Under the Rim + Grand View Loop

This 34.9-mile loop weaves together the quieter, less-traveled backcountry of Bryce Canyon National Park. Starting and ending at Rainbow Point, it combines the Under the Rim Trail with a scenic detour along the Grand View and Sheep Creek Trails, offering expansive views, peaceful forests, and close encounters with Bryce’s distinctive rock formations—without the crowds. While most visitors stick to the overlooks, this loop drops you below the rim and into the heart of Bryce’s high desert wilderness.

From the Rainbow Point Trailhead, begin with the Riggs Spring Loop Trail, descending through bristlecone pine forest before connecting with the Lower Podunk Trailhead. From there, follow the Grand View Trail, a beautiful stretch that lives up to its name, with big panoramas and far fewer hikers than the main park trails. At the junction, take Sheep Creek Trail, which works its way through open forest and wide washes before linking up with the Under the Rim Trail.

The Under the Rim Trail winds beneath Bryce’s iconic cliffs and hoodoos, threading through ponderosa forests, canyons, and sandy benches. Unlike the rim trails, this section gives you a deeper, more intimate look at the geologic layers that make Bryce famous. It’s a quiet route, with long stretches where you might not see another soul. Eventually, the trail loops you back to Rainbow Point, completing the circuit.

FLORA & FAUNA
This loop travels through diverse ecosystems, from high-elevation spruce and fir stands to dry desert scrub. Keep an eye out for bristlecone pines—some of the oldest living trees on Earth—as well as aspen, juniper, and ponderosa pine. Wildlife sightings might include mule deer, wild turkeys, jackrabbits, and the occasional coyote. Birders will appreciate the chance to spot Steller’s jays, woodpeckers, and even peregrine falcons soaring near the cliffs.

NEED TO KNOW

• A backcountry permit is required for overnight trips and can be obtained from www.recreation.gov. 

• Water is scarce along this loop—seasonal sources may be unreliable, so plan to carry or cache extra water.

• Campsites are designated along the Under the Rim Trail; dispersed camping is not permitted.

• Weather can shift quickly—expect cold nights even in summer and potential monsoon storms in late July and August.

• The trail can be sandy and exposed in sections, so bring sun protection.

• Best seasons for this trip are late spring through early fall. Early season snow and late season mud are possible, so check trail conditions ahead of time.