Visit Yovimpa Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

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Before you leave the Rainbow Point area make sure you walk to the southern overlook — Yovimpa Point. Here is one of the places you can get a good look at the sequence of rock layers called the Grand Staircase. The sections or steps in the Grand Staircase are named for the dominant color of rock. This is the highest elevation of the park exceeding 9100 ft. Here the forest is dominated by Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir and White Fir. This kind of forest makes good habitat for grouse, woodpeckers, owls, and a variety of squirrels and chipmunks. Here you are also sure to see Ravens and Steller's Jays. Get used to them, because you are going to find them everywhere in the park. These bird species are important reminders that although many plants and animals are limited to certain types of habitat, other kinds can range though several different habitats. The Riggs Spring Loop Trail is a strenuous backcountry trail that plunges into the canyons below Yovimpa Point, completing a 7.5 mile loop between Rainbow and Yovimpa Points. To the north, the rest of our backcountry trail system called the Under-the-Rim trail stretches 23 miles, eventually returning to the canyon rim at Bryce Point. Overnight travel in Bryce Canyon's Backcountry requires a permit which can only be obtained at the Visitor Center. The much easier 0.8 mile Bristlecone Loop meanders through the forest atop this highest portion of the park. Here you will pass by Bristlecone Pines up to 1,800-years-old.

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