Backcountry Information

Water Conditions: May 9, 2022

Conditions are currently pretty dry. Both Sheep Creek and Swamp Canyon are dry. There is water in Yellow Creek and Iron Spring. Yovimpa Pass spring is also flowing.

 

Backcountry Conditions and Closures

Conditions along the Under-the-Rim Trail are very rugged in places, and the trail may be difficult to follow. Orienteering skills are strongly recommended, especially south of Whiteman Bench Connecting Trail.
The Agua Canyon Connecting Trail remains closed for repairs.
Sheep Creek campsite is permanently closed.

 

No Rainbow Bus Tour

The Rainbow Bus Tour, which is often used by hikers to shuttle south to Rainbow Point, is not currently scheduled to resume in 2022. For alternative options, visit our Commercial Tours and Services page.

 

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Backcountry hikers descend the Under-the-Rim Trail from Rainbow Point

NPS/Peter Densmore

Overview

Experience the solitude of Bryce's forested backcountry on the Under the Rim Trail. Descending from the rim, this 22.9 mile trail meanders through forests & meadows, offering stunning views of rainbow-hued cliffs in the distance. The Under the Rim Trail follows the base of the Paunsaugant Plateau and is largely forested. The hoodoos are part of the distant vistas to the west as you hike the valley floor. To preserve this experience, backcountry camping is permitted only in designated campsites. A backcountry permit must be obtained at the Visitor Center prior to any overnight trips.

• There are 7 campsites on the 22.9 mile (36.9 km) Under-the-Rim Trail (Sheep Creek is closed)
• There are 3 campsites on the 8.8 mile (14.2 km) Riggs Spring Loop Trail
• The trails are strenuous, with multiple changes in elevation ranging from 6,800 feet (2,073 m) to 9,115 feet (2778 m)

Fees and Permits

$10/permit + $5/person, ages 16+ to obtain a permit. Cash and card accepted.

• Permits are required for all overnight backcountry stays, and may be obtained up to 48 hours in advance.
• Permits are available at the Visitor Center from from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All site reservations are subject to availability.
• Overnight stays are limited to a maximum of 14 nights.
• You must be physically present at the Visitor Center to obtain a permit. Permits will not be issued by phone, email, etc.

 

Leave No Trace logo

Backcountry Guidelines and Regulations

• Campsites - Camping is permitted in designated sites only; campers must use the established tent pads to set up tents
• Bear canisters - Bear canisters on overnight backcountry hikes are required. See more information below.
• Pets - Pets are not allowed on any trails or in backcountry areas. You may not bring pets on day hikes or backcountry trips. Pets are restricted to paved walkways and roads in the developed areas of the park.
• Hammocks - Hammocks are not permitted. Attaching items to trees (hanging, nailing, anchoring, etc.) is not permitted.
• Water - Carry plenty of water and check water availability with a ranger at the Visitor Center before you leave. Backcountry water must be purified.
• Hygiene - Wash dishes and bathe at least 100 feet (30 m) from water sources, trails and campsites.
• Waste - Dig "catholes" 6 to 8 inches (15 cm) deep at least 200 feet (60 m) away from water, trails and campsites to bury human waste.
• Fires - No open fires in the backcountry. Use only pressurized gas stoves for cooking. “Alternative fuel” stoves are not permitted. Please ask the backcountry ranger if you are unsure about your stove. Report any campfire violations to a park ranger.
• Safety - Carry a detailed topographic map, compass, extra clothing, food and water, rain gear, hat and sunscreen. Check the weather forecast prior to departure. Always let a friend or family member know your plans.
• Travel - Stay on designated trails. Shortcutting trail switchbacks is illegal, dangerous and causes erosion!
• Leave No Trace - Pack out all trash and any you find that has been left by others. Pack out toilet paper. and food scraps!
• Groups - Backcountry campsites are limited to 6 people per regular site, and 15 people per group site. Three tent pads are available at each backcountry site. Permits are issued for each individual tent pad. The maximum for each tent pad/permit is two people (Six people total per site).

 

Thru-Hikers

Thru-hikers (Hayduke Trail) traveling and/or staying overnight in Bryce Canyon are still subject to park regulations. If you intend to stay overnight within the park, you will need to stop into the visitor center and obtain a permit. Plan ahead and make sure you have the proper bear-resistant canister and camp stove. Campsites fill up during the summer, so do not expect to arrive at any site at your leisure and start setting up camp without first checking in with a backcountry ranger and obtaining a permit.

You may want to consider camping outside the park boundaries if obtaining a permit and complying with park regulations is difficult. The Dixie National Forest has different regulations on dispersed camping. Check their website or call the local USFS Ranger Station for more information.

 

Click for the park's backcountry map and guide. Note: all closures may not be reflected.

