Complete List of Bryce Canyon Hikes (With FREE PDF)
We wish we had a Complete Guide to Bryce Canyon Hikes before our visit, so we made one for you! Bryce Canyon National Park is known for it’s intricate hoodoos – tall rock spires shaped by erosion. While hoodoos are found all over the globe, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the largest collection of hoodoos in the world! The best way to admire the hoodoos is by hiking one of the many trails in Bryce Canyon. The park offers a variety of day hiking trails ranging in distance and difficulty level so there is something for everyone!
Hiking Tips
- The Queen’s/Navajo combination loop is the most popular Bryce Canyon Hike (for good reason!), but if you want to avoid the crowds, be sure to hit this trail just after sunrise
- Check out Fairyland Loop or Peekaboo Loop if you desire less human interaction (no judgement) while hiking in Bryce Canyon
- Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park is available year round, but will require snowshoes after fresh snowfall and traction devices (e.g., micro spikes) in the winter months
- There is inconsistent-limited shade cover, be sure to pack plenty of water and sun protection
- Planning a trip? Check out our simple guide for planning your trip with all the best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park!
Hike the Hoodoos
Bryce Canyon offers a year-round program called “Hike the Hoodoos!” that combines hiking and a scavenger hunt. To participate, just hike at least 3 miles on marked trails and look for “Hike the Hoodoos” markers. Capture rubbings of benchmark survey markers or photos with the markers to show you completed the hike and you’ll get a special reward from the Visitor’s Center! Information on where to find all the “Hike the Hoodoo” benchmarks can be found on the NPS website. You may have hiked in other National Parks before, but this scavenger hunt is exclusive to Bryce Canyon hikes!
Complete Trail Guide
| Trail Name | Distance / Time | Elevation Change | Description |
| Mossy Cave | 0.8 mi // 1.3 km <1 hour | 200 ft // 61 m | Enjoy a leisurely streamside stroll leading to a mossy grotto that features icy formations during winter and lush dripping mosses in summer. A favorite spot for families to dip their feet in the water because of the short distance and waterfall. |
| Sunset to Sunrise Point | 1.0 mi // 1.6 km 1 hour | 34 ft // 10 m | Experience the easiest hike in the park because of the paved section on the popular rim trail. Offering views of the picturesque Bryce Amphitheater; it’s a 0.5-mile walk each way, so it’s perfect for all levels of hikers. |
| Rim Trail | 11.0 mi // 17.7 km (total) Up to 7.5 hours | 1177 ft // 359 m | This trail links Bryce Point to Fairyland Point. It provides an elevated view of the hoodoos and offers a paved and level path of moderate challenge. You have the flexibility to hike any portion without needing to complete the entire trail. |
| Bristlecone Loop | 1.0 mi // 1.6 km 1 hour | 200 ft // 61 m | Take a hike through a sub-alpine forest with ancient bristlecone pines and wide-open views. Consider combining it with the 18-mile scenic drive for an enhanced experience. |
| Queen’s Garden | 1.8 mi // 2.9 km 1-2 hours | 357 ft // 109 m | Embark on the easiest trail leading into Bryce Amphitheater. A round-trip hike to the famous Queen Victoria hoodoo, offering a less challenging descent. |
| Navajo Loop | 1.3 mi // 2.2 km 1-2 hours | 600 ft // 183 m | During the summer, you can hike a loop that lets you admire the famous Thor’s Hammer rock formation along both the Two Bridges and Wall Street sections. Note that Wall Street is accessible only in the summer. |
| Queen’s Garden + Navajo Loop Combination | 2.9 mi // 4.6 km 2-3 hours | 600 ft // 183 m | Create a 2.9-mile loop by merging Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop trails, best hiked clockwise. During winter, opt for Two Bridges route. |
| Tower Bridge | 3.0 mi // 4.8 km 2-3 hours | 802 ft // 245 m | Experience bristlecone pines and the Chinese Wall on a straightforward hike to a shady 1/4-mile spur trail leading to a bridge. A section of the Fairyland Loop (though it’s not a complete loop). |
| Sheep Creek/ Swamp Canyon | 4.0 mi // 6.4 km 3-4 hours | 647 ft // 198 m | Enjoy a scenic hike through a serene section of the park’s backcountry, which is less marked than the trails around Bryce Amphitheater. |
| Hat Shop | 4.0 mi // 6.4 km 3-4 hours | 1075 ft // 328 m | Descend the spacious Under-the-Rim trail for a round-trip hike and witness a gathering of balanced-rock hoodoos. |
| Fairyland Loop | 8.0 mi // 12.9 km 4-5 hours | 1716 ft // 523 m | Pair your hike along the plateau rim near Boat Mesa for a peaceful and serene experience. Extensive vistas of the Bryce Amphitheater surrounded by distinctive hoodoos |
| Peekaboo Loop | 5.5 mi // 8.8 km 3-4 hours | 1571 ft // 479 m | Embark on a challenging and ever-changing hike below the rim, catching sight of the Wall of Windows. Hike clockwise during the summer. Also an equine trail. |
| Navajo + Peekaboo Combination Loop | 4.9 mi // 7.8 km 3-4 hours | 1581 ft // 482 m | Create a mini figure-8 hike by merging the Navajo Loop and Peekaboo Loop trails. For both sections, opt for the Two Bridges route. Also an equine trail. |
| The Figure 8 Combination | 6.4 mi // 10.2 km 4-5 hour | 1631 ft // 497 m | Merge the Queens/Navajo Combination and Peekaboo Loop trails for an ultimate hike. Showcasing famous hoodoos such as Queen Victoria and the Wall of Windows in a figure-8 shape hike. Also an equine trail. |
| Bryce Amphitheatre Traverse | 4.7 mi // 7.5 km 3-4 hours | 1010 ft // 308 m | Start your hike by descending from Bryce Point, then take a left (clockwise) onto the Peekaboo Loop, connecting to Queen’s Garden, and finally ascend to Sunrise Point. Use Rim Trail for 2.7 miles or shuttle to return. |
| Riggs Spring Loop | 8.6 mi // 13.8 km | 4366 ft // 7026 km | Starting at Yovimpa Point, hike through spruce, fir, and bristlecone forests. Enjoy scenic views of red cliffs and Quaking Aspen groves along the way. The trail’s western part is steeper and densely wooded. A spring midway provides shade and water, but hikers should purify it before drinking. Backcountry permit required if staying overnight. |
| Under-the-Rim Trail | 22.9 mi // 36.9 km | 1853 ft // 2982 km | This trail offers a unique perspective of Bryce, taking you from the bottom to the top. The most stunning parts are on the trails around Sunset and Rainbow points. Expect a challenging path through a vibrant forest with diverse trees. Don’t forget to glance upwards so you can see unexpected views of hoodoos and pink cliffs. Backcountry permit required if staying overnight. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bryce Canyon National Park is a perfect destination for both casual strollers and avid hikers. With its unique hoodoos, diverse trails, and stunning vistas, there’s something for everyone to discover and enjoy. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Bryce Amphitheater or venturing into the tranquil backcountry, Bryce Canyon promises an unforgettable experience. This complete list of Bryce Canyon hikes will prepare you for an incredible day of exploring!
