Bristlecone Loop Trail hike
View Photos
Bristlecone Loop Trail hike
Difficulty Rating:
This loop hike departs from the popular Rainbow Point at the very southern tip of the scenic drive through Bryce National Park. With the stunning surroundings of Bristlecone Pines on one leg of the loop, and scenic panoramic rim views along the other, the crowds in the parking lot start to really make sense.
Getting there
Enter Bryce Canyon National Park just south of the town of Bryce. Pay your dues at the park gate, then drive along the main road until you see the signed turnoff for Bryce Lookout. Turn left here and follow to road to an unmarked junction, where you will turn left again to find the parking lot. This parking lot fills up very quickly, so get here early!
About
| When to do | Spring, early summer and fall, avoid summer heat and winter snow |
| Backcountry Campsites | None |
| Toilets | At trailhead |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Bristlecone Loop Trail
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Bristlecone Loop Trail
Find the trailhead at the tip of the parking lot, near the point. Continue along the trail and wind through stunning bristlecone pine trees. Soon you will reach a well signposted junction, head straight towards the Peak-A-Boo Loop and the Bristlecone Loop trails. Shortly you will reach another junction, follow signs straight for the Bristlecone Loop Trail.
After just under a 1.0mi of hiking you will reach the scenic gazebo. Here are the first real rim views. Looking down you’ll be able to see the stunning red cliffs dropping off at your feet, and making their way around to either side of you. Across the canyon a stunning rock formation called Promontory Mesa will be obvious.
Continue along the rim, veering right with the trail. You will gain a modicum of elevation as you traverse. Soon you will reenter the forest and veer right. You will reunite again with the access trail you came in on and turn left towards the parking area. Within no time you’ll be back in the parking area.
Insider Hints
Seriously, this parking lot fills up fast. Get here early to avoid the swarming tourists and motorcyclists. Luckily the trail is a lot less busy than the point!
Similar hikes to the Bristlecone Loop Trail hike
Bryce Horse Trail
The Bryce Horse Trail is a great circuit in Bryce Canyon National Park. This trail is used by horseback riders…
Queen Victoria via Queen’s Garden
Queen Victoria via the Queen’s Garden Trail is a gorgeous hike that highlights the unique geology of Bryce Canyon National…
Yovimpa Point
The Yovimpa Point Trail is a short hike to an incredible viewpoint in Bryce Canyon National Park. This trail is…
Tiffany Swift 4 years ago
The easy walk takes you through managed forest. Several great views. Worth your time! This is a good hike to get away from the crowds of the parking lot and Rainbow Point.
TwoBoots 4 years ago
This was our favorite winter trail. Great, shorter trail for everyone.
Anabelle Clyde 4 years ago
Glad I did this just to see the Bristlecone pines. beautiful views.
Mariah D. 5 years ago
Lovely hike. There are lots of great photo spots here.
Mitch Reinwick 5 years ago
Very easy hike that takes an hour to complete. It starts in a forested section of the park and works its' way to a cliff section where there are great mountain views.
Willy G. 5 years ago
A nice short hike that is good for small children. It has fewer people down at the far end.
Washington H. 5 years ago
Great place to hang out, relax, and enjoy the view.
Jane L. 5 years ago
Easy hike through the pines at the end of the scenic drive. We were surprised by the amazing view at the end.
Melinda J. 5 years ago
Incredible solitary vibes. It's truly one of a kind. Highly recommended hike.
Naomi W 5 years ago
Nice walk but a lot of people were gettin in my way for photos!