Bristlecone Loop - 1.1 Miles Round-Trip

The Bristlecone Loop is located 18 miles from the Bryce Canyon Entrance Station. It circles a diverse subalpine forest highlighted by bristlecone pines on the edge of a dramatic canyon overlook.

Visitors will enjoy sensational views while learning about the area's unique ecology and geology. High elevations and cool forests offer a welcome reprieve from the summer heat and exposed trails of Bryce Amphitheater.

In spite of poor soil conditions that would normally limit natural densities, aggressive fire mitigation has allowed Douglas and White Fir to thrive.

Consequently the trail's eponymous Bristlecone Pines are scarce, one of the unintended byproducts of over-maintenance and fire prevention. Still, this richly appointed forest underscores Bryce Canyon's ecological diversity and ability to maximize limited precipitation.

Traveling Clockwise:

The trail drops through the forest to a rest area and canyon overlook (.45 miles : 8,999'), from which the trail dips and rolls between the forest edge and Pink Cliffs canyon rim for the remainder of the hike.

Views drop more than 2,000' and seamlessly meld with the heavily forestedRiggs Spring area below - a known corridor for the Park's bear and mountain lion populations.

Those familiar with Bryce frequently claim the Riggs Spring Loop to be the most rewarding and exciting backcountry route in the Park.

A short spur near the end of the loop (.9 miles : 9,085') leads to Yovimpa Point (9,123'), an overlook with 270 degree views of the Pink Cliffs canyon rim and Riggs Spring area.

Clear skies yield 80-100 miles vistas that extend far beyond Park boundaries into the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Bristlecone Pines

Bristlecone pine have unique adaptations to withstand persistent winds, high elevations, low moisture, cold temperatures, and short growing seasons:

• The bristlecone pine's short, twisted trunk facilitates nutrient flow, and stabilizes the tree in strong winds (vs. a long, narrow trunk that could snap).


• Flexible branches bend in the wind, rather than break.


• Slow growth rates: Bristlecones may take a century to add just 1 inch in diameter, and can become nearly dormant during a drought.


• Trees replace needles once every 10-15 years rather than annually, which conserves energy.


• Narrow growth rings create dense wood that's resistant to insects and disease. The tree's resin also combats insects and disease.


• Strip-barking enables a small strip of bark to nourish large branches and needle clusters.