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 Trip Idea
Hikes Outside the Bryce Amphitheater
Multiple Parks A large land formation with irregular red rock structures under dark storm cloudsHikes outside the main Bryce Canyon Amphitheater area can bring more solitude. NPS Photo
 Southern Scenic Drive
 Bryce Canyon National Park
Bristlecone Loop Trail
Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
Reservations: No
Activity: Front-Country Hiking
Pets: No
Location: Bristlecone Loop Trailhead
Duration: 30–60 Minutes
Season: Spring,  Summer,  Fall
Red rocks topped with dark green trees slope down into a canyon of red rocksThe Bristlecone Loop, an easy 1 mile hike, meanders through the forest atop this highest portion of the park, reaching elevations over 9,100 feet (2778 m). Here you will pass by bristlecone pines up to 1,800-years-old and experience vistas reaching into the Four Corners area.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Mossy Cave Trail
Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
Reservations: No
Activity: Front-Country Hiking
Pets: No
Location: Mossy Cave
Duration: 30–60 Minutes
Season: Winter,  Spring,  Summer,  Fall
A creek meanders through red rocks with red rock formations in the background.Mossy Cave trail is one of the lowest elevation hikes in the park as well as one of the only hikes that begins with a climb and ends with a descent. This trail provides access to Water Canyon in one direction and to a sheltered overhang known as Mossy Cave in the other. This area is filled with mosses in the summer and icicles in the winter. Please stay on the main trail and respect all posted signs. Pets are not permitted on this trail.
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 Bryce Canyon National Park
Tower Bridge
Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
Reservations: No
Activity: Front-Country Hiking
Pets: No
Location: Tower Bridge Trailhead
Duration: 2–3 Hours
A pale red rock formation covered in snow surrounded by green treesThe Tower Bridge hike consists of the southern portion of the Fairyland Loop trail. This is an out-and-back trail that descends to a shady 1/4-mile spur trail leading to the Tower Bridge hoodoo. From there, hikers can return the way they came or continue to hike the entirety of the Fairyland Loop Trail.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Swamp Canyon Loop
Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
Reservations: No
Activity: Backcountry Hiking
Pets: No
Location: Swamp Canyon Overlook
Duration: 3–4 Hours
A large formation of red rock partially in shadow with threatening storm clouds above itSwamp Canyon appears relatively small and sheltered from the overlook, allowing the viewer to develop a more intimate connection with the landscape than some of the grander viewpoints in the park. The Swamp Canyon Loop, which starts at the viewpoint, is more rugged than the Bryce Amphitheater trails, taking hikers into a more forested backcountry hike. There is less signage on this hike and hikers are encouraged to carry a map.
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 Bryce Canyon National Park
Fairyland Loop
Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
Reservations: No
Activity: Front-Country Hiking
Pets: No
Location: Fairyland Loop Trailhead
Duration: 4–5 Hours
An overhead photo of red rock formations that appear to be glowing in the sunThe Fairyland Loop is a quiet 8 mile hike that combines hiking along the plateau rim near Boat Mesa with a hike in the canyon with long views of the Bryce Amphitheater surrounded by unique hoodoos. You can start this hike at Fairyland Point or on the rim trail north of Sunrise Point at the Tower Bridge trailhead. We recommend hiking in a counter-clockwise direction. There is no shuttle pick-up at Fairyland Point, so you will need to hike to your starting point.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Riggs Spring Loop
Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
Reservations: Yes
Activity: Backcountry Hiking
Pets: No
Location: Riggs Spring Loop Trailhead
Duration: 4–5 Hours
Forested hills with rock formations in the backgroundThe Riggs Spring Loop is a backcountry trail that begins and ends at Yovimpa Point. This trail travels through spruce, fir, and bristlecone forests offering beautiful views of distant cliffs. The western section of the trail is steeper and more heavily forested. Permits are not required to hike this trail, but all overnight stays require a permit.
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 Tags bryce canyon national park
bryce canyon national park
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bryce canyon national park
bryce canyon national park
bryce canyon national park
 Last updated: July 29, 2023


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