Hiking Tower Bridge, Bryce Canyon National Park
Descent into Wonderland
Tower Bridge in a Nutshell
This beautiful, family-friendly hike offers stunning Bryce Canyon views with lighter crowds compared to other more popular trails like Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden. Aim for an early start, especially during the hot summer months. For an added bonus, catch the sunrise at Sunrise Point before tackling the trail.
A Little Info on Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park consists of a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. These amphitheaters are famous for their mesmerizing hoodoos, towers, and spires sculpted by wind and rain over millennia. Towering in shades of red, orange, and white, these hoodoos create a landscape unlike any other.
Bryce Canyon boasts an elevation of 8,000-9,000 feet, offering a cool contrast from the surrounding desert. This high elevation also contributes to diverse plant and animal life, while the dark night skies are a haven for stargazing.
Steeped in history, the Paiute people utilized the Paunsaugunt Plateau for seasonal hunting around 1200 AD, while earlier inhabitants, the Fremont and Anasazi, thrived nearby from 200 AD to 1200 AD. Recent discoveries hint at cultural exchange. Though no evidence exists on the plateau itself, the wider Colorado Plateau boasts human presence for over 12,000 years. Established as a national park in 1928, Bryce Canyon National Park protects over 37,500 acres of breathtaking scenery and rich geological history.
My Hiking Story
The crisp morning air held a hesitant promise of light as the insistent alarm chimed-chimed in my ear. Setting an alarm while camping, especially for a ridiculously early 5:15 am, wasn't exactly standard procedure. But then again, today's sunrise involved something a little more extraordinary.
Moving with the enthusiasm of a slug, I emerged from my tent. Coffee was essential, but brewing it amidst the elbow-to-elbow campers wasn't exactly conducive to being a good neighbor. So, I drove over to the day-use area next to North Campground, where my Jetboil could vigorously bubble, and I could talk to myself in a normal volume (I’m an only child, what can I say).
Slowly, the caffeine coursed through my veins while the sky was getting brighter, so I hustled up to the Rim Trail. Sunrise Point was out of reach from running a little behind, but a designated solo spot beckoned just off the trail. Even better.
With my most trusted Hydro Flask mug in hand, I perched myself on a rock, sipping and surveying the scene. As if a Laser Floyd show was beginning, the sunbeam speared through the clouds, shining brilliantly! “And you run, and you run to catch up with the sun. But it's sinking.” Ok, in this case, rising. A smile spread across my face as I witnessed this awe-inspiring spectacle. Yep, this was definitely worth the 5:15 am slug impersonation.
The Pink Floyd serenades were over, but now it was time for a hike. And just any hike, but a new hike! A new trail. New “Oh my gosh, what’s around that corner?!” New photos to flood my iPhone. New hikers to say howdy to.
The Tower Bridge trail started with a nice, steady descent over a hardpack surface with the occasional kitty litter-like patches. As a kid, I dreamed of being an astronomer exploring new worlds and new civilizations, to boldly go…you get the gist. That day, on this trail, my dream came true. I went to Mars (well, as close as I'll ever get) – one step at a time.
Captain's Log, Stardate 435.6
This morning, I undertook a geological survey of the Bryce Canyon region. Atmospheric conditions were exceptional, affording unrestricted visibility across the landscape. The primary geological features here are hoodoos, fascinating pillar-like formations sculpted by millennia of erosion. Their striated surfaces shimmer in a captivating array of orange and white hues, casting dramatic shadows across the arid terrain.
I anticipate this geological anomaly will yield a wealth of scientific data.
If you haven’t guessed it, I love Star Trek.
The 5:15 am chime-chime turned out to be a golden ticket. The trail, usually bustling with hikers, was blissfully empty. This kind of solitude in a National Park? Practically unheard of! If you're ever wondering whether that sunrise hike is worth the early start, I’m here to tell you yes. Yes, it is.
As I descended down the pleasantly quiet trail, I began to hear something strange. Rain? Is there some idiot hiking with windchimes? What’s that sound? I continued further on, but I couldn’t shake the need to figure out the cause of this bizarre sound. So, I put on my best impression of The Thinker while plopping myself next to a towing pine tree. And then I saw them.
A massive swarm of Putnam's cicadas blanketed Bryce Canyon in clicks in June of 2023. Their wings constantly snapped together, either on top of their bodies, against their sides, or even hitting nearby leaves. Each snap produced a sharp click, creating a rapid, rhythmic sound that filled the air.
I guess, in the end, it wasn’t the idiot with windchimes.
Unraveling the mystery of the clicking soundtrack complete, I pressed onward. By now, a few more hikers were beginning to grace the trail, and they had managed to navigate around my glacial pace. It wasn't that I always hiked slowly; it was just that the wildflowers were in full bloom, and I couldn't resist taking a thousand flower pictures (or so it felt!).
