Best Hikes in Bryce National Park – with best viewpoints and photo spots!
Here are the best hikes in Bryce National Park! My favourite is the absolutely stunning section of Wall Street which is part of the Navajo Loop Trail.
If you pick just one hike, make it the Navajo Loop Trail which will include the section of Wall Street (which is a slot canyon).
Trust me on this one, you wont regret it. There are hoodoos for miles (a bit like 100s of spires), as well as a slot canyon, balanced rocks, incredible scenery, zig zagging trails – it’s incredible! And don’t forget to check the weather (see below) for sunrise and sunset times!
If you have time for more, it’s worth having a look at the below other trails that can be hiked in combination with the Navajo Loop Trail whilst in Bryce Canyon National Park.
And if you have more than one day at Bryce, then there’s plenty of other hikes for you to get under your belt!
If you’re visiting Utah, then it’s worth having a look over my Utah Road Trip itinerary. It covers the best viewpoints all the way from Arches National Park to the best hikes in Zion National Park, some of the best tours, Glamping near Zion and more. Have a browse and happy road tripping!
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Quick Mini Guide To Bryce
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Bryce National Park.
Where to stay
- Bubble dome Glamp and Camp
- Best Western – The closest hotel to the entrance of Bryce.
Best Hikes & When to go
Wall Street, Navajo Trail, the Queen’s Garden Trails. It’s best to go in Spring or Autumn. The summer becomes very hot & busy, so visit after 4pm.
Bryce Entry Fee
Private Vehicle: $35 for a 7-day pass, $20 for individuals.
Car rental
Public transport is limited so car rental is your best option. Consider getting a 4×4 for any dirt roads.
Best Tours
- Hiking Tour
- Off roading ATV in Bryce
- Horse riding the trails.
Best Hikes in Bryce National Park
The best hikes in Bryce National Park are widely accepted to be the Navajo Loop Trail (do not miss the section of Wall Street with the slot canyon!). If you want a day hike, do the ‘figure of 8’ and it will combine all 3 of the below!
If you’re looking for:
- Easy hike: Queen’s Garden Trail
- Moderate hike: Navajo Loop Trail
- Strenuous hike: Combine the Navajo Loop Trail with the Peekaboo Loop trail.
I loved to hike Bryce Canyon and I’m certain you will too.
Navajo Loop Trail
A popular trail that offers stunning views of Bryce Amphitheater’s iconic hoodoos. I didn’t find the Navajo Loop trail particularly difficult – it’s going to require a bit of stamina, but it’s pretty invigorating. Wind down zig zagging pathways, duck through holes in the wall and admire Thor’s Hammer. Definitely one of the best hikes in Bryce National Park.
- Length: 1.3 miles (2.2 km) loop
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Change: 550 feet (167 meters)
- Highlights: Wall Street, Thorās Hammer, Two Bridges
Photographs below taken 1-2 hours before sunset in June (one way to avoid the crowds and the heat!).
Starting and ending at Sunset Point, the iconic Navajo Loop Trail winds through narrow walls of colorful limestone, showcasing towering Douglas-fir trees and the famous Thor’s Hammer hoodoo. The loop splits into two sections: Two Bridges and Wall Street. While Two Bridges is accessible year-round, Wall Street closes during the winter. In winter, you can hike Two Bridges as an out-and-back trail or combine it with other trails.
Wall Street (Part of the Navajo Loop Trail)
A dramatic section of the Navajo Loop Trail with the iconic slot canyon – walk between towering rock walls. I’ve included this because often people might miss it if they go off to the Queen’s Garden Trail. Head down the right path as you descend from sunset point (there are signs directing you).
- Length: 0.7 miles (1.1 km) as part of the Navajo Loop Trail
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Elevation Change: 550 feet (167 meters)
- Highlights: Towering rock walls, narrow slot canyon, the singular tree growing in between the slot canyon!
One of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park (and my personal favourite).
