Swamp Canyon Loop

Swamp Canyon Loop trades the amphitheater's crowds for quieter backcountry forest, built by combining the Sheep Creek Connector with a stretch of the Under-the-Rim Trail and the Swamp Canyon Connector. It's rougher and less signed than the main park trails, so carrying a map is worth the extra weight - this is a hike for people who've already done Navajo or Peekaboo and want something less traveled.

Good to know

• 4 miles round-trip with just over 1,000 feet of elevation change each way, typically 3-4 hours
• Rated moderately strenuous; more forested and less dramatic than the amphitheater trails, which is part of the appeal
• Trailhead at Swamp Canyon Viewpoint, off the park's main scenic drive
• Signage is sparser than on the popular trails - bring a park map or download one before you go
• A backcountry permit is required only if extending into an overnight stay along the Under-the-Rim Trail