Bryce Canyon Rim Trail Guide Best Hikes and Scenic Overlooks in Southern Utah

There’s a reason Bryce Canyon’s Rim Trail shows up on just about every hiking list, photography guide, and travel planner that even glances in the direction of Southern Utah. If you’re standing on the edge of this place, watching the light crawl across an alien landscape of hoodoos and cliffs, you’re in for a moment. Actually, more like a hundred moments, each one worthy of its own postcard or Instagram post, depending on your generation.

The Rim Trail is Bryce Canyon National Park’s ultimate scenic stroll. And I say “stroll” because you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. It’s versatile. It’s packed with jaw-dropping views. And unlike some of the more challenging trails that plunge down into the amphitheaters, this one sticks to the top edge, offering wide-open views without requiring a vertical climb back to civilization. So whether you’re rolling deep with a crew of curious kids, trekking solo with a camera and a playlist, or just looking for an excuse to stretch your legs between scenic drive stops, the Rim Trail is your ticket to see the canyon the way it was meant to be seen.

What Exactly Is the Rim Trail?

Stretching just over 5 miles one way from Fairyland Point in the north to Bryce Point in the south, the Rim Trail hugs the edge of Bryce Amphitheater, winding past all the major viewpoints. If you want to experience the best overlooks in one go, this is the trail for you. But here’s the beauty of it, you don’t have to do the entire trail to get the magic. You can easily break it up into smaller sections or just hit a few highlights and still walk away with photos and memories that feel like a full-day adventure.

The trail is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines, especially near Sunrise and Sunset Points. Some sections between these major viewpoints are paved and accessible, while other parts lean a little more rugged. You’ll want good shoes either way, and probably a hat, sunscreen, and at least one bottle of water that you’ll wish was colder than it is.

Start with the Overlooks

Now, if you’re short on time or just want that classic Bryce Canyon experience, you can hit up a few of the park’s best-known overlooks without even committing to a long hike. Sunrise Point is the easiest starting point, and as the name suggests, it’s a stunner if you’re willing to get up early and catch the canyon before the crowds. Just a short walk from there, Sunset Point gives you another angle, and both are close enough together that even the most reluctant hikers will agree to keep going.

Further down the trail, Inspiration Point is a favorite for obvious reasons. Stand here and you’ll get a sweeping, elevated view of the Bryce Amphitheater that’s probably one of the most photographed spots in the park. Don’t be surprised if you catch yourself whispering a “whoa” when you get to the railing. Bryce Point, a bit farther south, is also worth the extra steps. It’s slightly less trafficked than the central viewpoints but offers some of the most dramatic vertical drop-offs and deeply shadowed rock spires, which make for killer contrast in photos.

Fairyland Point, on the north end of the Rim Trail, is one of the park’s hidden gems. It’s quieter, a little more off-the-beaten-path, and perfect if you’re looking to avoid crowds. The hoodoos here are less packed together and the light hits the cliffs in a softer, more textured way. If you’re into landscape photography or just want a peaceful moment to yourself, it’s worth the drive and the walk.

Best Ways to Explore the Trail

If you’re gunning for the full Rim Trail experience, start early. Really early. Like sunrise early. The light is unbeatable, and so is the quiet. You’ll beat the heat and the crowds and give yourself time to stop and stare without the guilt of holding up a trail of impatient hikers behind you.

One popular route is from Sunrise Point to Bryce Point, or the reverse if you’re feeling rebellious. Either direction offers those iconic views, but keep in mind that elevation gain can feel a little different depending on which way you’re heading. The full hike can take around 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos, snacks, or just to take it all in. If that sounds like a lot, just go point to point, Sunrise to Sunset, or Sunset to Inspiration, and loop back the same way. You still get a great taste of the trail without committing your whole day.

The trail is open year-round, but different seasons bring their own personalities. In summer, you’ll want to start early or late to avoid the mid-day heat. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and often clearer skies, making the views even more striking. Winter, though, if you’re brave enough, turns the trail into a surreal, snow-covered wonderland. Just check trail conditions before you go and bring appropriate gear. Snow on those narrow sections isn’t forgiving.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you’re a first-timer in Bryce Canyon and looking for a good introduction, this trail is it. You don’t need to be in top athletic form, just prepared and aware of your limits. Bryce sits at a high elevation, and if you’re not used to hiking above 8,000 feet, you might feel winded quicker than expected. That’s not you being out of shape, that’s just oxygen playing hard to get.

Cell service can be spotty, so bring a printed map or download one before you go. And speaking of maps, stop at the visitor center before hitting the trail. It’s right at the park entrance and loaded with helpful rangers, trail updates, and restrooms that won’t require hiking boots to reach.

Don’t forget your camera, but also don’t forget to put it down once in a while. The Rim Trail offers some of the best views in the national park system, and while photos are great, there’s something about standing quietly at the edge of the world that no lens can quite capture.

Why the Rim Trail Is a Must for Photographers

If photography is your thing, the Rim Trail might just be your new favorite subject. From sunrise at Fairyland to golden hour at Bryce Point, the shifting light across the hoodoos offers endless opportunities to experiment with shadow, texture, and scale. Wide-angle lenses capture the vastness of the amphitheater, but don’t forget to zoom in on those detailed rock formations that look like stone castles or melting candles. And if you get lucky with some dramatic clouds, those shots practically edit themselves.

For drone users, note that flying is not allowed within the national park. Stick to traditional gear, but trust me, it’ll still blow your mind.

See It from the Air Too

As incredible as the Rim Trail is on foot, nothing quite compares to seeing it from above. That’s where we come in. At Bryce Canyon Helicopters, we offer scenic aerial tours that show you the full scope of the park in ways no trail ever could. The Rim Trail is just one part of a much larger picture, and from the sky, you can see how it all connects—Fairyland, Sunrise, Sunset, and Bryce Point, all laid out like a giant sandstone amphitheater.

Our flights give you a front-row seat to the entire Bryce Canyon landscape, from towering hoodoos to vast pine forests and distant ridgelines. If you want to combine your hike with something that takes your perspective to the next level, a scenic tour is the way to do it.

The Bottom Line

The Rim Trail is everything people dream of when they imagine Bryce Canyon. It’s iconic, it’s accessible, and it’s absolutely stunning. Whether you hike it in sections or take on the whole route in one go, this trail gives you the best views in the park without making you break into a full sweat. So lace up, load your daypack, and start walking. The edge of the world is waiting.

Created On 02 Jun 2025