NPS

Backcountry Map and Brochure

Backcountry Brochure
(The DATUM provided for each site was derived from a handheld GPS unit and does not represent NPS approved information.)

Backcountry Trails

The Under-the-Rim Trail is approximately 22.9 miles (36.9 km) from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point. Connecting trails offer access from the park's Scenic Drive and intersect the Under-the-Rim Trail at Swamp Canyon, Whiteman Bench and Ponderosa Canyon trailheads. Agua Canyon Connector Trail at Ponderosa Point is closed until further notice due to storm damage.
The Riggs Spring Loop is 8.8-mile (14.2 km) beginning and ending at the Rainbow/Yovimpa Point parking lot at the south end of the Scenic Drive. Either the Yovimpa or Rainbow Point trailhead may be used to access this loop.

The Under-the-Rim Trail May Be Broken into Sections as Follows:

Trail Sections	Distance (one-way)	Elevation Change
Agua Canyon T.H. to Rainbow Point (Trail conditions are challenging to navigate here)	7.9 mi / 12.7 km	1365 ft / 416 m
Whiteman Bench T.H. to Agua Canyon T.H. (Trail conditions are challenging to navigate here)	7.0 mi / 11.3 km	1460 ft/ 445 m
Swamp Canyon T.H. to Whiteman Bench T.H.	3.6 mi / 5.8 km	848 ft / 259 m
Bryce Point to Swamp Canyon T.H.	11.6 mi / 18.7 km	1294 ft / 394 m

TH = Trailhead

Note: Hitchhiking is not allowed in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Transportation

The Bryce Canyon Shuttle provides optional transportation to and from Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points April - October. It does not serve the southern end of the park.
When available, hikers may reserve seats on the Rainbow Point Tour bus for transportation to Rainbow/Yovimpa Point.
Reservations and detailed information may be obtained by calling [phone].
Note this tour is not available in 2022

Water in the Backcountry

We recommend you carry at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day.

• Water sources are unreliable.
• Water from backcountry sources must be purified.
• Purify water by boiling (10 minutes), filtering, or iodine treatment.

Please check at the Visitor Center for the most current information on water availability.
Depending on seasonal variations you find water at the following backcountry locations:

• Yellow Creek (near all campsites)
• Sheep Creek (near campsite; campsite is closed to campers)
• Iron Spring (trail near campsite)*
• Riggs Spring (inside log fence area)
• Yovimpa Spring (below Yovimpa Pass campsite)

* Note: Water in Iron Spring has substantial sediment and metallic taste

Developed area water filling station locations:

• Visitor Center
• Bryce Canyon Lodge
• General Store
• Sunset Point parking area

 

Bear resistant canister

Bears and Other Wildlife

Bryce Canyon is home to many animals including mountain lions, coyotes and black bears. Squirrels, snakes and other small animals may also be present near your campsite.

• Bear-resistant canisters are required, and available for loan, free of charge, at the Visitor Center
  • If you have your own bear-resistant canister, you must present it to the backcountry ranger to make sure it meets park requirements (hard-sided and lockable)
• Feeding or harassing wildlife in the park is a violation of Federal law (36 CFR 1002.2) and such behavior is subject to fines or other penalties

Approved Bear-resistant canisters

• Model 812 Backpackers' Cache (Garcia)
  www.backpackerscache.com
• BearVault 110B, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500
  www.bearvault.com
• The Bearikade Weekender (1766 and higher) and The Bearikade Expedition MKII (1766 and higher)
  www.wild-ideas.net
• The Bear Keg (Counter Assault)
  www.counterassault.com
• The Bare Boxer Contender (101) and Champ (202)
  www.bareboxer.com
• Lighter1 Big Daddy and Lil' Sami
  www.lighter1.com
• UDAP No-Fed-Bear
  www.udap.com

Due to the presence of black bears within Bryce Canyon National Park, the following regulations and recommendations are also in place:

• All food must be prepared and stored in the designated Food Prep Area
• Store all food and scented personal items in the bear canister
• Do not eat or use scented items in your tent
• Do not sleep in the clothes you were wearing when you cooked
• Keep bear canisters locked when not tending to them
• Hanging food from trees is prohibited

In the summer of 2010, a Black Bear had to be killed because it was conditioned to associate food with humans and began to exhibit aggressive behavior. Feeding wild animals is a form of animal cruelty. Please take your food storage practices seriously.

Brochure information about Black Bears and what you should and shouldn't do if you encounter one:

• Utah Division of Wildlife Black Bear Encounter Brochure (PDF 192 KB)
• Bryce Canyon National Park Black Bear Brochure (PDF 4.45 MB)

Information about other animals that may be encountered in Bryce Canyon can be viewed at the park's wildlife page.