Bristlecone Loop Trail
Table of contents
Route Description for Bristlecone Loop Trail
Find the trailhead at the tip of the parking lot, near the point. Continue along the trail and wind through stunning bristlecone pine trees. Soon you will reach a well signposted junction, head straight towards the Peak-A-Boo Loop and the Bristlecone Loop trails. Shortly you will reach another junction, follow signs straight for the Bristlecone Loop Trail.
After just under a 1.6 km of hiking you will reach the scenic gazebo. Here are the first real rim views. Looking down you’ll be able to see the stunning red cliffs dropping off at your feet, and making their way around to either side of you. Across the canyon a stunning rock formation called Promontory Mesa will be obvious.
Continue along the rim, veering right with the trail. You will gain a modicum of elevation as you traverse. Soon you will reenter the forest and veer right. You will reunite again with the access trail you came in on and turn left towards the parking area. Within no time you’ll be back in the parking area.
Insider Hints for Bristlecone Loop Trail
- Seriously, this parking lot fills up fast. Get here early to avoid the swarming tourists and motorcyclists. Luckily the trail is a lot less busy than the point!
Getting to the Bristlecone Loop Trail Trailhead
Enter Bryce Canyon National Park just south of the town of Bryce. Pay your dues at the park gate, then drive along the main road until you see the signed turnoff for Bryce Lookout. Turn left here and follow to road to an unmarked junction, where you will turn left again to find the parking lot. This parking lot fills up very quickly, so get here early!Route Information
When to do:
Spring, early summer and fall, avoid summer heat and winter snow
Backcountry Campsites:
None
Toilets:
At trailhead
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Circuit
Bristlecone Loop Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
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