#4 of 61 national parks in United States of America
Best trails in Bryce Canyon National Park
Looking for a great trail in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah? AllTrails has 35 great hiking trails, views trails, dogs no trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Ready for some activity? There are 16 moderate trails in Bryce Canyon National Park ranging from 1.5 to 18.2 miles and from 7,769 to 9,114 feet above sea level. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time!
Description
Bryce Canyon is a series of gorgeous, amphitheater shaped canyons that are known for their striking hoodoos. Because of the park's relatively remote location, it gets a lot less foot and car traffic than other National Parks. It is home to trees that are well over 1,000 years old, endangered species like Utah prairie dog, the California condor, and the southwestern willow flycatcher, and 400 native plant species. Visitor Center hours vary by season, see the park info tab for the park's website. Entrance Fees (Valid for 7 consecutive days) Private Vehicle $35 Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants. Motorcycle $30 per motorcycle Per Person (Bicycle, Walk-in) $20 Admits one individual with no car to the monument - typically used for bicyclists and walk-ins. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Bryce Canyon Annual Passes are also available Accessibility: The Interagency Access Pass for free or discounted admission for US Citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities is accepted here. The Visitor Center is wheelchair/mobility equipment/stroller accessible and has wheelchair accessible bathrooms and drinking fountains. The park film in the auditorium includes captioning. Assistive listening devices and audio-description devices are available at the front desk for loan. Several summer Ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible including geology talks, rim walks, and evening programs in the auditorium. The Sunrise Unit of Bryce Canyon Lodge has wheelchair-accessible rooms. Sunset Campground has two wheelchair-accessible camping sites. Additional accessible trails and facilities information can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm
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Top trails (35)
Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail
#1 - Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail
Bryce Canyon National Parkmoderate
(3582)
(3582)Length: 3.5 mi • Est. 1 h 25 m
Portions of this loop close seasonally in winter due to weather and freezing overnight temperatures. Please check the park website for updated information before heading out https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
This hike is considered by many to be the best way to see the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon. The views from Sunrise Point and Sunset Point on the rim area stunning, but you will experience an entirely different Bryce Canyon from the canyon floor while looking up at the hoodoos.
You start by hiking down Wall Street, a narrow canyon with high rock walls on either side. Soon after, you will reach the flat canyon floor with the option to finish the Navajo Loop or continue on along the Queens Garden Trail to see more of the canyon. If you have time, hike on to Queens Garden where you will see some of the most spectacular formations in the park.
After you final ascent up to the rim you will arrive at sunrise point with a final view of the canyon.
Hoodoos go through several stages:
First they start as plateaus and water erodes away the sides until they become fins. Once the things become fairly skinny, holes will erode in the middle of them, creating a window. Finally, after more erosion, the top of the windows will break away leaving a hoodoo in its place.
In Bryce, most erosion occurs from "frost wedging". Rain seeps into cracks of the rocks, and when the temperature drops the water freezes and expands, which creates larger cracks in the rocks. Show more
Fairyland Loop Trail
#2 - Fairyland Loop Trail
Bryce Canyon National Parkmoderate(1891)
(1891)Length: 7.8 mi • Est. 4 h 9 m
Note: The road leading to this trailhead closes seasonally. During winter months hikers can start this route at Sunrise Point instead.
Fairyland Loop Trail begins at Fairyland Point, at the northern portion of the park, and takes you through spectacular hoodoos and scenery along the rim and into the canyon; including a spur trail to Tower Bridge. The Fairyland Loop Trail also includes a portion of the Rim Trail from Sunrise Point to Fairyland Point.
