under-the-rim trail

This must rate as one of the most beautiful natural places in the world. Although we got caught in a thunder storm we were captivated by the beauty of the rock formations. Like fairyland.

We did a shuttle, leaving one car at the top and one at the bottom and hiked, I think, 11 miles. We ran low on water and had to ration. Be sure to bring lots of water. It gets hotter here than you think it will. It was cool when we started out, but got hot during the day. (it was in August, but the date options didn't go back that far.)

We loved the surreal scenery of Bryce Canyon and it's gallery of sandstone sculptures but didn't like how crowded some trails were. After seeing the popular sights (Navajo Trail and Queens Garden) leave the crowds behind and hit the Under-the-Rim Trail. We're avid hikers and found this trail to be strenuous, especially coming back uphill in the heat, but it's well worth it to see the shifting perspectives. As you come down into the canyon, you get to look down upon sweeping vistas. Along the way you're rewarded with changing scenery at every turn. Hiking back up and out of the canyon in the punishing heat takes quite an effort but the payoff is looking up at the spectacular rocky horizon.The hoodoos must be experienced up close and personal to fully appreciate nature's majesty. We hiked about 2 miles in to the Hat Shop which is a collection of amusing and bizarrely shaped hoodoos that look like hats. Total of 4 miles took us about 3-1/2 hours, including stopping for a picnic lunch under the trees.

It has some stunning views, but I ended up hiking too far because I didn't realize I had merged onto another trail. As I was hiking through the hodoos, I felt like I was in an iMax movie because I was so close to them.

In my opinion Bryce Canyon in Utah is one of the most amazing places in US and on the Earth with unreal/ un-Earthy breath taken experience. No words can describe it, you need to experience it. We hiked Queens Gardens, Navajo Loop, Picaboo Loop, Under-the-Rim Trail and the rim. We hiked Under-the-Rim Trail from down to up point. It was not easy and me being in my 50s required a few stops, but views are absolutely worth it. Canyon's views were constantly changing depending on the time of the day, light and points of view. Cant' wait to go back to do the Fairyland hike and see more of those magnificent canyons, hoodoos, and rock formations.

There are several factors that should be considered when planning to hike this trail; these are common sense for seasoned hikers but should be heeded by those that think this hike is a pleasant, light-hearted excursion. I have listed these criteria in no certain order but they should all be considered in their relation to each other. 1: Consider you overall level of physical fitness - this is a very strenuous trail. 2: Consider the elevation of the park in relation to the location to which you are acclimated - I live at sea level and this made the hike extremely difficult. 3: Consider the elevation gain and loss throughout the length of the trail; there is no way to mitigate this but it may dictate how much progress you can make on any given day. 4: Consider the length of each leg of the hike; different hikers have different habits - start early each day and put in as many miles as possible vs waking up late, eating a leisurely breakfast and putting in a light to moderate amount of miles. 5: Consider the availability of water along the trail and how much you will need to carry (the park rangers at the visitor center can tell you where you are likely to find water). 6: Consider how much weight you will carry; you will most likely need to carry more cold weather clothing in winter months and more water in summer months. For me, the weight I was carrying was very much evident on the more steep uphill stretches of the trail. 7: Consider how many days you can dedicate to the hike. Most of the reviews say that the trail can be completed in three days; this is true if you really push yourself but, personally, I would recommend allocating four days in order to enjoy the hike more. 8: Research the weather patterns for the time you will be hiking; consider the fact that weather can change drastically over a week or so. 9: Keep in mind that even if you plan your hike with all of the above criteria, some campsites may be closed if there is bear activity nearby. Now, here are some administrative and logistical considerations. A: You must obtain a backcountry permit from the visitor center 48 hours in advance. B: If you plan to hike from South to North, you will need to leave your automobile at the North Campground parking lot and arrange for a seat on the Rainbow Point shuttle. Upon completion of the hike at Bryce Point, you can simply get a ride on the park shuttle back to the Visitor Center (it arrives/departs approximately every 15 minutes). If you plan to hike from North to South, just reverse the pervious steps. C: You must have a bear canister; you can either provide your own or check one out from the visitor center. D: Keep in mind that there are several connector trails where you can access the trail without hiking the entire length of the trail but the Rainbow Point Shuttle does not necessarily stop at these trailheads. As for the trail itself, it is very easy to follow for the most part; there are no trail markers but it is worn down enough to follow. Finally, there are several places where sections of the trail has been washed out by heavy rains but previous hikers have placed rock cairns to indicate the course of the trail.

Escape the hordes by hiking the Under-the-Rim Trail, a little used trail into the heart of Bryce Canyon. Continuous elevation changes, limited water (only consistently available at Yellow Creek and Iron Springs) and Black Bear activity (Iron Springs was closed when I hiked the trail due to frequent bear sightings) mean few attempt the trail. Lack of traffic and monsoon activity has caused major trail washouts and heavy vegetation overgrowth in areas, basic routefinding skills are a must. The reward, though, is some amazing overlooks (the Swamp Canyon/Mud Canyon is particularly fantastic) and the only solitude in the entire park.

When visiting this wonderful Canyon, one must get those hiking boots on and explore all it has to offer.

Seeing the hoodoos from above the rim is a special panorama. Being below the rim, among them, is a different perspective that shouldn't be missed.

The initial part of this trail is rather boring as you meander for some time through piney forests. However, we were the only one in sight and after a journey, you arrive at the magnificence of Bryce Canyon National Park -- just from the other side.

This is a trail that connects trails making one long one. Bryce is not known for long hiking trails, but this one is an exception.

il grand canyon!uno spettacolo immenso della natura.meglio se visto dall'aereo,altrimenti non ci si rende conto di quanto sia grande!!!!