Bryce Canyon Backpacking Guide – Under-the-Rim Trail & Riggs Spring Loop

One of the nation’s smallest national parks, 56.2-square-mile Bryce Canyon National Park in south-central Utah isn’t really a canyon in the usual sense. Comprised of a series of more than a dozen horseshoe-shaped chromatic limestone amphitheaters on the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, it’s a wonder of wind and rain erosion that has resulted in a maze of slot canyons, windows, and spires. Bordered on the rim by ponderosa pines, high-elevation meadows, and fir-spruce forests, it’s a truly awe-inspiring place to backpack.

Combine the 23 miles of the point-to-point Under-the-Rim Trail with the 8.8 miles of the Riggs Spring Loop Trail at the end, and enjoy 31.8 miles of what is often called some of the world’s best air quality. Besides making it easier on the lungs, clean air also means easier on the eyes. You can literally see for 200 miles across a panorama of three states. It also means that on a clear night, the lack of light pollution provides unparalleled stargazing.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 31.8 miles (for both trails)
• Days Needed: 3 to 5 days
• Peak Elevation: 9,043 feet
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,284 ascent / -3,549 descent
• Best Time to Travel: April to mid-October
• Permits: Required (see below)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights

• Beautiful rock formations
• Distant views mixed with pleasant forests and meadows
• Cooler when it’s hot elsewhere in Utah
• Relative solitude (expect day hikers around trailheads)
• Variety of day hikes you can add on
• Good shuttle options from the start (consider parking a car at the visitor center and shuttling to the trailhead)
• Wildlife and bird sightings if you’re quiet and watchful

Lowlights

• Constant ascents and descents on the early part of the trail from Bryce Point
• Shuttle-dependent (hitchhiking is not allowed in the park)
• Crowded around trailheads during peak tourist season
• Most of the hoodoos and slot canyons are in other parts of the park
• Limited and unreliable water sources
• Potential monsoon-like conditions in July and August

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

In general, June through September is the best time to hike the Under-the-Rim Trail. Some years, you may be able to hike as early as April. Snowpack is a key factor for trip planning in this area, as snow can linger in the canyon into April. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s during the day and drop into the low 50s at night.

As always, be prepared and diligent in monitoring current conditions, as weather can change quickly in the mountains. Before heading out, check the National Weather Service for up-to-date conditions.

How Difficult Is the Route?

• Total Distance: 31.8 miles(for both trails)
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,284 ascent / -3,549 descent
• Overall Difficulty: Moderate

We rate this hike as moderate due to its ascents and descents. As always, difficulty ratings depend on your experience, physical fitness, pack weight, and weather conditions. Although not a technically demanding hike, it requires careful planning for water resources. Like any backpacking trip, you should plan accordingly, train properly, know your limitations, brush up on your skills, and dial in your gear. Doing so will make for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

What Permits Do I Need?

In addition to the required $35 entrance pass ($80 for an annual pass), you will need to purchase a backcountry permit for all overnight stays. For 2026, the cost is $10 per permit and $5 for each person in your group.

Permits for peak-season trips (March 1 through November 30) are available online up to three months in advance. If you purchase an advance online permit – which we highly recommend – you still must check in at the Visitor Center to review backcountry regulations, check out a free bear canister, or have yours inspected.

Permits for winter trips (December 1 through the end of February) are available on a walk-in basis at the Visitor Center between 8 a.m. and one hour before closing. Permits can be issued up to 48 hours in advance.

At a minimum, we recommend obtaining your permit the evening before you plan to hike to ensure you can get on the earliest shuttle possible. For official, up-to-date information on permits, fees, and trip planning, see the park’s Backcountry Information page.

Where Should I Start?

The Under-the-Rim Trail starts at either Bryce Point trailhead or at the southern trailhead, Rainbow Point. Though both are options, we recommend beginning your hike at Rainbow Point for an easier elevation profile.

