Under The Rim Trail
U.S. Department of the Interior
Backcountry Hiking Guide
Bryce Canyon is best known for its hoodoos—
Hiking At Bryce intricately-carved rock spires left standing by erosion.
Hoodoos are best experienced from our day-hiking
trails, which offer an up-close and intimate look at
these beautiful and bizarre rock formations. Day-
hiking trails are relatively short, moderately difficult,
and very popular. If you’ve come to hike among the
The Riggs Spring Loop is an 8.6-mile (13.9 km) loop which
Backcountry Trails begins and ends at the Rainbow/Yovimpa Point parking lot.
Either the Yovimpa or Rainbow Point trailhead may be used
to access this loop.
The Under-the-Rim Trail is approximately 22.9 miles (36.9
km) from Rainbow Point to Bryce Point. Three connecting
trails intersect the Under-the-Rim Trail at Agua Canyon,
Whiteman Bench, and Swamp Canyon trailheads.
In summer months, the Bryce Canyon Shuttle provides
optional transportation to and from Sunrise, Sunset,
Inspiration, and Bryce Points, but does not serve the
southern end of the park. You must provide your own
transportation to/from those locations. At the time of
publication the Rainbow Point Tour is available (when the
shuttle system is operating) to transport hikers to/from
Rainbow Point. However, this service may be discontinued
at any time without notice - inquire at the Visitor Center.
Please note that hitchhiking is not allowed in Bryce Canyon
National Park.
Water in the Backcountry We recommend you carry at least one gallon (4 liters) of water
per person per day into the backcountry. Water sources are
intermittent and unreliable.
Water from backcountry sources must be purified by boiling
(10 minutes), filtering, or iodine treatment.
Please check at the Visitor Center for the most current
information on water availability. Water filling stations are
located at the Visitor Center, Bryce Canyon Lodge, General
Store, High Plateaus Institute, and Sunset Point.
Bryce Canyon is home to many wildlife species, including
Bears and Other Wildlife predatory mammals such as Mountain Lions, Coyotes, and
Black Bears. In addition, squirrels and other small mammals
may be encountered along the trail or attracted to your
campsite. Following proper storage techniques for food and
other scented items is your responsibility. Also, it is important
to remember that feeding or harassing wildlife in the park is a
violation of federal law (36 CFR 1002.2).
Due to the presence of Black Bears within Bryce Canyon
National Park, use of bear-resistant food canisters on
overnight backcountry hikes is strongly recommended. Hikers
who choose not to use a canister are still required to follow
safe food storage practices. However, please note that during
periods of high bear activity, the park may, at its discretion
Backcountry Guidelines Permits.....A Backcountry Permit is required for all overnight
stays in the backcountry. Permits may be purchased at the
Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Water........Carry plenty of water and check water availability
with a ranger at the Visitor Center before you leave. Purify all
water from backcountry sources.
Hygiene.....Wash dishes and bathe at least 100 feet (30 m) from
water sources, trails and campsites. Collect and bag food scraps
and pack out as trash.
Waste........Dig “catholes” 6 to 8 inches (15 cm) deep at least
200 feet (60 m) away from water, trails and campsites to bury
human waste. Pack out all trash and any you find that has been
left by others. Pack out toilet paper in zip-type bags.
Fires............NO OPEN FIRES are allowed in the backcountry.
Camp stoves are permitted.
Immediately report emergencies and resource violations to a ranger, call 800-582-4351 or 911.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™
National Park Service
Bryce Canyon National Park
hoodoos, be sure to take a day hike. Check your Hoodoo
newspaper for day-hiking information. Bryce Canyon’s
backcountry trails offer forests and meadows, stunning
views of distant cliffs, solitude, but fewer hoodoos.
Backcountry camping is permitted only in designated
backcountry campsites.
The Under-the-Rim Trail may be broken into sections as follows:
Distance Elevation
Trail sections
(one-way) change
• Rainbow Pt to Agua Canyon T.H. 6.4 mi / 1365 ft /
10.2 km 416 m
• Agua Canyon T.H. to Whiteman T.H. 4.4 mi / 1460 ft /
7.0 km 445 m
• Whiteman T.H. to Swamp Canyon T.H. 1.6 mi / 848 ft/
2.5 km 259 m
• Swamp Canyon T.H. to Bryce Point 10.5 mi / 1294 ft /
16.8 km 394 m
T.H. = Trailhead
You MAY find water at the following locations:
• Yovimpa Spring (below Yovimpa Pass campsite)
• Riggs Spring (inside log fence area)
• Iron Spring (trail near campsite)*
• Sheep Creek (near campsite)
• Yellow Creek (near all campsites)
* Note: Water in Iron Spring has substantial sediment
and without prior notice, require use of bear-resistant canisters for
all overnight hikes into the backcountry. Bear-resistant canisters are
available for loan, free of charge, at the Visitor Center.
• Store all food, deodorants, toothpaste, sunscreen, or anything
else with an odor in the canister.
• Store any food scraps in a sealed air-tight container.
• Never cook, store food and food scraps, or keep scented items
in your tent. Do not sleep in the clothes you were wearing as you
prepared your meal.
• REPORT ALL BEAR AND MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTINGS TO
THE VISITOR CENTER INFORMATION DESK!
• After hours, canister can be left by Visitor Center front door.
Safety..........Carry a detailed topographic map, compass, extra
clothing, food and water, rain gear, hat and sunscreen. Check the
weather forecast prior to departure. Always let a friend or family
member know your plans.
Travel..........Prevent unnecessary and unsightly erosion — stay on
designated trails. Shortcutting trail switchbacks is illegal and also
dangerous.
Camping.....Camp only in designated sites as reserved on your
backcountry permit. Leave no trace of your visit.
Groups.......Backcountry campsites are limited to 6 people per
regular site, and 15 people per group site.
Cell Phones.......Wireless communication in the backcountry may
work in some areas, but should not be relied upon.
 East F or k S e v i er River
Under The Rim Trail
Backcountry Hiking Guide To
Tropic King Creek
Reservoir

