Mud Canyon Butte

Mud Canyon Butte rises to about 8,205 feet in the backcountry south of Bryce Canyon's main amphitheater, near Swamp Canyon. It's a genuine, named landmark, but it functions as scenery seen from the trail rather than a hiking destination with its own approach.

Where you see it

• Visible from a high point along the Under-the-Rim Trail, looking south toward Swamp Canyon
• Sits alongside Noon Canyon Butte as one of the eroding formations south of the main amphitheater
• Described by the park as a geologic precursor to Bryce's better-known hoodoo pinnacles further north

Because it's inside the national park boundary, reaching this stretch of backcountry means being on the Under-the-Rim Trail system — permits are required for overnight camping, and there's no pet access on these trails.