Under-the-Rim Trail

If heading north-to-south, the more common route, the trail starts from Bryce Point at an an elevation of 8,331 feet. You'll begin with an immediate and steep descent through a stunning, white hoodoo area known as the "Hat Shop" as you head south towards Yellow Creek, the first campsite and one of only a few water sources along the trail. While descending, the urge to look skyward may overtake you, but keep one eye on the ground for safety. Arriving on the main forest floor you may assume it's flat and steady the rest of the way, but hiker beware; the trail from here embarks upon mile-after-mile of steep passes and hogback ridges that may leave your legs shaky and lungs breathless. For this reason, the park offers 7 additional campsites along the way for maximum rest and refueling time. About 10 miles in, just about when you've grown tired of the ups and downs, you'll reach Sheep Creek, another campsite, water source and the first of three connector trails allowing escape for those ready to raise the white flag (Sheep Creek Connecting Trail). The good news is from here the trail finally lets up and provides several miles of easier terrain as you continue south past the Swamp Canyon and Natural Bridge campsites, and the Whiteman Bench Connecting Trail and Agua Canyon Connecting Trail. This section is worth slowing down for, as the straight trail, easy grades, and open views are a welcome experience from the constant climbs, descents and traverses of the previous hours/days. From Agua canyon there is no turning back or escape. The remaining 7 miles or so offers a heart-pounding ascent to the trail's finish and the park's highest elevation at Rainbow Point at 9,115 feet.