Under-the-Rim Trail

Hikers carry their gear while enjoying a hike on the Under-the-Rim trail.

Bryce Canyon's backcountry trails offer forests and meadows, stunning views of distant cliffs, and solitude. However, hoodoos are best experienced along our frontcountry trails in the main amphitheater area. The Under-the-Rim trail connects Rainbow Point in the south to Bryce Point in the north. Three connecting trails intersect this trail at the Agua Canyon, Whiteman Bench, and Swamp Canyon trailheads. Permits are not required to hike this trail, but all overnight stays require a permit.
 

• Trailhead: Rainbow Point or Bryce Point.
• Parking: At trailheads; oversized vehicles permitted at Rainbow Point but are not permitted at Bryce Point when the shuttle is in operation
• Distance: 22.9 miles (36.9 km)
• Approximate Time: 2-3 days
• Elevation Gain: 5500 feet (1676 meters)
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Services: None along the trail. Accessible restrooms can be found at Rainbow Point.
• Shuttle Service: Yes, to Bryce Point. No shuttle to Rainbow Point, although Private options may be available.
• This trail may be inaccessible during mid-winter due to snow depths ranging from 2-15 ft. (.7-5 m)
• Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?
• Backcountry camping is permitted only in designated backcountry campsites and all overnight backcountry stays require a permit.

Typically this trail is hiked south-to-north (Rainbow Point to Bryce Point) with two overnights. There are six campsites and one group site along its length. Some backcountry hikers will combine this hike with an additional night along the Riggs Spring Loop. For more information and reservation information visit our Backcountry Information page.
 

Details

Duration

2-3 Days

Activity

Backcountry Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Rainbow Point

Typically this trail is hiked south-to-north (Rainbow Point to Bryce Point).

Reservations

Yes

Day-hiking this trail does not require a permit but all overnight backcountry stays require a permit. 

For more information please visit our Backcountry Information page.

Accessibility Information

This is a backcountry trail with natural terrain and is not considered an accessible trail. 

• Surface Type: Firm Native Sediment
• Total Ascent: 5500 feet (1676 meters)
• Length: 22.9 mi (36.9 km) roundtrip