Bryce Canyon Rim Trail, Sunset to Bryce Point

The Bryce Canyon rim, more accurately called the eastern rim of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, stands an astounding 8,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level and up to 3,000 feet above the Paria River, the canyon's main drainage. At this altitude, snow can linger well into spring, creating a vivid contrast to the deep orange sedimentary hoodoos* that make up the canyon's numerous amphitheaters. Starting out at Bryce Canyon National Park's popular Sunset Point, it's a 2.2 mile one-way hike south to Bryce Point (8,296'), passing Inspiration Point en route. Although a popular way to take in the dramatic vistas of Bryce Canyon, stepping onto the Rim Trail is an easy way to gain some serenity away from the other masses of visitors who congregate at each of the viewpoint parking lot areas. * Hoodoos are thin, spire-like formations commonly found in arid drainages of sedimentary rock. Over time, weather erodes softer rock and leaves harder rock to remain. In contrast to spires or pinnacles, hoodoos are distinct because of their variable form and thickness that reflects differentiation in the hardness of the soil/rock.