- Swamp Canyon is considered the smallest overlook in Bryce National Park
- Get up close and appreciate the size of these massive hoodoos from the trail
- Enjoy the moderately challenging Swamp Canyon Loop Trail
- The small creeks support unusual wildlife in this dry area
Overview
Swamp Canyon is Bryce Canyon National Park’s tiniest overlook and is bounded by fins and hoodoos, formed from collapsed arches. At 7,998 feet elevation, it offers an intimate vantage point for appreciating the scale of these magnificent formations. To the south of Swamp Canyon, Mud Canyon butte and Noon Canyon butte are magnificent to see from the trail or from the viewpoint.
Location and Information
Swamp Canyon Viewpoint is approximately 10 miles along the main Hwy 63 to Rainbow Point.
Website: http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/swampcanyontrail.htm
Activities
Hiking
From Swamp Canyon viewpoint two trails lead off and eventually join the main Under-the-Rim Trail. These interconnecting trails make a 4.3-mile long Swamp Canyon Loop Trail which is moderate in difficulty and has a range of 800 feet.
Swamp Canyon Connecting trail - 1 mile long trail connecting the park road with the Under the rim Trail.
Sheep Creek Trail – Crosses the Under-the-Rim trail and continues into Mud Canyon beyond the boundary of Bryce Canyon National Park for a total 10-mile hike to the canyon bottom.
Camping
Follow the Swamp Canyon Connecting Trail to its intersection with the Whiteman Connecting Trail to find the official backcountry campsite in this virginal territory.
Nature Spotting
Although the name Swamp Canyon seems inappropriate, these are diverse wetlands traversed by two small streams which support the Missouri iris. They are home to tiger salamanders and many songbirds.
