Bristlecone Loop wayside (109)
Photo: NPS- 0.8 mi
- loop
- 79 ft
- climb
- 9,093 ft
- high point
- Loop
- route
- May–Oct
- best months
Is Bristlecone Loop wayside (109) open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Bryce Canyon National Park. It doesn't name Bristlecone Loop wayside (109), so check the source for the area it covers.
Trail Closures Due to Recent Weather
Park closure covering Bryce Canyon National Park · NPS · Bryce Canyon National Park
Current Fire Restrictions
Park alert covering Bryce Canyon National Park · NPS · Bryce Canyon National Park
As of · Source: NPS · Bryce Canyon National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Bristlecone Loop wayside (109) is a short, easy hike in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, managed by the National Park Service. The trail is about 0.8 miles long and gains about 80 feet in elevation, so it works well as a quick stop or a way to stretch your legs before or after a longer outing. The route passes through a forest of white fir, Douglas-fir, limber pine and ponderosa pine. At the southern end of the trail, bristlecone pines—some over 1,000 years old—stand out, and the view to the south is grand. Small mammals and birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches and peregrine falcons may be spotted along the way. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 80°F with lows near 52°F, while winter months can bring deep snow that makes the trail impassable. The trail sits close to several other routes, including the Bristlecone Loop Trailhead at Rainbow Point, the Riggs Spring Loop Trail and the Under-The-Rim Trail, all within about a tenth of a mile. For an overnight stay, King Creek Campground is about 9 miles away.
Local outfitters
- Ruby's Inn Bryce Canyon RV Park & Campground14 mi away
- Bryce Canyon Horseback Tours15 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Best time to go · May–Oct
Best time to visit Bristlecone Loop wayside (109)
Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
37° / 17°
6 wet
Feb
39° / 18°
7 wet
Mar
46° / 23°
7 wet
Apr
54° / 29°
6 wet
May
63° / 37°
5 wet
Jun
75° / 45°
4 wet
Jul
80° / 52°
8 wet
Aug
77° / 50°
10 wet
Sep
70° / 42°
7 wet
Oct
58° / 32°
5 wet
Nov
46° / 23°
5 wet
Dec
37° / 17°
6 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bryce Canyon Np Hqrs, UT, 12.2 mi away at 7,890 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
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Bristlecone Loop wayside (108)
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This trail takes you through a forest of white fir, Douglas-fir, limber pine, and ponderosa pine. Bristlecone pines—some over 1,000 years old—grow at the trail's southern end where hikers enjoy grand views to the south. Small mammals and a variety of birds, including woodpecke…
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Bristlecone Loop wayside (107)
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This trail takes you through a forest of white fir, Douglas-fir, limber pine, and ponderosa pine. Bristlecone pines—some over 1,000 years old—grow at the trail's southern end where hikers enjoy grand views to the south. Small mammals and a variety of birds, including woodpecke…
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