Hiking the Riggs Spring Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 8.6 miles / 13.8 km
The Riggs Spring Loop Trail on the far southern end of Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the park’s least-trafficked trails.
With that in mind, this remote area of Bryce Canyon is also known to be one of the better trails within the park in terms wildlife encounters because so few visitors venture out on this longer trail.
In any case, I recommend the Riggs Spring Loop if you’re looking for a longer day hike in Bryce Canyon without committing to something as involved as the 22.9-mile (36.9 km) Under-the-Rim Trail, as the Riggs Spring Loop Trail really does feel like a similar but shorter adventure to that of the park’s longest trail.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Riggs Spring Loop Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Riggs Spring Loop Trail is located at Rainbow Point, the southernmost point on Bryce Canyon Road.
That being said, Rainbow Point tends to be one of the more congested parking areas during the mid-morning and afternoon hours of the summer travel season, meaning that it’s best to get an early start to avoid the busyness that typically develops by midday.
Google Maps Directions: Riggs Spring Loop Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Bryce Canyon
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Riggs Spring Loop Trail
The Riggs Spring Loop Trail begins at the joint Rainbow Point Trailhead, which not only serves Riggs Spring but also the Bristlecone Loop and Under-the-Rim Trail.
Riggs Spring-Bristlecone Loop Junction
At this first split, go straight (left) to continue on the Riggs Spring Loop Trail.
Riggs Spring-Bristlecone-Yovimpa Pass Junction
Then, go left at the next junction to begin the short 0.1-mile (0.2 km) stretch that serves both the Riggs Spring Loop and Under-the-Rim Trail, leaving the Bristlecone Loop behind.
Read My Separate Post: Bristlecone Loop Trail
Under the Rim-Riggs Spring Loop Junction
Finally, the Riggs Spring Loop Trail splits away from all the Rainbow Point connections when it reaches the junction with the Under-the-Rim Trail.
That being said, the 22.9-mile (36.9 km) Under-the-Rim Trail is a great bucket list hike to consider if you have the time, which I highly recommend learning more about in my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Under-the-Rim Trail
Once on the true Riggs Spring Loop, the trail begins its long descent into the Corral Hollow Canyon, dropping roughly 1,660 ft (506 m) from the trailhead at Rainbow Point to the Riggs Spring campsite below Yovimpa Pass.
When I did the hike a frigid day in mid-May, it started to snow on this upper-elevation stretch for a few minutes!
Regardless of the cold morning, May is one of the best months in Bryce Canyon to enjoy the wildflowers, such as this Desert Phlox, throughout the park.
As the Riggs Spring Loop begins to round Promontory Point, the hike noticeably begins to get more scenic, with the hoodoos below Rainbow Point beginning to appear off in the distance.
East Fork of the Corral Hollow Creek
According to the National Park Service, Corral Hollow Creek is not a reliable water source when camping at the Corral Hollow campsite, and hikers are advised to carry ample water or hike 1.6 miles (2.6 km) to Riggs Spring further down the trail.
Corral Hollow Campsite
At roughly 3.7 miles (6.0 km) from the Rainbow Point Trailhead, the Corral Hollow campsite can be found between both forks of Corral Hollow Creek.
In any case, be sure to come prepared with a proper food storage method, as I encountered a bear on my short day hike just after the campsite.
As previously mentioned, I came across a black bear shortly after the Corral Hollow campsite.
However, when I made some noise because I didn’t know what it was at first, it quickly ran off, so there was no opportunity for me to put on the right lens to try and capture a photo.
West Fork of the Corral Hollow Creek
In my own personal suspicion, perhaps the bear was hanging around the area because of the nearby water sources and lack of people on the Riggs Spring Trail.
After Corral Hollow Creek, the Riggs Spring Loop continues to work its way downhill toward the Riggs Spring campsite, which is the lowest point on the trail.
Riggs Spring Campsite
At about 5.2 miles (8.4 km), the Riggs Spring Loop passes by the Riggs Spring campsite, with the Bull Rush Hollow Trail and Riggs Spring Group site located just beyond.
Riggs Spring (Bull Rush Hollow Junction)
This is the southernmost point in the Riggs Spring Loop, and it’s where the Bull Rush Hollow Trail, which leads into the Dixie National Forest, and Riggs Spring, are located.
It’s also important to note that Riggs Spring is the most reliable water source on the trail, according to the National Park Service, but all water sources require proper treatment in order to safely consume.
Following Riggs Spring, the trail begins its long 3.3-mile (5.3 km) ascent back up to Rainbow Point via Yovimpa Pass atop the mesa.
Initially, the ascent begins on a gradual uphill trail, but this quickly changes after the first 0.6 miles (1.0 km).
This is where the ascent up to Yovimpa Pass starts to become more significant.
Then, the Riggs Spring Loop Trail leaves the Bryce Canyon Wilderness Area, which makes for a nice mental checkpoint on the hike up to Yovimpa Pass.
Yovimpa Pass Campsite
After roughly 950 ft. (290 m) of elevation gain, the Riggs Spring Loop reaches Yovimpa Pass and the adjacent Yovimpa Pass campsite.
Riggs Spring Loop-Service Road Junction
At the split just after the food preparation site, go right to continue on the Riggs Spring Loop Trail toward Rainbow Point, as the path to the left is nothing more than a service road that meets up with Bryce Canyon Road just north of Rainbow Point.
After a brief gradual section following Yovimpa Pass, the Riggs Spring Loop begins to climb once again, which continues for most of the remaining trail until the very end.
Sun Shirts
If this is your first time in the area, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be.
For this reason, I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt if you plan to do any hiking. Protection from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season!
As the trail nears Rainbow Point, the Yovimpa Point Overlook can be seen, along with other park visitors, off in the distance.
Toward the end, Bryce Canyon Road starts to become visible, which is a nice sign that you’re getting close!
Riggs Spring Loop-Yovimpa Point Junction
Finally, the Riggs Spring Loop Trail returns to the top where there are many different trail connections, most notably the Bristlecone Loop and Yovimpa Point.
Here, go left to complete the trail and return back to Rainbow Point.
Read My Separate Post: Bristlecone Loop Trail
Rainbow Point
Overall, the Riggs Spring Loop Trail isn’t nearly as popular as some of the trails located within the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, like the Navajo or Peek-a-Boo Loop, but it is a nice trail to escape some of the busier areas within the park.
On a different note, the National Park Service has even said that some crazy hikers will extend the 22.9-mile (36.9 km) Under-the-Rim Trail with a night on the Riggs Spring Loop, but I can’t imagine that this is a popular option.
More Bryce Canyon Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Bryce Canyon National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
One of the most notable safety concerns in Bryce Canyon National Park is inadequate footwear, especially in the winter. For this reason, it’s important to bring micro-spikes when you expect there to be snow and ice throughout the park, which leads to the next most notable concern: falling, both on trails and along the canyon rim.
This is because Bryce Canyon National Park is primarily composed of soft sedimentary rocks, making off-trail exploring significantly more dangerous than in other parks, such as the nearby Zion or Arches National Park.
Finally, wildlife and summer heat/ dehydration are the last major concerns in Bryce Canyon. Be mindful that mountain lions can be found during the cooler times of the year, and there is one venomous snake in Bryce Canyon National Park: the Great Basin Rattlesnake.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Bryce Canyon National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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