Riggs Spring Loop Trail - Escalante, UT

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Riggs Spring Loop Trail


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Located within Bryce Canyon National Park, Riggs Spring Loop Trail begins and ends from the southernmost trailhead in the park. It extends approximately eight miles from Rainbow Point to form a loop through Mutton and Corral Hollows. The Riggs Spring Trail is often used as an extension of the Under-the-Rim Trail.

Begin this trail at Rainbow Point Trailhead, which lies at the southernmost point of the Scenic Drive, elevation 9,100 feet. Hikers can walk east or west from this point, which is where the loop begins. The trailhead lies north of a band of Pink Cliffs, which form the head of a drainage leading to the Paria River.

Hiking to the left from this point will lead around Promontory Point on a slow descent into the drainage. The first mile of this hike is a steady descent then it gets steeper. Skirting the edge of Promontory Point, Riggs Spring Loop Trail turns northward and contours the cliffs. At the head of Corral Hollow the trail turns southward and crosses a ridge then descends into the next drainage. The track then ascends the western wall of this canyon and descends into Mutton Hollow.

After crossing Mutton Hollow Riggs, Spring Loop Trail crosses another ridge into the next wash. It follows this drainage for one half mile to a confluence of three waterways and three trails. Riggs Spring Camp and a Group Site lie south of this junction along Podunk Creek. To complete the Riggs Spring Loop turn sharply right at this junction, following a drainage in a northwesterly direction. The tread follows this drainage approximately one and three-quarter miles to Yovimpa Pass, elevation 8,360 feet.

Yovimpa Pass lies on the crest of the Pink Cliffs. A backcountry camp lies along the trail leading to the left. To complete the loop to Rainbow Point turn right at this junction and follow the cliffs along their northern aspect. It is approximately two miles to the trailhead from the Yovimpa Pass junction.

Located within Bryce Canyon National Park, this moderate to difficult trail gains a total of 1,650 feet in elevation. This 8-mile trail receives heavy use.

Facilities: There are four backcountry camping sites along or close to Riggs Spring Loop Trail.

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted for Riggs Spring Loop Trail.

Best Time To Visit: Riggs Spring Loop Trail is open year round. Icy conditions may exist during the winter. Snowshoes are often necessary for winter travel. Spring is the best time to hike the trail.

Fees: A fee is charged to enter Bryce Canyon National Park.

Accessibility: This trail is not handicap accessible.

Rules: Permits are necessary for overnight use of the Bryce Canyon National Park backcountry.

Directions: Riggs Spring Loop Trail is located within Bryce Canyon National Park. From Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, take the Green Line shuttle to Rainbow Point to begin hiking this trail from the southern terminus.

To reach Bryce Canyon National Park from Cedar City: Take Utah Highway 14 east to US Highway 89 and head north on US Highway 89. Turn east on Utah Highway 12 (seven miles south of Panguitch, Utah) and travel to the junction of Utah 12 and 63. Turn south (right) onto Utah 63 and travel three miles to reach the park entrance.

To reach Bryce Canyon National Park from Escalante: Take Utah Highway 12 west to the junction of Utah 12 and 63. Turn south (right) onto Utah 63 and travel three miles to reach the park entrance.

Address

Bryce Canyon National Park

PO Box 170001

Bryce Canyon, Utah 84717

Phone
General: (435) 834-5322

Website

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