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Bristlecone Loop

Easy/Intermediate
 4.1 (25)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Bryce Canyon National Park
  5. Rainbow Point
Plan with onX Backcountry
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“This short, high elevation loop features rare Bristlecone Pines and views of the Four Corners area. ”

Megan W
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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.6

KM

Point to Point

9,106' 2,776 m

High

9,012' 2,747 m

Low

92' 28 m

Up

109' 33 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly A great loop with scenery, plants, wildlife, and views for the whole family to enjoy.

May be inaccessible during mid-winter due to deep snow.

Description

From the Rainbow Point parking and picnic area, follow the Bristlecone Loop Trail as it initially heads east. Soon, arrive at a junction and pick a direction to complete the lollipop loop - either way works, but this description takes the clockwise direction. Descend atop the mesa through densely forested terrain, crossing other trail junctions.

Proceed along the loop passing many gnarled,1,800 year-old Bristlecone Pines. These trees are some of the oldest living beings on earth. By studying their tree rings, scientists can learn about past environmental conditions like glaciers and drought going back thousands of years. Unlike other pines which shed their needles every couple of years, Bristlecone Pines can keep their same needles for as long as 40 years - a strategy that saves energy and helps the trees endure harsh temperatures and drought. These trees also have very resinous wood which prevents the trees from drying out and being damaged by insects. These twisted trees only grow on certain rocky slopes at precise elevations in six US states and are under federal protection so don't collect cones or otherwise damage them!

The trail skirts the edge of picturesque cliffs with viewpoints along the way. You'll see deep canyons, hoodoos, and at the end of the point, enjoy sweeping vistas. Begin the undulating climb back up through forested slopes, keeping an eye out for the famous Bristlecone Pines. Rejoin the "stem" of the lollipop to head back to the parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, White Fir, Bristlecone Pines. Grouse, woodpeckers, owls, ravens, Steller's Jays, squirrels, and chipmunks.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Bryce Canyon National Park

Shared By:

Megan W
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 25 votes

#1

in Rainbow Point

#490

Overall
  4.1 from 25 votes
5 Star
28%
4 Star
52%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Rainbow Point

#53

in Utah

#490

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,224 Since Feb 28, 2016
Easy/Intermediate
46%
8%
46%
0%
0%
0%
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Photos

Cliffs from Bristlecone Loop Trail
Oct 16, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
The spires of Rainbow Point in Bryce Canyon National Park
Mar 2, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Hoodoos from Rainbow Point
Oct 16, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
It almost looks like powdered sugar on a pastry.
Nov 27, 2021 near Panguitch, UT
View from Rainbow Point and the end of the trail.
Dec 31, 2015 near Panguitch, UT
Looking across the park from Rainbow Point.
Mar 2, 2016 near Panguitch, UT

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 5 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 15, 2023
George Vogel
Sep 4, 2022
Kevin Norum
Aug 9, 2022
Haley Phemister
May 22, 2022
Maura McLay
May 16, 2022
Daniel Edward
Mar 31, 2022
Krista Newcomb
I walked for a few minutes and know I would've loved it but it was snowing very hard and trail was mostly snow covered and slippery. Sadly didn't go.
Mar 25, 2022
Alex Pukos
Dec 17, 2021
Dsm Jsm
Thank goodness someone tried this trail before me - the snow was about a foot deep. Wasnt the whole trail, but a good taste of it.

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