alternatively we have a sofabed for the more delicate flowers. My blog (see my bio page) has an up-to-date calendar going out six months or so for where we will be.
Stunning additions Dennis!
Denis, these photos are amazing! They're making me want to go back. A US SW trip may have to make it onto the books.
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