Hike Bryce Canyon's Riggs Spring Loop

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is a spectacular place. It really has to be seen to be believed. Some of the most scenic parts of Bryce are easily accessible by the average visitor via car-accessible overlooks. However, if you're not into crowds or want to hike/backpack in Bryce...there are some wonderful trails and campsites! I recently did the Riggs Spring loop at the southern end of the park, which starts at Rainbow Point overlook.

I started the reverse way as I got there late in the day...so just a few miles to the campsite at Yohimba pass. It was labour day weekend and I had the whole place to myself...magical! After witnessing a spectacular sunset on the pink cliffs, I was treated to am amazing star show! Bryce has some of the clearest and darkest skies in the country...so if you're into night photography or just want to see the Milky Way in it's glory...I highly recommend it!

The loop is 9 miles total, so an easy two day hike, although you descend around 2000ft into the valley below and since you start at 9000ft this isn't an easy hike. The valley part of the hike includes beautiful pines, glimpses of pink cliffs throughout and just a lovely trail. You have to climb back up the 2000ft to Rainbow point, which is a slog...but you're treated to wonderful views of the Grandstaircase-Escalante area. Bryce is high up, between 7000-9000ft up so nights can be cold.