Bryce Canyon National Park, renowned for its otherworldly landscapes of crimson-colored hoodoos and vast natural amphitheaters, is a hiker’s paradise. Here are the top three hiking trips within the park that promise unforgettable adventures amidst its unique geological wonders.
Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail
Combining two of Bryce Canyon’s most iconic trails, the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail offers a comprehensive experience of the park’s majesty. This 3-mile (4.8 km) journey begins at Sunrise Point, winding down into the amphitheater through the Queen’s Garden section, where delicate spires and formations mimic a royal garden.
As the trail connects to the Navajo Loop, hikers are guided through a narrow slot canyon before ascending past the famous Thor’s Hammer, a towering hoodoo that stands like a sentinel over the landscape. The steep climb back to the rim offers panoramic views of the amphitheater, making the effort well worth it. This hike provides a moderate challenge due to its steep sections and elevation gain but rewards with unparalleled views of the park’s most famous hoodoos.
Bonus Recommendation: Hike the loop in a clockwise direction from either viewpoint. The views are better in this direction, as well as the rim walking in this direction is an easy .5 miles back to your starting point.
-
- Distance: 3 miles round trip (4.6 km)
- Elevation Gain: 625 feet (191 Meters)
- Popularity: Very popular! This would be the most popular hike beneath the rim in Bryce Canyon National Park, but for good reason. The difficulty of the hike is moderate, and the rewards are immense.
- Special Considerations: Oversized Vehicles (over 20 feet) are not allowed to park in either of these viewpoints when the shuttle bus is in operation. During the busy season these parking lots will also fill up early in the day.
Getting there: You can begin this hike by parking at either Sunrise or Sunset Point. Or utilize the park’s shuttle bus when in operation (April to October).
Fairyland Loop Trail
The Fairyland Loop Trail is an 8-mile (12.9 km) trek that immerses hikers in the lesser-visited sections of Bryce Canyon, offering a sense of solitude and unspoiled beauty. Starting from Fairyland Point, the trail descends into a fairy-tale landscape of spires, arches, and hoodoos that inspire the imagination.
The loop takes you around Boat Mesa, offering breathtaking vistas of the China Wall and Tower Bridge, two of the park’s remarkable formations. The return segment climbs back to the rim, providing expansive views of the entire park. This hike is considered moderate to strenuous due to its length and elevation changes but is a favorite for those seeking a quieter, more introspective experience.
-
- Distance: 8 miles round trip (12.9 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1900 feet (579 Meters)
- Popularity: Moderate. Although a spectacular hike to see Bryce’s Famous Hoodoos, it’s not nearly as popular as the Navajo and Queens Garden Loop.
- Special Considerations: Oversized Vehicles (over 20 feet) are not allowed to park in either of these viewpoints when the shuttle bus is in operation. During the busy season these parking lots will also fill up early in the day.
Getting there: You can begin this hike by beginning at either Fairyland Point or at the Tower Bridge Trailhead (Near Sunrise Point). Or utilize the park’s shuttle bus when in operation to begin the hike at Sunrise Point (April to October). There is no shuttle service to Fairyland Point.
Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail
Starting from Bryce Point, the Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail is a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) journey that dives deep into the heart of Bryce Canyon’s hoodoo country. This trail is unique for its series of short, steep climbs and descents, which navigate through some of the park’s most intricate and densely packed formations.
Hikers on this trail will encounter the Wall of Windows, a spectacular series of natural arches, and the Silent City, an area dense with hoodoos that resemble an ancient, petrified metropolis. Due to its challenging terrain and elevation changes, the Peek-A-Boo Loop is considered strenuous, but it offers an intimate encounter with the park’s geological wonders.
Bonus Recommendation: Hike the loop in a clockwise direction from Bryce Point.
-
- Distance: 5.5 miles round trip (8.9 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1560 feet (474 Meters)
- Popularity: Popular but rewarding hike that encompasses the beauty and uniqueness of Bryce Canyon National Park.
- Special Considerations: Oversized Vehicles (over 20 feet) are not allowed to park in this viewpoint when the shuttle bus is in operation. During the busy season these parking lots will also fill up early in the day. Hikers may also encounter horses or mules on this trail and should give the right of way to these riders.
Getting there: You can begin this hike by parking Bryce Point. Or utilize the park’s shuttle bus when in operation (April to October).
Bonus Hike: Off The Beaten Path
Swamp Canyon Loop
A more intimate and remote hike that takes hikers into a more forested area of the park. Slightly more rugged than the other trails that were previously mentioned, this trail allows for a more personal connection with the beauty of Bryce Canyon’s hiking. Additional consideration, this hike has less signage than the other hikes, so its recommended to carry a map along this route.
-
- Distance: 4 miles round trip (6.4 km)
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet (244 Meters)
- Popularity: Low. This is a hike that likely will not be on most visitor’s radar, providing solitude that can be hard to find during the busier seasons.
- Special Considerations: Trailhead can be inaccessible during the winter months.
Getting there: Swamp Canyon Viewpoint, which is mile 6 on the Southern Scenic Drive.
Preparing for Your Hike
When planning a hiking trip to Bryce Canyon, it’s essential to consider the altitude, which can affect even the most experienced hikers. The park’s rim sits at over 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level, so take time to acclimate and stay hydrated. Early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended to avoid the midday heat in the summer months and to capture the hoodoos and spires in the most dramatic light.
Regardless of the trail chosen, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a magical landscape that feels like stepping into another world. Each trail provides a unique perspective on the park’s beauty, ensuring that hikers come away with memories that last a lifetime.
