Bristlecone Point

Bristlecone Point sits along the Bristlecone Loop, an easy mile-long path at Rainbow Point — the southern end of the park road and its highest ground, at roughly 9,100 feet. This wind-scoured, rocky stretch of plateau edge is exactly the kind of exposed, high terrain that ancient bristlecone pines favor, and the loop passes more of them here than anywhere else in the park; the oldest recorded at Bryce is estimated around 1,600 years old.

Good to know

• Generally an easy walk, averaging around 30 minutes for the full loop
• The same path connects out to the longer Riggs Spring Loop (8.8 miles) and the Under-the-Rim Trail (23 miles) for those continuing into the backcountry
• Being the highest point on the park road, this section holds snow and ice longest — expect winter conditions here well after lower viewpoints have cleared
• No pets on park trails; backcountry camping beyond the loop requires a permit