5 Best Hikes Bryce Canyon National Park
Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park is amazing, and the top thing to do in the park. I would suggest trying to do your hikes first thing in the morning or in the late evening to avoid the heat. The off season isn’t as bad when it comes to the heat but the midsummer could be brutal. Aside from the heat, beating the crowds to the more congested trails would make your hike easier.
Queens Garden and Navajo Loop
Distance: 3.1 Miles
Elevation Change: 650 Feet
Trail Type: Loop
Start Point: Sunset Point
First thing after beginning your descent into the amphitheater you’ll see Thor’s Hammer, then you’ll reach a set of switchbacks (not Wallstreet) that look remarkably similar to Wallstreet. After the switchbacks you’ll see Two Bridges, which are two natural bridges that were formed from erosion. Once you hit the bottom of the ampitheater the Queens Garden Trail portion begins and winds all the way to Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria is a famous hoodoo, because it looks like the Victorian queen. You’ll begin your ascent to Sunrise Point by the ET Hoodoo. If you only have time for one hike, I would choose this one. You can also edit your route to include Wallstreet.
Peekaboo Loop
Distance: 5.2 Miles
Elevation Change: 1,453 Feet
Trail Type: Loop
Start Point: Bryce Point
The Peekaboo Loop Trail takes you from the parking lot down to the floor of the canyon, similar to the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail. It is a multi-use trail, so there is the chance you could encounter horseback riders while out hiking (or vice versa). There are lots of switchbacks on this trail, so be prepared for the elevation change. Check out the Bristlecone Pines growing in the trail and enjoy the hoodoos.
Fairyland Loop Trail
Distance: 7.8 Miles
Elevation Change: 1,545 Feet
Trail Type: Loop
Start Point: Fairyland Point
Fairyland Loop drops you 1,545 feet in elevation, however not as quickly as the Peekaboo Loop or Queens Garden. Fantastic views the entire trip around including Tower Bridge.
Tower Bridge
Distance: 3.4 Miles
Elevation Change: 826 Feet
Trail Type: Out and Back
Start Point: Sunset Point
A great hike if you don’t want to spend your whole day out on the trail. Tower Bridge is a hoodoo with two arches that looks like a tower bridge. It is a really cool photo op and worth the hike out.
Mossy Cave Trail
Distance: 0.9 Miles
Elevation Change: 121 Feet
Trail Type: Out and Back
Start Point: Mossy Cave Parking
Mossy Cave Trail is another great trail if you don’t have much time or don’t want to go far and wide to see some amazing sights. The trail is stunning and you’ll be rewarded with waterfall views at the turn around point of the trail. If you want to you can hike up to the windows and take in the views from the top.
Bonus: Shared-Use Path
Distance: 18 Miles
Trail Type: Out and back or point to point
The Shared Use Path is what it sounds like, a shared use path. It’s not just for walking, you can bike, e-bike, roller skaters, and cross country skiers. Check out Bryce Canyon’s e-bike policy though before you bring your bike, they have different definitions of what is allowed and what is not. The path itself is paved and quite easy to walk on.
You can’t go wrong with any of the trails at Bryce Canyon National Park. All of them offer spectacular views. Be sure to pack appropriately no matter which trail you pick. We saw a lot of people on the longer trails with flip-flops, and I can only imagine that was uncomfortable.
You can’t go wrong with any of the trails at Bryce Canyon. They are all beautiful and have magnificent views of the canyon, hoodoos and the horizon. Don’t miss out by not exploring on your trip!