Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park: A Complete Guide
Hikes in the Bryce Canyon National Park
Inside this article:
The network of trails winding through the iconic hoodoos, spires, and sandstone fins makes for the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park. It is a relatively small park (56 square miles), making it accessible. It has 11 interconnected trails of all difficulty levels, spoiling hikers for choice. Despite the relatively small area, the park's elevation (around 9,000 feet) grants it the beauty and challenges that make it a hikers' paradise. Cooler temperatures and ancient bristlecone pines along specific routes add to the charm. Its unique geological formations, the natural amphitheaters, standing tall on a high plateau and creating narrow passages, make it even more thrilling.
While trails such as the Rim Trail are perfect vantage points for these amphitheatres, pathways such as Fairyland Loop and Navajo Loop descend into the depths of these amphitheatres and offer a highly immersive experience. If you're gearing up for hiking at Bryce, here are the top 10 hikes you should consider.
Top 10 Hikes in the Bryce Canyon National Park
The Rim Trail
The Queen’s Garden/ Navajo Combination Loop
Riggs Spring Loop
Bristlecone Loop
Fairyland Loop
Peek-a-Boo Loop
Tower Bridge
Hat Shop
Mossy Cave
Swamp Canyon Loop
The Rim Trail
Overview: The Rim Trail has quite a reputation as one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park. It is a continuous path along the Bryce Canyon amphitheater's edge. It is one of the most popular vantage points for panoramic views of the park's iconic hoodoos and unique landscapes. This trail connects several major viewpoints and is ideal for short walks and long hikes. That's another reason for its popularity among beginner to moderate skill level hikers.
Location: Southern part of Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km) one way
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Start/Finish Route: Starts at Bryce Point; passes through Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point; ends at Fairyland Point.
Best for:
Awe-inspiring above-the-rim views of Bryce Amphitheater.
This trail is ideal for those seeking an expansive overview of the park's landscape without descending into the canyon.
It is accessible from multiple points, so you can choose whether you want a short walk or a long hike.
The Queen’s Garden / Navajo Combination Loop
Overview: This loop trail is one of Bryce Canyon National Park's most popular hikes. It offers an up-close experience of the park's hoodoos and amazing landscape views. While Queen’s Garden Trail and Navajo Loop can be done separately, they're usually combined for a more fulfilling experience. You will be rewarded with a kaleidoscope of landscapes, especially the famous Wall Street section with its tall canyon walls and tight switchbacks.
Location: North and northwestern part of Bryce Canyon National Park, respectively
Distance: 2.9 miles (4.6 km) round trip
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Start/Finish Route: Begins at Sunrise Point; descends via Queen’s Garden Trail; connects through the canyon floor to the Navajo Loop; ascends to Sunset Point. Hikers can return to Sunrise Point via the Rim Trail or shuttle.
Best for:
An immersive experience of the unique geology, right from the bottom to the top of the canyon.
You undertake a journey through the contrasting landscapes of spires and rock formations of the Queen's Garden and then the switchbacks of the Navajo Loop.
Riggs Spring Loop
Overview: If you're interested in a remote, serene backcountry experience through Bryce Canyon, you'll likely appreciate the Riggs Spring Loop Trail. It rewards you with distant vistas of pink-hued cliffs and the Grand Staircase-Escalante region. The loop's remoteness provides solitude and wildlife encounters amid spruce, fir, and bristlecone pine forests and serene meadows.
Location: Southern end of Bryce Canyon National Park, beginning and ending at Rainbow Point
Distance: 8.8 miles (14.2 km) round trip
Duration: 4–6 hours for a day hike; makes for a comfortable 2-day backpacking trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Start/Finish Route: Starts at the Rainbow Point; passes through Yovimpa Pass, Corral Hollow, and Riggs Spring; ends at the Rainbow Point
Best for:
A tranquil, immersive experience in the park’s less frequented forest.
Its remote location also provides an ideal setting for overnight camping and stargazing.
The trail's elevation and terrain change throughout the loop, thus offering a challenging hike.
Bristlecone Loop
Overview: The Bristlecone Loop Trail is one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park. It features bristlecone pines, some over 1,800 years old. This high-elevation hike through ancient forests atop Bryce Canyon's southern rim is also replete with white fir, Douglas fir, and ponderosa pine. This short loop provides a peaceful escape from the park's busier areas.
