This trail features all the best of Bryce Canyon geology––rows upon rows of orange and pink pinnacles, natural arches and windows, plus isolated towers mixed among the pines. You’ll walk on elevated ledges and beneath sheer cliffs, as well as through narrow passages and even a tunnel.

A central route within the national park is the Bryce Rim Trail. This wide path traces the airy edge of the plateau, with steeper trails branching off to descend into the labyrinth. From the Rim Trail’s level surface you’ll gaze out over it all, making this the best way to experience the landscape without taking a strenuous hike.

The Fairyland Loop is one of the most spectacular trails in Bryce, but it remains less traveled because of its location away from the campgrounds and lodge. Beginning at Fairyland Point on the rim, gentle ups and downs grant non-stop views over the formations. Beneath the rim, steeper sections wind throughout natural statue gardens. The shapes are so odd that you might imagine fairy castles or mythical creatures instead of weathered rocks.

Under-the-Rim is Bryce Canyon’s premier backcountry trail, venturing far from the crowds and finding quiet backcountry campsites. The route is 23 miles from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point, and it links with a handful of other trails to make variations possible. From either end, the journey begins with a steep descent off the plateau, then the trail meanders through pine forest and wildflower meadows with frequent views toward the colorful cliffs above.

Riggs Spring is one of the least-traveled trails in Bryce Canyon. Though not located in the park’s most stunning area, it offers pretty yet subdued scenery in a more remote setting. Riggs Spring is ideal for getting away from the crowds and finding a secluded campsite in the woods. The loop can be done as a day hike, but is best as an easy overnight or an extension of a longer trek on Under-the-Rim Trail.