Bryce Canyon · Easy · Out and back

Rim Trail from Sunset Point to Bryce Point

Along the rim of the Bryce Amphitheater from Sunset Point over Inspiration Point to Bryce Point, with the Silent City below.

Distance
4.8 mi (7.8 km)
Ascent
472 ft (144 m)
Time
About 2 h 15 min
High point
8,346 ft (2,544 m)
Grade
Easy

Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.

0 mi1 mi2 mi3 mi4 mi8,333 ft7,982 ft
Move along the height chart to see each point on the map.
Rim Trail from Sunset Point to Bryce Point
King of Hearts · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The hike

From Sunset Point the Rim Trail heads south along the edge of the Bryce Amphitheater and climbs to the three levels of Inspiration Point, 0.7 miles on, which look down on the packed hoodoos of the Silent City. It then runs on for a mile and a half, up and down along the unfenced cliff edge, round the head of the amphitheater to Bryce Point. Return the same way, or take the shuttle back in season.

It is 4.8 miles (7.8 km) round trip with 470 feet (144 m) of climbing; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy: the path is clear but not level, and it is above 8,000 feet all the way.

The park shuttle stops at Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce Points, so you can walk one way; in 2026 it runs from April 3 to October 18. In winter the park regularly closes the section between Inspiration Point and Bryce Point because of snow cornices along the cliffs. Pets are allowed only on the paved rim between Sunset and Sunrise Points, not here. There are restrooms and water at Sunset Point. If you can hear thunder, lightning is within ten miles: leave the rim.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.

Good to know

  • Along the edge of the Bryce Amphitheater, looking down on the Silent City's hoodoos
  • Inspiration Point, on the way, has one of the widest views in the park
  • In summer the park shuttle stops at both ends, so you can walk one way

Summits on the way

  • Inspiration Point · passed close by

Getting there

Start: Sunset Point · Free parking. 37.62371, -112.16791

Directions to the start

Places to stay nearby

Rooms in and around Bryce Canyon: Booking.com → Expedia →

Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.

Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.