East River P A
ier
Fork Sev U N DIXIE
S A
W

U G
NATIONAL FOREST
CH
L LO

U N
Mile 12 BEN T O
N H
Agua MA
14 H ITE P L
Canyon 13
ES

W A T
11 10 9 7 E A
8
DAV

Natural U
Ponderosa Canyon Bridge Farview 0.9 mi
North 8904 ft Piracy Whiteman
2714 m 1.6 mi Point Connecting
1.4 km Swamp Canyon
0 0.5 1 Kilometer Agua 8819 ft Point Swamp
4.0 km Natural Trail Canyon 7998 ft
Canyon 2688 m Visitor Center
Connecting Bridge Swamp Canyon 2438 m
0 0.5 1 Mile 15 Trail T r a il Connecting 7894 ft
Un de r - t he - R i m Trail 5 2406 m
3.0 mi 1.6 mi Road may be Park
1.4 mi 0.9 mi 6 2.0 mi closed here entrance
16 4.8 km 2.6 km Right Fork during snow storms
2.3 km Swamp Canyon 1.4 km 3.2 km sign
Black Birch Canyon Mile 4
1.1 mi Sheep Creek
Connecting Trail Fee
Rainbow Point17 2.5 mi 1.8 km Bryce Canyon Lodge stations
Yovimpa 9115 ft Iron 4.0 km 3 3 mi

k
Yovimpa Pass 2778 m Spring R 0
1.6 mi 2 5 km

ee
Un
Spring Iron 1

Cr
im

2.6 km Spring 0.6 mi No trailers

der
beyond
Yovimpa 1.0 km this point 1 mi
DIXIE
Trail

Pass Sheep Creek 2 km

18 3.9 mi k (closed)

ee
Cr
1.7 mi Yovimpa 6.2 km NATIONAL FOREST

-the -Rim
Paria View
il

2.9 km Point Inspiration Sunrise Fairyland

2 mi

Tr a
Loop
Tra

il
3 km Point

eep
Point Trail Fairyland

Sh
1.7 mi Bristlecone Sunset
Riggs Spring 2.9 km Loop Trail Point
Rim

Riggs Under-the-Rim Trail Point 7758 ft

7480 ft

W ill i s
Spring Corral (Rainbow Point to Bryce Point) 2365 m
2280 m Hollow
Group site Bryce Point BRYCE
4.2 mi 8296 ft
Riggs Spring 6.7 km 2529 m
Loop Trail Yellow AMPHITHEATER
Creek
CAMPSITE COORDINATES Under-the-Rim Trail
3.6 mi 2.8 mi (Bryce Point
5.7 km 4.5 km to Rainbow Point)
Yovimpa Pass Swamp Canyon Right Fork
1.2 mi Yellow Creek
N37° 27' 46.9" W112° 15' 28.8" N37° 33' 41.0" W112° 13' 48.3"
1.9 km
Riggs Spring Right Fork Swamp Canyon Hat Shop
N37° 27' 00.8" W112° 14' 26.6" N37° 34' 36.8" W112° 12' 43.3"
Riggs Spring Group Site Sheep Creek (closed) 1.2 mi
N37° 34' 19.2" W112° 11' 58.3" Yellow Creek
N37° 26' 58.0" W112° 14' 17.7" Group Site 1.9 km
Corral Hollow Yellow Creek st
ore t
N37° 27' 54.6" W112° 14' 03.2" N37° 35' 5.2" W112° 09' 44.4" t io n al F umen
n
N a M o
Yellow Creek Group Site al
Iron Spring ion
Ye l l o

Nat
w

N37° 29' 26.5" W112° 14' 38.2"
GRAND STAIRCASE - ESCALANTE Natural Bridge
N37° 31' 36.2" W112° 14' 28.4"
NATIONAL MONUMENT
N37° 34' 31.8" W112° 08' 51.7"
Right Fork Yellow Creek
N37° 35' 16.5" W112° 08' 51.7"
Creek