Best of Bryce Canyon Day Hikes: They'll Kick Your Heinie

Description:

It can be done in a day, since it's only 8.5 miles, but lots of folks take advantage of the nice back country campsites and the spring itself to make this one an overnight. There are plenty of forested parts of the trail, making this a pleasant spring through fall hike. Lots of quaking aspen (quakies) groves are along the way as well. Note: treat the water, of course! The Riggs Spring Loop can also be hooked up the Under-the-Rim Trail to make it a truly extended, vigorous back country experience.

Our Local Expert Says:

Classic Bryce views are even better on this hike because it's less crowded

Description:

The Fairyland Loop takes hikers through striking natural rock formations; don't forget your camera! The trail begins at Fairyland Point, winds through the Bryce Amphitheatre and returns near Sunrise Point. It loses 950 feet in elevation--then gains it. You'll get a workout! Penny-pincher? This trail head starts before the fee station in the Park, so you can experience all of its beauty for free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Due to it strenuousness, this trail arguably showcases some of Bryce Canyon's best features and is also appreciably less crowded.

Description:

Starting at Bryce Point, head down below the rim. When you reach the choice of going either left or right at the fork, choose left so you do the trail clockwise. Look up to your left for the Fairy Castle! And if you can, peer off straight ahead in the distance to see folks looking down from Bryce Point, now a mile away and 900 feet above you. Then you'll come to the Wall of Windows, which is more impressive if seen coming up in this direction, from the south. Watch for horses on this trail, and give way if you see them. Or sign up for a horseback ride yourself, which is a really fun and different way to experience Peekaboo Loop.

Description:

A great trail, the Rim Trail will require shuttling at one end or the other. The Park shuttle runs to Bryce Point but not Fairyland Point, so plan accordingly. If motivated and it's not shuttle season, you can park in the middle at Sunrise Point, hike out to Fairyland Point, turn back and hike all the way to Bryce Point, then turn around again to head back to your car at Sunrise Point. Some steep climbs with some easier parts; bring moleskin for your tootsies if you don't hike a lot and make sure your boots fit well. The views of the hoodoo-laden hillsides are spectacular, like peering down into a nest of red and cream-colored spires jutting upward from the earth. Note that the Rim Trail is a good spring-through-fall jaunt, although it can be exposed, so be aware of the strong sun. In the wintertime, snow can block access to the trail, or at least make it very muddy and a less pleasant slog.

Our Local Expert Says:

A nice, brief introduction to Bryce's backcountry if you don't want to commit to a longer day or an overnight trip.

Description:

The first mile is along the Rim...then the trail drops down 876 feet on this hike! But once below the Rim you end up strolling through an evergreen forest as well as meadows. Awesome vistas are as breathtaking as any to be found in Bryce Canyon. The most unexpected view is of a sandstone wall that sort of resembles one of those giant organs that are played in church. Who knew! Campsites such as the Sheep Creek one can connect this trail with others to make it a nice back country journey.

Our Local Expert Says:

Birders' paradise because there are 4 distinct habitats along this hike, making it a haven for songbirds

Description:

This is a trail that has somewhat less grand outlooks than many other Bryce hikes--the advantage, however, is that you get a closer connection with nature on this one. You'll be cozily tucked in by towering rock fins and those wild hoodoos as you meander along this moderately difficult trail. Swamp Canyon Loop meets up for a while with the Under-the-Rim trail before returning to the Swamp Canyon Overlook.