Swamp Canyon Connector Trail

The Swamp Canyon Connector Trail starts at the Swamp Canyon Overlook parking area, about 10 miles south of the Bryce Canyon entrance along the main park road. It runs roughly a mile before meeting the Under-the-Rim Trail, then drops below the canyon rim and threads between stone towers into a forested valley as the grade eases toward the canyon floor. The full trail covers about 2.2 miles with roughly 560 feet of elevation gain, generally taking 1 to 1.5 hours.

Trail details

• Combine it with the Sheep Creek Connector Trail and a stretch of the Under-the-Rim Trail for the 4.3-mile Swamp Canyon Loop
• Despite the name, this is wetland terrain fed by two small streams — home to tiger salamanders, songbirds, and the Missouri iris
• Part of the Bryce Canyon Wilderness, and noticeably less crowded than the amphitheater trails

As an NPS-managed interior trail, standard park rules apply: no pets, and permits are required for any backcountry camping along the connected Under-the-Rim network.