Birdseye Trail

John Menard from Phoenix, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Easy red rock trail winding through hoodoos and pine forest with scenic views and interpretive signs near a visitor center.

General Information

Hours:
Open year-round; daylight hours recommended
Trail may be snowy or muddy in winter
Fees:
Free to access; no permits required
Pet Policy:
Pets allowed on leash; trail shared with hikers and cyclists
Closest cities with hotels:
Panguitch (13 mi), Bryce Canyon City (15 mi)
Seasons:
Best visited April through October
Location:
Birdseye Trail, Fairview Canyon, UT
Website:
alltrails.com

How to Get There

From Bryce Canyon National Park (15 mi): Take UT-63 N to UT-12 W, drive 13 miles, then turn right into the Red Canyon Visitor Center parking lot; the trail begins behind the building.

Overview

The Birdseye Trail is a short and scenic hike located in Utah’s Red Canyon, offering a quieter alternative to the nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. This 1.7-mile out-and-back trail begins behind the Red Canyon Visitor Center and winds through a landscape of vibrant red hoodoos, ponderosa pines, and natural rock formations. Interpretive signs along the way provide insight into the geology and ecology of the area, making it both an educational and visually rewarding experience. The trail is well-maintained and considered easy, making it suitable for families, casual hikers, and photographers alike.

Though modest in length, the Birdseye Trail delivers big on views, with several overlooks offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding cliffs and forest. The trail is dog-friendly and sees less foot traffic than Bryce, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Visitors often combine it with nearby trails like Pink Ledges and Hoodoo Trail for a longer loop. Whether you're stopping for a quick leg-stretch or spending the day exploring Red Canyon, Birdseye Trail is a hidden gem that showcases the beauty of Utah’s canyon country without the crowds.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Birdseye Trail, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike