| 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. |
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