Queenās Garden Trail
An easy hike that descends into the canyon, featuring unique hoodoo formations. Widely accepted as one of the best views in Bryce, and most people combine it with the Navajo Loop Trail.
- Length: 1.8 miles (2.9 km) round trip
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Change: 320 feet (98 meters)
- Highlights: Queen Victoria hoodoo, scenic viewpoints
The Queen’s Garden Trail is the easiest trail that descends from the rim into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. When you hike this out-and-back trail, you’ll reach the Queen Victoria hoodoo at the end of a short spur trail and get to enjoy the beauty of hiking among the hoodoos. You can (and should, if you have time) combine this trail with the Navajo Loop to create a 2.9-mile round trip, starting my descent at Sunrise Point and ascending back up at Sunset Point.
Peekaboo Loop Trail
A strenuous loop offering close-up views of hoodoos and arches. Challenging, but with INCREDIBLE views. Also note there are horses on the trail and you may find horse manure along the trail, which some people complain about.
- Length: 5.5 miles (8.9 km) loop
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Change: 1,555 feet (474 meters)
- Highlights: The Cathedral, Wall of Windows
Combine two of the most iconic trails at Bryce and do the Navajo and Peekaboo Loop, into a mini Figure-8 combination loop. Start at Sunset Point, descend either side of the Navajo Loop (Two Bridges in winter), connect to the Peekaboo Loop (recommended clockwise), and ascend back to Sunset Point.
Fairyland Loop Trail
A long and challenging hike with panoramic views of unique rock formations from Fairyland Point.
- Length: 8 miles (12.9 km) loop
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Change: 2,309 feet (704 meters)
- Highlights: Tower Bridge, China Wall
The quiet, 8-mile Fairyland Loop combines hiking along the plateau rim near Boat Mesa with a canyon hike offering long views of the Bryce Amphitheater and unique hoodoos. Start at Fairyland Point or the rim trail north of Sunrise Point at the Tower Bridge trailhead. A counter-clockwise direction is recommended. Note that there is no shuttle pick-up at Fairyland Point, so you will need to hike back to your starting point.
Bryce Rim Trail
A relatively easy trail with continuous views of the Bryce Amphitheater.
- Length: 5.5 miles (8.9 km) one-way
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Change: Minimal
- Highlights: Sunrise Point to Bryce Point
Mossy Cave Trail Waterfall
A short and easy trail leading to a waterfall and mossy overhang. It’s pretty impressive!
- Length: 0.8 miles (1.3 km) round trip
- Duration: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Change: 300 feet (91 meters)
- Highlights: Waterfall, mossy cave
Tower Bridge Trail
A scenic trail that takes hikers to the Tower Bridge rock formation.
- Length: 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Change: 950 feet (290 meters)
- Highlights: Tower Bridge, China Wall
The Tower Bridge hike is part of the southern portion of the Fairyland Loop Trail. This out-and-back trail descends to a shady quarter-mile spur leading to the Tower Bridge hoodoo. From there, you can either return the way you came or continue on the full Fairyland Loop Trail.
Riggs Spring Loop Trail
A backcountry loop that explores the less-visited areas of the park. It’s accessible by Rainbow Point / Yovimpa Point, which is at the very end of the Bryce Southern Scenic Drive. Don’t miss other spots on the Southern Scenic Drive, including Ponderosa Canyon, the Natural Bridge, the Agua Canyon Overlook and the Swamp Canyon Overlook.
- Length: 8.6 miles (13.8 km) loop
- Duration): 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Change: 1,515 feet (462 meters)
- Highlights: Riggs Spring, remote wilderness
Hat Shop Trail
A trail leading to a collection of unique rock formations resembling hats.
- Length: 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Change: 1,365 feet (416 meters)
- Highlights: Hat Shop rock formations
Descending from Bryce Point into the backcountry via the Under-the-Rim Trail, the Hat Shop Trail offers views of the colorful Grand Staircase cliffs. This strenuous out-and-back hike descends 1,380 feet (421 meters) over two miles to a cluster of balanced-rock hoodoos. These narrow, orange pinnacles have “hats” of large gray boulders, creating a unique appearance.