STARTING AT BRYCE POINT

If you start at Bryce Point, the trail descends from the northern section of the park, trending first east and then south away from the amphitheater at an average distance from the edge of the plateau at about 0.62 miles and ends in a significant climb back up at Rainbow Point.

STARTING AT RAINBOW POINT

We recommend starting at Rainbow Point, completing the Riggs Spring Loop Trail, (aka Riggs Spring Fire Trail) first. Then walk a short way to the start of the Under-the- Rim Trail. Going south to north means less climbing at the end of your trip. Plus, the locations of the most reliable water sources make it possible to carry less water over long distances if you hike from south to north. That being said, it’s now less convenient reaching Rainbow Point than it was when we did this trip (more on this below).

The Under-the-Rim Trail descends eastward from Rainbow Point in the southern end of the park, swinging north and west before making an eastward swing toward the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument boundary and then back north to over the last 10 miles to the finish at Bryce Point.

Should I Take a Shuttle to the Trailhead?

The Bryce Canyon Shuttle buses are free (for you and the occupants of your vehicle) once you pay your entrance fee. Park administrators strongly encourage you to leave vehicles outside the park, especially if you’re not staying overnight inside the park. Park near Ruby’s Inn on the left side of the road before entering the park or at Ruby’s Campground. Then walk 0.2 miles and board the shuttle at the Bryce Canyon Shuttle Station.

The Bryce Canyon Shuttle provides free transportation to and from Bryce Point during summer months. However, reaching Rainbow Point (start of the Riggs Spring Loop Trail) has gotten more difficult since we first published this guide.

On our last trip, we also took a separate free shuttle – the Rainbow Point Shuttle – to access the southern trailhead. However, the Rainbow Point Shuttle is no longer available. To reach the Riggs Spring Loop trailhead, you either need to drive your own vehicle or book a commercial shuttle from this list of authorized commercial vendors.

Where Can I Camp Along the Route?

Camping is only permitted on established tent pads at designated campsites. There are three campsites (plus one group site) along the Riggs Springs Loop Trail and seven sites along the Under-the-Rim Trail. Backcountry campsites are limited to six people per regular site and 15 people per group site. All sites are first-come, first-serve. For more information, visit the Bryce Canyon website. 

Below are the campsites along the Riggs Spring and Under-the-Rim route. 

• Yovimpa Pass
• Riggs Spring (primitive and group sites)
• Corral Hollow
• Iron Spring
• Natural Bridge
• Swamp Canyon
• Right Fork Swamp Canyon
• Sheep Creek
• Yellow Creek (primitive and group sites)
• Right Fork of Yellow Creek

Below is a map provided by Bryce Canyon National Park showing mileage, campsites, and the general route elevation of the Under-the-Rim and Riggs Springs Loop Trail.

What Are Some Possible Itineraries?

Most people complete the combined trails in 3 to 5 days. Below are a few sample itineraries.

ONE-NIGHT OPTION

• Skip the Riggs Spring Loop, just complete the Under-the-Rim Trail (or vice versa)
• Starting trailhead: Rainbow Point Trailhead
• Camp 1 (about halfway): Swamp Canyon or Right Fork Swamp Canyon

TWO-NIGHT OPTION

• Starting trailhead: Rainbow Point Trailhead
• Camp 1: Hike Riggs Spring Loop, camp at Yovimpa Pass or Iron Spring
• Camp 2: Swamp Canyon or Right Fork Swamp Canyon

THREE-NIGHT OPTION

• Starting trailhead: Rainbow Point Trailhead
• Camp 1: Riggs Springs
• Camp 2: Swamp Canyon
• Camp 3: Right Fork Yellow Creek

FOUR-NIGHT OPTION

• Starting trailhead: Bryce Point
• Camp 1: Right Fork Swamp Canyon (day hike the Swamp Canyon
• Loop Trail)
• Camp 2: Natural Bridge (side trip into Agua Canyon)
• Camp 3: Iron Spring
• Camp 4: Riggs Spring

FIVE-NIGHT OPTION

This itinerary allows for extra time to explore this spectacular region and take side trips to Static Peak and The Wall.