Sure, the wildflowers certainly impressed, but the real rock stars were the geological formations. Off in the distance, Boat Mesa loomed large, and to its right, Sinking Ship looked like it was perpetually stuck in a geological limbo. Beyond the rim, a whole army of hoodoos stood guard, their twisted spires like petrified giants frozen in a silent battle against time. These rock formations sculpted by millions of years of wind and weather into wild, otherworldly shapes were enough to make any self-respecting geology nerd (or maybe just this adventurer) totally geek out.
Finally reaching the bottom, the namesake tower loomed overhead like a giant guarding its kingdom. Weather and time, nature's ultimate tag team, had sculpted the Tower’s surface into a gnarly masterpiece, and somehow, it felt close enough to touch. Gazing upwards, I couldn't help but feel like an ant under its shadow. But hey, being dwarfed by something this epic had its perks – it was a connection to forces way bigger than myself, like the ones that built Tower Bridge in the first place.
And down here, a bonus surprise: a small stream. A seasonal gift from the recent wet spring, it trickled through the sandy rocky wash, gurgling a sweet melody compared to the usual desert silence. A mini oasis right under the shadow of a giant bridge—not bad for a morning adventure!
Refueled by trail mix and emptying my entire water bottle, it was time to tackle the climb back up. With its promise of even more epic views, the Fairyland Loop whispered sweet nothings in my ear. But alas, the siren song of a nap and a water refill proved too strong for this tired adventurer. The ascent was a slow and steady affair – uphill just isn't my jam. Thankfully, it wasn't a killer either, and I even spotted a few families with fearless little ones conquering the hike.
The verdict? Totally. Worth. It. Hiking Tower Bridge was a winner from start to finish. Stunning landscapes that practically begged to be photographed (seriously, my phone's storage is begging for mercy). Bonus points for the sunrise start – I practically had the whole place to myself! And the cherry on top? A hidden oasis at the bottom, complete with shady trees and gurgling water. If you're looking for an epic hike in Bryce Canyon National Park, this one gets a big thumbs up from this totally satisfied explorer!
Tower Bridge Trail Directions
The Tower Bridge Trail offers a stunning out-and-back adventure into the heart of Bryce Canyon National Park. Look for the well-marked trailhead 0.25 miles north of Sunrise Point along the Rim Trail. Descend through a wonderland of hoodoos on a well-maintained path for 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers). The star of the show awaits at the bottom: the awe-inspiring Tower Bridge hoodoo. A short, 200-yard spur trail leads you right up to this geological marvel for a closer look.
After admiring the views from Tower Bridge, retrace your steps up the trail to complete the moderate Tower Bridge hike. For a full-day adventure, keep in mind that this trail is actually the southern section of the more challenging Fairyland Loop. Experienced hikers can extend their exploration by tackling the entire 8-mile (12.9-kilometer) loop, which winds deeper into the heart of the canyon.
What I Love Most About This Hike
The other-worldly terrain that Bryce Canyon offers
Fewer hikers than on other trails. Although, don’t expect to be alone for too long.
Close to North Campground
Saw the best of what Bryce Canyon has to offer!
The Could-Be-Better Parts
There isn’t much shade until you reach the bottom of the canyon, so bring sunscreen and/or a sun hoody!
It can be a busy hike, which is no surprise because it’s in a National Park. (An early start is highly recommended!)
How to Get to Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge Trail starts near Sunrise Point. Parking is available at the Sunrise Point parking area, located along Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. Tip: Check for busy times when parking fills up quickly. Oversized vehicles are not allowed during shuttle operations.
Here's how to get there:
From the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, head south on the scenic drive for 0.5 miles.
Take the first left turn onto Lodge Loop Road.
Follow Lodge Loop Road for another 0.5 miles.
Take another left turn onto Sunrise Point Road.
Park at the Sunrise Point parking area on your right. The Tower Bridge Trail begins near here!
Tower Bridge Trail Beta
Distance: 3 miles (4.8km) roundtrip
Elevation gain: 760 feet (232 meters)
Total time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: Most popular in Spring, Summer, and Fall
Water: Not at the trailhead, but at campgrounds and visitor center close by
Dogs: Not allowed
Accessible: No. Due to surface Type (Firm Native Sediment), ascent, and length.
As you enjoy the beauty of Tower Bridge, it's important to practice the Leave No Trace principles. Help preserve this stunning landscape by staying on the designated trails to protect the delicate desert ecosystem. Carry out all your trash, including small items like wrappers and fruit peels, to keep the area clean and wild. By following these simple guidelines, we can all contribute to maintaining the natural splendor of Bryce Canyon National Park for years to come.
