De Rim Trail

Verhard, toegankelijk en altijd de moeite waard

The Rim Trail follows the edge of the Bryce Amphitheater for 5.5 miles, connecting every major viewpoint from Fairyland Point in the north to Bryce Point in the south. You do not have to walk the whole thing — most visitors pick a segment, walk between two or three viewpoints, and call it good. The paved section between Sunrise and Sunset Points is the most popular, and for good reason: it gives you Thor's Hammer, the full amphitheater panorama, and two major trailheads in half a mile of easy walking.

Trailoverzicht

Volledige afstand: 5,5 mijl
Populair segment: 0,5 mijl tussen Sunrise en Sunset Point
Toegankelijkheid: Verhard segment rolstoel- en kinderwagenvriendelijk

Segmenten

Walk as much or as little as your group wants. Each segment connects two viewpoints with different character.

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Toegankelijkheid en gezinnen

Het verharde Sunrise-naar-Sunset-segment is het meest toegankelijke pad in het park.

Voor gezinnen met jonge kinderen is dit deel ideaal.

Sunrise and sunset tips

Despite the viewpoint names, both spots work for both events. The amphitheater faces east, so sunrise lights up the hoodoos with warm, direct light — this is the best time for photography. Arrive 30—45 minutes early for the color to build. Sunset creates silhouettes and long shadows that give the formations depth. Bryce Point is slightly better for sunset because of its higher, more southerly angle.

If you are staying at Duck Creek, sunrise at Bryce means leaving before dawn — about a one-hour drive. Plan this for a day when you want to maximize park time anyway. For sunset, you can arrive mid-afternoon, hike the amphitheater trails, walk the Rim Trail, and stay for the show before driving home in the twilight.

Combining the Rim Trail with below-rim hikes

The Rim Trail is the natural connector between trailheads. A great day plan from Duck Creek:

Park at Sunrise Point (or take the shuttle).
Descend Queen's Garden, connect to the Navajo Loop, and ascend to Sunset Point — the classic 2.9-mile combo.
Walk the Rim Trail from Sunset Point to Inspiration Point and Bryce Point for additional views from above.
Walk the Rim Trail back to Sunrise Point, or take the shuttle from Bryce Point.

This gives you the best of both worlds: the hoodoos up close below the rim, then the panoramic views from above. Total walking distance is about 5—6 miles with roughly 600—700 ft of elevation, and it takes a comfortable half day.

Stay planning

A Rim Trail morning pairs well with the scenic drive south to Rainbow Point in the afternoon. Or combine it with a rest day back at Duck Creek — a morning at Aspen Mirror Lake, an evening at a village restaurant, or a quiet afternoon on the property. Check our rooms and cabins to build the stay around the trip.

Waarom deze gids vertrouwen

De Rim Trail werkt voor bijna elk fitnessniveau en geeft het amfitheater van Bryce op zijn best weer.

Rim Trail questions

Common questions from trip planners.

How long is the Bryce Canyon Rim Trail?

The full Rim Trail is 5.5 miles one way from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point. Most visitors walk shorter segments. The most popular section — Sunrise Point to Sunset Point — is 0.5 miles one way and fully paved.

Is the Bryce Canyon Rim Trail wheelchair accessible?

The paved section between Sunrise and Sunset Points is relatively flat and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Other sections of the Rim Trail are unpaved with moderate elevation changes and are not wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring my dog on the Bryce Canyon Rim Trail?

Dogs are allowed on the paved section between Sunrise and Sunset Points, on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They are not allowed on unpaved sections of the Rim Trail or any other trail in the park.

Where is the best place to watch the sunrise at Bryce Canyon?

Despite its name, Sunrise Point works well but so does Bryce Point, which offers a higher vantage and sees the first morning light hit the amphitheater from above. Arrive 30—45 minutes before sunrise for the best color.

Can I combine the Rim Trail with a hike below the rim?

Yes, and most visitors do. Walk the Rim Trail between viewpoints, then descend on the Queen’s Garden or Navajo Loop trail. The Rim Trail connects all the amphitheater trailheads, so you can mix and match rim walking with below-rim hiking.

Stay Here, Walk the Rim Tomorrow

Book your room or cabin at Duck Creek Village Inn — quiet mountain base between Bryce, Zion, and Cedar Breaks.

Boek direct Kamers Cabins