• Starting trailhead: Rainbow Point
• Camp 1: Riggs Spring
• Camp 2: Natural Bridge
• Camp 3: Right Fork Swamp Creek (day hike Whitman Bench and
• Swamp Canyon Loop)
• Camp 4: Right Fork Swamp Canyon
• Camp 5: Right Fork Yellow Creek

What Are the Best Maps & Guidebooks for the Area?

Both Riggs Spring Loop and the Under-the-Rim Trail follow well-defined and established routes. During peak season, the trail is lightly used, but the risk of getting lost is pretty low. Still, you should always carry a map since it provides additional useful information, as well as routes to side trips easily accessed off the main trail. Below are some helpful resources when planning your visit.

• Falcon Guides Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks – In addition to covering Zion, too, you’ll find detailed information on hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park, with a map of the trails and valuable
  information about elevations and key landmarks.
• Best Backpacking Trips in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico – This book offers detailed trip information for this route, as well as other great backpacking trips in the Southwest.
• National Geographic Trails Illustrated Bryce Canyon National Park Map – This map offers excellent detail of the entire park – including the Under-the-Rim Trail and Riggs Spring Loop.
• Bryce Canyon NPS Website – The NPS website is a great resource for trip planning, campsites, routes, etc.

How Plentiful Is Water Along the Route?

We recommend you carry at least one gallon (four liters) of water per person per day into BCNP backcountry. We like using sturdy yet light Platypus Platy bottles for toting water. Water sources are intermittent and unreliable for the most part on this hike.

The National Park Service recommends both filtering and purifying backcountry water sources. We used Aquamira drops as our main treatment method on this hike, but you can also boil filtered water for a minute or purify it with UV light like the Katadyn Steripen Ultra. Check out our guide to the best water filters for more recommendations.

We recommend checking in at the Visitor Center for the most current information on water availability. You may find water at the following locations, but do your research ahead of time to confirm.

• Yellow Creek (near all campsites)
• Sheep Creek (near campsite)
• Iron Spring (trail near campsite). Water in Iron Spring has substantial sediment and a metallic taste.
• Riggs Spring (inside log fence area)
• Yovimpa Spring (below Yovimpa Pass campsite). We found this to be the best water source on the entire hike by far.

What Regulations & Restrictions Are In Place?

The list below is not comprehensive. Bryce Canyon’s Backcountry Information page has the most up-to-date information on guidelines and restrictions.

• Either carry your waste out or dig six- to eight-inch-deep “catholes” at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites to bury human waste.
• Pack out all trash and any you see left by others.
• Wash dishes and bathe at least 100 feet from water sources, trails,0 and campsites. Collect and bag food scraps and pack out as trash.
• Feeding or harassing wildlife in the park is a violation of federal law.
• Campfires are not allowed in the backcountry. Pressurized gas camp stoves are permitted.

How Should I Store My Food?

Bear-resistant canisters are required for backpackers in Bryce Canyon National Park. If you have your own bear canister, you must present it to the backcountry ranger at the Visitor Center to make sure it meets park requirements (scroll down this Backcountry Information page for a list of of approved models). If you don’t have your own bear vault, you can borrow one free of charge at the Visitor Center.

Chances are you’re more likely to have issues with ravens, mice, and squirrels. They sometimes peck or chew into packs and tents left unattended. Follow proper food storage techniques, and you shouldn’t have any issues. To learn more about food storage, check out our tutorial on protecting your food. 

Are Bugs an Issue?

Mosquitos are not usually a huge problem in Bryce Canyon, except when there have been extensive periods of wet weather prior to your arrival. The same holds for no-see-ums – though, like mosquitos, they are mostly only an issue around dusk. Use a combination of permethrin on your clothing and a small amount of DEET on exposed skin for full protection.

More Bryce Canyon Photos