Bryce Backpacking - Under the Rim

[Nick]

Anyone here ever backpacked the Under the Rim trail in Bryce Canyon? Or perhaps any experience with the Bryce permit system? Thinking about doing it next month and I'm curious what spots to shoot for and any other info on the route. It looks like Bryce has no sort of reservation system so we'll be stuck with whats available when we show up.

 

[Bill]

Pretty sure theres a sign below Bryce Point at the fork of the trail that leads to the backpacking sites informing hikers that they will not be camping and hiking within hoodoos. I thought it was pretty funny because lots of people must of complained for a sign to be erected.

Maybe its awesome ... I've never done it.

 

[Yvonne]

haven't planned any details yet, but it's on my list for June or July. Still need to do some research for reliable springs, there are a few.
I think I remember you can only pic up your permit at the backcountry office the day before your trip.
Keep me updated if you go earlier than I.

 

[Cody]

I did a loop down Bryce Point past the Hat Shop camped at Yellow Creek and exited up Swamp Canyon in 2011.

I believe permits are just walk up. Bear cannisters are required (free for loan by NPS). You can coordinate with the park shuttles for a free pickup if you can give them a precise time to eliminate road walking to close the loop. I lucked out and picked up a ride back to my truck with a passing park law enforcement ranger which saved me six or so miles of road walking.

Views from Yellow Creek up to Paria View are nice. Some day I will go back and do the length of Under the Rim. Only saw one other hiker on the trail during my overnight.



Big views from the rim as I started down



The Hat Shop



Camp at Yellow Creek



View up from Yellow Creek

 

[Bill]

The Hat Shop

The Hat shop does seem pretty cool.

 

[Yvonne]

good to know with the park shuttle. I need to keep that in mind
I planned to ride my bike back instead of walking the road

 

[Nick]

good to know with the park shuttle. I need to keep that in mind
I planned to ride my bike back instead of walking the road

During the peak season I don't even think you need to plan it with them. Pretty sure it runs each day between normal hours and you can just finish up on the end and wait for the next shuttle. It starts running on May 10th this year. I actually thought about doing this last weekend but didn't because of that.

 

[Cody]

During the peak season I don't even think you need to plan it with them. Pretty sure it runs each day between normal hours and you can just finish up on the end and wait for the next shuttle. It starts running on May 10th this year. I actually thought about doing this last weekend but didn't because of that.

There are actually two shuttle routes; one that services the near front country overlooks and runs at regular intervals but only goes as far as Bryce Point--not really useful for backpackers. The other shuttle only runs 2x daily and goes all the way out to Rainbow Point--requires reservations (free) and you have to plan your entry/exit to coincide with one of the two daily passes.

Whenever I end up going back for the full under the rim route, I am thinking I will take the AM shuttle to Rainbow Point, do the Riggs Loop an then hike back under the rim to Bryce Point and past all the front country touristy overlooks to the VC