Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
through. Hiking the entire trail takes 3 to 4 hours. See “Central Canyon” map in
this chapter.
5.5 miles RT. Difficult. Access: The trail head is located at the Bryce Point Overlook parking area.
Beating the Heat
The lower you drop below the rim, the hotter it gets; so carry water and dress in layers that can be
easily removed and carried as the temperature rises.
RimTrail
★★★
★★★
The Rim Trail, which does not drop into the canyon, offers splen-
did views from above, giving us the whole picture of this phenomenal spectacle
of carved stone. More of a walk than a hike, the trail includes a .5-mile section
between two overlooks—Sunrise and Sunset—that is paved, fairly level, and suit-
able for wheelchairs. Overlooking Bryce Amphitheater, the trail offers almost con-
tinually excellent views as it meanders along the rim, and is a good choice for an
early morning or evening walk, when you can watch the changing light on the rosy
rocks below. Another advantage is that you can access the trail from many loca-
tions, so you can have a short or long walk. You may also find this a convenient
trail if you just want to rush out to the rim for a quick look at sunrise over the hoo-
doos. Some people feel that the absolute best view in the park is from the Rim Trail,
south of Inspiration Point. If you do the whole thing, which most people don't, it's
a maximum of 5 to 6 hours with a total elevation change of 1,734 feet. See “Central
Canyon” map in this chapter.
11 miles RT. Easy to moderate. Access: The northern trail head is at Fairyland Point; the southern
trail head is at Bryce Point. The trail is also accessible from Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration points,
and numerous other locations in between.
SheepCreekTrail
This trail takes you down into the canyon bottoms, and, if you con-
tinue, right out of the park into the Dixie National Forest. The first mile is on the
rim; then the trail descends along Sheep Creek draw and meanders below pink
limestone cliffs toward the canyon bottom, traversing part of the Under the Rim
Trail along its way. Watch signs carefully; the route can be confusing. The trail has
up to a 1,250-foot elevation change, and it will take you about 5 hours if you go just
to the park boundary, 8 hours if you go to the end. See “Bryce Canyon National
Park” map in chapter 5.
