Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and a mountain topped with sharp pinnacles. Rock cairns (conical heaps of stone)
mark the trail when it begins to fade. Once across the Sheep Creek Trail and wash,
you'll wind around, up, and then down into the Swamp Canyon bottoms, where
cool air pools and aspens grow. After the Right Fork Swamp Canyon Camp (10.5
miles from the trail head), you'll climb onto the top of the plateau, pass an amphi-
theater filled with lovely hoodoos, and arrive at Swamp Canyon Camp (12.2 miles
from the trail head), high above the canyon floor.
As you continue, the trail heads in a southerly direction, descending into the up-
per basin of Willis Creek, climbing into a sandy saddle, and then descending into
Bridge Canyon—look to the west for a clear view of Natural Bridge. Once in the
canyon bottom, the trail arrives at Bridge Canyon Camp (15.6 miles from the trail
head), nestled among pine trees. Although cliffs are visible from the campground,
the Natural Bridge is blocked from view.
After crossing an open meadow that's blanketed with a profusion of yellow
wildflowers in late summer, you'll follow Agua Canyon upstream—rock cairns
help keep you on course. As you approach the head of the wash, you'll start up a
steep, north-facing incline partially shaded with Douglas fir. As you near the crest,
the trees thin out, providing magnificent views north and west.
Dropping into the next basin, you pass under a colorful cliff, after which the trail
climbs several ridges and skirts a bowl filled with hoodoos, before arriving at the
small Iron Spring Camping Area (19.5 miles from the trail head). Next you'll climb
a gradual but constant slope toward the rim, with increasingly panoramic views of
the orange cliffs north to Bryce Point. Soon a turn to the west blocks this vista, and
you have a steep climb to achieve the rim and the Rainbow Point parking area—the
end of the trail, where you'll find a picnic area and restrooms. Rainbow Point is
also the trail head for the Bristlecone Loop (described earlier in this chapter) and
Riggs Spring Loop trails (above). See “Southern Canyon” map in this chapter.
22.9 miles one-way. Moderate to difficult. Access: The trail head is located on the east side of the
parking area for Bryce Point Overlook.
Other Summer Sports & Activities
BIKING
Bikes are prohibited on all trails, and are forbidden from traveling cross-
country within the national park boundaries. The park's established scenic drive is
open to road or mountain bikers, although you need to be aware that the 18-mile
road through the park is narrow and winding, and can be crowded with motor
vehicles during the summer.