Swamp Canyon Trail
A moderately strenuous trail descending into Swamp Canyon.
- Length: 4.3 miles (6.9 km) loop
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Change: 600 feet (183 meters)
- Highlights: Dense forests, meadows, hoodoos
Sheep Creek/Swamp Canyon Connecting Trail
A connector trail offering a longer backcountry experience.
- Length: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) one-way
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Elevation Change: Varies
- Highlights: Diverse landscapes, backcountry solitude
Bristlecone Loop Trail
A short, easy hike that’s only a 1 mile loop with views of ancient Bristlecone Pines. Not a bad walk that shouldn’t take you too long!
- Length: 1 mile (1.6 km) loop
- Duration: 1 hour or less
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Change: 200 feet (61 meters)
- Highlights: Bristlecone pines, Rainbow Point
Swamp Canyon Loop
A scenic backcountry loop trail starting from Swamp Canyon Overlook.
- Length: 4.3 miles (6.9 km) loop
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Change: 600 feet (183 meters)
- Highlights: Forested areas, hoodoos, meadows
Swamp Canyon appears small and sheltered from the overlook, offering an intimate connection with the landscape. Starting at the viewpoint, the Swamp Canyon Loop is more rugged than the Bryce Amphitheater trails, leading hikers into a forested backcountry. There is less signage on this trail, so carrying a map is recommended.
Best Day Hikes in Bryce Canyon
If you’re looking for the best Day Hike, I would recommend doing the Navajo loop trail linked with the Queen’s Garden and the Peekaboo Trail. This is called the ‘figure of 8’. This way you can choose how long you’d like to hike for.
This will take you 3-4 hours, but you can extend this for as long or as short as you like, as there are many off shoots to these trails that you can simply not go down.
Bryce Canyon Geology & History
When I first visited Bryce Canyon, I was floored! It’s stunning, and there’s nowhere else in Utah that looks remotely similar to that. The hoodoos are mesmerizing, & they’re honestly a huge part of what makes hiking here so special.
Start descending from the rim, which is around 9,000 feet above sea level. You’ll get to hike through a labyrinth of slots, cavities, and bizarre towers that seem almost subterranean. Unlike the crowded trails of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon has more trail offshoots (feels like), meaning it feels less crowded.
Despite its name, Bryce Canyon is not actually a canyon! It’s actually a series of giant natural amphitheaters in the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
History and archaeological surveys show that people have been hiking around Bryce Canyon for at least 10,000 years. The park has 56 square miles with 11 trails, offers an accessible, customizable hiking experience. The trails range from easy to strenuous and can be connected in various ways for endless adventure.
Do you need timed entry for Bryce Canyon?
You do not need to have a timed entry to Bryce Canyon National Park; which is great news for flexibility with your visit. You wonāt need to reserve a specific time slot in advance; you can just drive in whenever you like during park hours.
However, during peak timesāespecially in summer and on weekendsāparking can get a bit tight, so itās a good idea to arrive early to snag a good spot and make the most of your day. OR if you’re like me, visit late in the afternoon / evening if you’re visiting during the summer months.
In the summer it’s pretty hot during the day so I found it best to go late afternoon, as the sun set around 9pm.
If youāre planning to visit some of the popular spots or trails, like Bryce Amphitheater or the Queenās Garden Trail, getting there early or late also helps you avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery at a more relaxed pace.
Also, keep in mind that shuttle services are available, and they can be a great way to avoid parking hassles, especially during busy periods. The shuttle runs from the Visitor Center and covers key areas of the park.
Just in case plans change or you need up-to-date info, itās always a good idea to check the Bryce Canyon National Park website or stop by the Visitor Center for the latest details and tips. And don’t forget the stamps you can collect at each visitor’s centre of each state and national park.
