Empty your memory cards and get your selfie-sticks ready! With trail stops like Inspiration, Sunset, Sunrise and
Fairyland Point, it's easy to imagine why this will become one of your all-time favorites. No lie.
Because of its proximity to parking, restrooms, other trailheads and the park's best viewpoints, most visitors hike along the Rim Trail without even knowing it and very few bother to hike the whole thing, opting to descend into the canyon instead. Insider Tip: do the whole thing, it's worth it! The trail can be traveled in either direction and from half a dozen parking areas and starting points. End to end it measures just shy of 6 miles, so you'll need to either use the free park shuttle, which travels every 15 minutes or so between Sunrise and
Bryce Point or prime your legs for a longer hike if going round trip.
South-to-North (
Bryce Point to
Fairyland Point) - the less-traveled, but preferred route for scenic buildup and planning. Park at the visitor center and hop on the free shuttle to
Bryce Point. From here, absorb the semi-distant view of the main amphitheater to which you'll be heading and that constitutes the bulk of Bryce Canyon. Once ready to hike, enjoy a couple of miles of downhill to warm up the legs as you head ever-closer to the surreal
Inspiration Point. Continue along the trail, which turns to pavement and becomes more popular as you approach Sunset Point and the real crowds. Though relatively flat, the next mile will likely be the slowest of your day as you drain the batteries of your cameras and cellphones, and stop for "just one more look!" Passing Sunrise Point, you may be tempted to hike backwards, but rest-assured, the views up ahead are just as nice. After reaching the well-earned
Fairyland Point overlook, relax and soak it in. When ready, return to Sunrise Point and the shuttle back to the visitor center.
North-to-South (
Fairyland Point to
Bryce Point) - someone once said going south always seems like you're going downhill...not the case with this hike. Though it starts flat as you meander along the well-traveled rim and enjoy staggering views of Sunset and Sunrise Point, the trail soon starts a rigorous climb as you arch around
Inspiration Point and try to spot distant hikers winding through the hoodoos below.
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