Rim Trail,
Bryce Canyon National Park
The Rim Trail stretches from Fairyland to Bryce point. Although this is an easy trail, there are several steep areas near Bryce Point that require some exertion. The area between the scenic overlooks of Sunset Point and Sunrise Point is the only section of trail that is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Elevation
The Rim Trail has a maximum elevation of 8,368 ft., a minimum elevation of 7,770 ft. and an elevation range of 598 ft.
Metrics
| [ A to B ] or [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 5.4 mi | 7,770 ft | 8,368 ft | 598 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 2.0 hrs | 63.8 | 765 ft | 266 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 2.0 hrs | 22.2 | 266 ft | 765 ft |
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF Rim Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Casto Canyon, UT
- North Topo Map: Flake Mountain West, UT
- Northeast Topo Map: Flake Mountain East, UT
- West Topo Map: Wilson Peak, UT
- Topo Map: Bryce Canyon, UT
- East Topo Map: Tropic Canyon, UT
- Southwest Topo Map: Tropic Reservoir, UT
- South Topo Map: Bryce Point, UT
- Southeast Topo Map: Cannonville, UT
Difficulty
The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Rim Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.
FAQ
What is the length of the Rim Trail?
The length of the trail is 5.4 miles (8.7 km) or 11,584 steps.
How long does it take to hike the Rim Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 2.0 hours in one direction and in 2.0 hours in the opposite direction.
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- The Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) may be present in this area. The Rocky Mountain wood tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, and Tularemia.
- The Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) may be present in this area. The Western blacklegged tick transmits Anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.