This hike is considered hard due to its length and meandering trails with multiple elevation changes. It is best to carry plenty of water, 1 quart (liter) for every 2-3 hours of hiking per person, as this hike typically takes 4-5 hours round trip over the 8 mile (12.9 km) length. In the summer sun screen or large brim hats are recommended and are even a comfort year round to avoid sunburn.Show more
Peekaboo Loop Trail
#3 - Peekaboo Loop Trail
Bryce Canyon National Parkmoderate(1390)
(1390)Length: 5.2 mi • Est. 3 h 5 m
Note: Bryce Point is subject to closure due to weather. Please check with the park before visiting: https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm
The Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail begins at Bryce Point and drops quickly to the canyon floor. While some consider this a more moderate hike, due to the rapid elevation change and the length this hike is considered hard. Hikers are cautioned to be aware that this trail is shared with horses.Show more
Navajo Loop Trail
#4 - Navajo Loop Trail
Bryce Canyon National Parkmoderate(1108)
(1108)Length: 1.5 mi • Est. 37 m
The Wall Street side of Navajo Loop, the Rim Trail between Inspiration and Bryce Point, and the Agua Connecting Trail are closed.
The Navajo Loop Trail drops down into the amphitheater and passes through "Wall Street," a narrow switchbacked slot between sheer cliffs, with towering Douglas fir trees growing along the trail. The trail provides outstanding views of much-photographed Thor's Hammer - a tall, narrow pinnacle with a narrower neck, supporting a large hammerhead-like rock. Looking west from the trail are grand views into the "Silent City" where rock structures resemble towers and buildings and temples. To the east, see the "Temple of Osiris." The Navajo Loop Trail extends 1.3 miles, starting and ending at Sunset Point, with an ascent/descent of 550 feet. Most people take 1-2 hours.
For a longer hike, continue onto the Queen's Garden Loop or the Peakaboo Loop, each for approximately 3 miles. Both of those trails can also be combined to create a 6.3 mile figure 8 loop.
There are portions of the trail that provide no shade and get quite hot especially in the summer months, but there are also stretches of the trail covered by the shade of rock formations that get very cold. Make sure to bring water and dress appropriately.Show more
Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail
#5 - Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail
Bryce Canyon National Parkmoderate(928)
(928)Length: 3.2 mi • Est. 1 h 17 m
Please note that portions of this loop may close due to weather and freezing overnight temperatures. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Heavily trafficked combination trail loop weaving in and out of red rock formations through Bryce Canyon. Please note that the Wall Street portion of the trail is often closed throughout the year due to freezing overnight temperatures. Summer months are the best time to see Wall Street. This same route can be modified by cutting through the Navajo loop segment when Wall Street is closed.Show more
Queen Victoria via Queen's Garden Loop
#7 - Queen Victoria via Queen's Garden Loop
Bryce Canyon National Parkeasy(883)
(883)Length: 2.1 mi • Est. 1 h 7 m
NOTE: Connection to Navajo loop is closed due to trail maintenance on the switchbacks. Hikers can still access the trail from Sunset point. Check with the NPS site before visiting for trail closures: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/queensgarden.htm
Please note that portions of this loop may close due to weather and freezing overnight temperatures. Heavily trafficked combination trail weaving in and out of red rock formations through Bryce Canyon.Show more
Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail
#8 - Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail
Bryce Canyon National Parkeasy
(1201)
(1201)Length: 1.0 mi • Est. 29 m
An easy stroll in Bryce next to a creek that brings you past hoodoos, to a waterfall, and then to a mossy cave where icicles hang in the shady places. If you feel adventurous, climb to the hole in the wall above the falls.
Mossy Cave is the trail you want to go to if you have a very short time and want to do a little hike. Or, if you have guests or kids that do not like to break a sweat on a hike, this is a perfect little stroll where you can get the whole below canyon experience without the hike down into the canyon.
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Navajo Loop Trail to Peekaboo Loop
#9 - Navajo Loop Trail to Peekaboo Loop
Bryce Canyon National Parkmoderate(771)
(771)Length: 5.0 mi • Est. 2 h 1 m
The Wall Street side of Navajo Loop, the Rim Trail between Inspiration and Bryce Point, and the Agua Connecting Trail are closed.Show more
Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail)
#10 - Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail)
Bryce Canyon National Parkmoderate(565)
(565)Length: 6.3 mi • Est. 3 h 33 m
The Wall Street side of Navajo Loop, the Rim Trail between Inspiration and Bryce Point, and the Agua Connecting Trail are closed seasonally for winter closures. Please check with the park website for current information: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
The peekaboo hike has amazing views and little traffic in the morning. There is no water so be sure to bring your own.Show more
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