Typical FAQs for Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park
1. Do I need a reservation to visit Bryce Canyon?
- No, Bryce Canyon National Park does not require a reservation for entry. You can drive into the park and explore without a timed entry pass. However, reservations might be required for campgrounds and some guided tours.
2. What are the park hours?
- Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the Visitor Center typically operates from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with shorter hours in the winter. It’s best to check the current hours on the parkās website before your visit.
3. How much does it cost to enter the park?
- The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days. If youāre planning to visit multiple national parks, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80, which provides access to all national parks and federal lands for one year.
4. Is there a shuttle service in the park?
- Yes, there is a shuttle system that operates during the peak season (spring through fall). It provides convenient access to popular trailheads and viewpoints. The shuttle system is free with park entry and runs from the Visitor Center.
5. Can I bring my pet into the park?
- Pets are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. They are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry. Pets are allowed in parking areas, campgrounds, and along paved roads.
6. Are there any restrictions for hiking?
- Some trails might be closed seasonally or due to weather conditions. Always check trail conditions at the Visitor Center before heading out. Additionally, be prepared for high elevation and varying weather conditions. Carry plenty of water and be aware of your physical limits.
7. Where can I stay inside the park?
- Bryce Canyon offers several lodging options, including the Bryce Canyon Lodge (reservations recommended) and campgrounds. There are also various accommodations in nearby Bryce Canyon City. Reservations for lodging and campsites can be made through the National Park Service or private concessionaires.
8. What should I bring for my visit?
- Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, layers of clothing for changing weather, sturdy hiking shoes, and a map of the park. A camera or smartphone is also a must for capturing the stunning landscapes.
9. Are there any dining options in the park?
- The park has limited dining options. The Bryce Canyon Lodge has a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For more variety, you might need to travel to nearby Bryce Canyon City.
10. What should I do if I encounter wildlife?
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Feeding or approaching animals is prohibited and can be dangerous. Store food properly and use bear-resistant containers if camping.
11. What if I need medical assistance or have an emergency?
- In case of an emergency, dial 911. The park has ranger stations and emergency services, but cell service can be spotty in some areas.
12. Are there guided tours available?
- Yes, guided tours are available and can be a great way to learn more about the parkās geology, history, and wildlife. Check the parkās website or Visitor Center for information on tour operators and schedules.
Weather in Utah
Be wary of the weather in Utah, it’s so diverse! In the winter, it is literally freezing.
In the summer it is literally boiling, and it can actually be difficult to be out in the middle of the day. Whatever the time of year you visit, be prepared, whether that’s water bottles, or extra layers to keep warm.
Utah Weather in January
- Average temperature: -1Ā°C (30Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 10
- Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
Utah Weather in February
- Average temperature: 2Ā°C (35Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 11
- Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:00 PM
Utah Weather in March
- Average temperature: 7Ā°C (45Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 6
- Average daylight hours: 12
- Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
Utah Weather in April
- Average temperature: 11Ā°C (52Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 6
- Average daylight hours: 13
- Average sunrise time: 6:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 7:30 PM
Utah Weather in May
- Average temperature: 16Ā°C (61Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 14
- Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:00 PM
Utah Weather in June
- Average temperature: 21Ā°C (70Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 3
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:45 PM
Utah Weather in July
- Average temperature: 26Ā°C (79Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:45 PM
Utah Weather in August
- Average temperature: 24Ā°C (75Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 14
- Average sunrise time: 6:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:30 PM
Utah Weather in September
- Average temperature: 19Ā°C (66Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 12
- Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 7:30 PM
Utah Weather in October
- Average temperature: 12Ā°C (54Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 11
- Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
Utah Weather in November
- Average temperature: 5Ā°C (41Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 4
- Average daylight hours: 10
- Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:00 PM
Utah Weather in December
- Average temperature: -1Ā°C (30Ā°F)
- Average rainy days: 5
- Average daylight hours: 9
- Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:00 PM
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