Reservation6/10
Under-the-Rim
22-mile trail through Bryce's backcountry....
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ReservationOvernightModerate Demand
Bryce Canyon Backcountry Permit
The single overnight permit for camping below Bryce Canyon's rim, covering all 12 designated sites on the Under-the-Rim Trail and the Riggs Spring Loop Trail.
“Sleep under the rim among Bryce's pink and orange hoodoos, on the only two trails in the park that allow overnight camping.”
Track a specific zone— not the whole wilderness
Bryce Backcountry Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10
SeasonMarch 1 - November 30
Cost$5/person recreation fee plus $10 non-refundable reservation fee
Max Group Size6 people
Bryce Backcountry Permit Facts
- As of July 2026, Bryce Backcountry in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah & BLM requires a permit issued via reservation.
- The permit season for Bryce Backcountry runs March 1 through November 30.
- Cancelled Bryce Backcountry permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Key Dates
SeasonMarch 1 - November 30
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationUT
Pro Tips
- •Book the moment your date opens 3 months out, the 12 sites fill fast on summer weekends.
- •Borrow the free bear canister at the visitor center instead of buying one.
- •Carry extra water, several listed springs run dry by late summer.
- •Plan to reach the visitor center with time to spare, permits pull an hour before closing.
What to Expect
Route Details
Route Type
Varies
Duration
1-3 nights
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
6,800 - 9,115 ft
Highlights
- •Two trails only: Riggs Spring Loop (8.8 miles, 4 sites) and Under-the-Rim Trail (22.9 miles, 8 sites)
- •Camping only at designated sites with established tent pads
- •Elevations from 6,800 to 9,115 feet with repeated steep climbs and descents
- •Water sources that are seasonal and unreliable (Yellow Creek, Sheep Creek, Iron Spring, Riggs Spring, Yovimpa Spring)
- •Cold nights year-round at altitude, even in summer
- •In-person permit pickup at the visitor center on your start date
Best Time to Visit
Late May through September gives the most reliable weather and the best chance at flowing water. Spring and fall are quieter but can hold snow and ice on shaded, north-facing sections. Winter camping is walk-in only and issued in person.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Dry springs, several listed water sources run seasonal and cannot be counted on
- !Afternoon thunderstorms and lightning on exposed rim sections in summer
- !Steep elevation changes that make short mileage feel long
- !Snow and ice on shaded sections in spring and fall
- !Altitude, trails sit between 6,800 and 9,115 feet
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Peak: OctoberShoulder: March-April
Conditions
Mild temperatures. Occasional rain. Wildflowers in lower elevations.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Pleasant temperatures
- +Fewer crowds than fall
- +Wildflowers
Challenges
- !Unpredictable weather
- !Some areas still muddy
- !Flash flood risk
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation2/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
About This Permit
Bryce Canyon allows backcountry camping on only two trails, and both are covered by this single Recreation.gov permit. The Riggs Spring Loop Trail runs 8.8 miles with 4 designated sites near the park's high southern end at Rainbow and Yovimpa Points. The Under-the-Rim Trail runs 22.9 miles with 8 designated sites, following the base of the pink cliffs between Bryce Point and Rainbow Point.
Reservations for the March 1 through November 30 season open on Recreation.gov 3 months ahead of each date. After you book, you still pick up a physical permit in person from a ranger at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, at least one hour before it closes on your trip's start date, or the reservation is cancelled. Winter camping from December 1 through the end of February is walk-in only at the visitor center and is not sold online.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Almost everyone sees Bryce Canyon from the paved overlooks along the rim. Fewer than a handful of sites let you stay overnight below it. This one permit unlocks both backcountry trails: the 8.8-mile Riggs Spring Loop dropping through fir and ponderosa in the park's southern end, and the 22.9-mile Under-the-Rim Trail that traces the base of the amphitheater from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point. You get quiet nights, cold clear stars at 8,000 feet, and the hoodoos to yourself at dawn.
Rules & Regulations
- •Overnight permit required, reserved on Recreation.gov for the March through November season
- •Bear-resistant canisters required, loaned free at the visitor center, store all food and scented items inside them
- •Camp only at your reserved designated site, no dispersed camping
- •Regular sites hold up to 6 people, group sites hold up to 15
- •No open fires, only pressurized gas stoves are allowed for cooking
- •No pets, no hammocks, no attaching anything to trees
- •Purify all backcountry water by boiling, filtering, or chemical treatment
- •Stay on designated trails, cutting switchbacks is prohibited
- •Pack out all trash and used toilet paper
- •Maximum stay of 14 nights
Gear Checklist
Required
- Bear-resistant canister (loaned free at the visitor center if you do not own one)
- Water treatment (filter, chemical drops, or a stove to boil)
- At least one gallon of water capacity per person per day
- Warm layers and a cold-rated sleeping bag for high-elevation nights
- Sturdy footwear for steep, rocky, uneven trail
Recommended
- Trekking poles for the repeated climbs out of the amphitheater
- Sun protection for exposed rim sections
- Extra water carry capacity in case a spring is dry
- Microspikes in early spring or late fall when trails may hold snow or ice
Plan Your Trip
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Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Bryce Backcountry
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Bryce Backcountry FAQ
How do I get a Bryce Canyon backcountry permit?
Reserve online at Recreation.gov (permit 4675330). Dates in the March 1 through November 30 season open 3 months in advance. After booking you must pick up the physical permit in person from a ranger at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, at least one hour before it closes on your start date.
How much does a Bryce Canyon backcountry permit cost?
There is a $5 recreation fee for each person on the permit plus a $10 non-refundable reservation fee. The recreation fee is refundable up to 3 days before your start date. Park entrance fees are separate.
Which trails does the Bryce Canyon backcountry permit cover?
Only the two overnight trails in the park: the 8.8-mile Riggs Spring Loop Trail with 4 designated sites, and the 22.9-mile Under-the-Rim Trail with 8 designated sites.
Are bear canisters required for the Bryce Canyon backcountry permit?
Yes. Bear-resistant canisters are required for all overnight trips and are loaned free of charge at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center. All food and scented items must be stored inside them.
What is the group size limit for a Bryce Canyon backcountry permit?
Regular designated sites hold up to 6 people. Group sites hold up to 15 people.
Can I get a Bryce Canyon backcountry permit in winter?
Winter trips from December 1 through the last day of February are walk-in only and issued in person at the visitor center. They are not sold on Recreation.gov.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
Questions
Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Bryce Backcountry offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Bryce Backcountry
- 📍Bryce Canyon scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation
Can't Get a Bryce Backcountry Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Under-the-Rim Trail
Same AreaThe 22.9-mile point-to-point route below the amphitheater, the longer of the park's two backcountry trails.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Same permit, more days and a car shuttle between Bryce Point and Rainbow Point.
Riggs Spring Loop
Same AreaAn 8.8-mile loop from Rainbow Point through the park's high forested southern end.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Same permit, shorter and doable as a single overnight.
Zion Narrows
Similar ExperienceAn overnight through Zion's slot canyon a couple hours west, wading the Virgin River between towering walls.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Wetter and lower, a lottery-style permit instead of a straight reservation.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Bryce Backcountry trip
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