Bristlecone Loop, UT

The Bristlecone Loop is a hike for the whole family. It's short at only 1 mile round trip. It's relatively flat with just over 350 feet of elevation change. Most importantly, the loop offers some fantastic views. Located at the southern end of highway 63 you are starting out near the high point of Bryce Canyon National Park, at about 9,100 feet above sea level. So if you're out of shape and/or not acclimated to the elevation, you may find this hike challenging.


The loop can be hiked either clockwise or counterclockwise. The trail wraps around the southern rim of Bryce Canyon. Hoodoos are not as plentiful here, but the views are still great. The absence of abundant hoodoos has allowed for many more trees to grow in their place. Lots of fir and pine including occasional blue spruce are all quite abundant. Near the midpoint of the trail are bristlecone pines, the namesake of the trail. Bristlecone pines are the oldest trees on earth. There are bristlecone pines in the White Mountains of California that are several thousand years old and still alive.Whether heading clockwise or counterclockwise on the trail a worthwhile detour from the trail that will only add a tenth of a mile to your hike is a trip to Yovimpa Point. This is one of the few viewpoints within the park of the western side of Bryce Canyon. The view is of a similar cliff lined rim as the north and east facing slopes that line much of highway 63.

Of course, you'll also want to spend time at Rainbow Point which shares the parking area with the Bristlecone Loop and Yovimpa Point.

2011-03-05 slegal