Location: Southern tip of Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 1.0 mile (1.6 km) round trip
Duration: 1 hour approx.
Difficulty: Easy
Start/Finish Route: Starts and ends at Rainbow Point, with trailheads near the parking area
Best for:
Wildlife spotting and panoramic views of the Grand Staircase.
It rewards you with sweeping vistas from the park's highest point ( over 9,000 feet), stretching into the Grand Staircase and the Four Corners region.
Photography enthusiasts and nature lovers get a chance to spot wildlife such as owls, squirrels, woodpeckers, and chipmunks perched on trees.
The trail's accessibility and gentle terrain also make it ideal for families and those acclimating to the park's high elevation.
Fairyland Loop
Overview: The Fairyland Loop Trail is a less-traveled path in the park. This loop takes you down into the canyon, through a labyrinth of hoodoos, spires, and rock formations such as Boat Mesa and Tower Bridge. The trail showcases the park's geological wonders in a serene setting. Provide a brief overview of the hike.
Location: Northern part of Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) round trip
Duration: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Start/Finish Route: Starts at Fairyland Point; descends into the canyon; ends at Fairyland Point. Alternatively, you can begin at Sunrise Point and connect via Rim Trail.
Best for:
Above and below-the-rim perspectives of the canyon's hoodoos, but without the crowds.
The trail's length and elevation changes offer a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Peek-a-Boo Loop
Overview: This trial offers one of Bryce National Park's best hikes. It takes you to the heart of the park's amphitheatre, where you hike through a thrilling maze of hoodoos, arches, and narrow corridors. Unique formations along the trail include the Wall of Windows and the Cathedral. The trail's elevation changes as you go up and then descend into the amphitheatre, adding to the thrill.
Location: Paunsaugunt Plateau; central part of Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km) round trip
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Start/Finish Route:
Starts at Bryce Point; descends into the canyon, forms a loop, and ascends back to Bryce Point.
Best for:
An up-close experience in the heart of the park's amphitheatre.
This is it if you're seeking a challenging and spectacular adventure through Bryce Canyon's iconic formations.
The trail offers solitude and thrill for exploring beyond the more frequented routes.
Tower Bridge
Overview: The Tower Bridge Trail offers another adventure through Bryce Canyon's amphitheater, leading to the striking Tower Bridge. This bridge is a natural rock arch formation resembling its namesake in London. While on the hike, you will be treated to views of notable formations such as the Chinese Wall and the Sinking Ship.
Location: Close to the southern end of the park
Distance: 3.0 miles (4.8 km) round trip
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Start/Finish Route: Starts at Sunrise Point; via the Fairyland Loop Trail to a 0.25-mile spur leading to Tower Bridge; return via the same route; end at Sunrise Point
Best for:
Best views of the Great Wall.
A less-crowded trail with both scenic vistas and unique geological formations.
Hat Shop Trail
Overview: The Hat Shop Trail offers a secluded backcountry experience, leading you to one of the most unique formations: flat boulders on top of hoodoos resembling hats. This out-and-back is a tranquil alternative to the park's more frequented paths. The trail's steep descent and ascent make it a rewarding challenge.
Location: Northern part of Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 4.0 miles (6.4 km) round trip
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Start/Finish Route: Starts at Bryce Point, descends via the Under-the-Rim Trail to the Hat Shop hoodoos; ends at Bryce Point
Best for:
Extensive views of the Hat Shop hoodoos and the Grand Staircase
A more serene trail for hikers who do not prefer a beaten path and large crowds.
Mossy Cave
Overview: It is a short hike but one that rewards you with unique views of the park's landscapes. The Mossy Cave Trail is the access path to a charming waterfall and a moss-covered grotto from which the trail takes its name. Unlike other popular trails in the Bryce Canyon National Park, this one starts with a gentle ascent but culminates with a descent. That makes it a more feasible option for visitors who are not adept at hiking. Along the way, you'll find delightful views of hoodoos and the artificial Tropic Ditch stream, too.
Location: Northwestern part of Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km) round trip
Duration: 30 minutes–1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Start/Finish Route: Starts at the Mossy Cave Trailhead; descends into the moss-covered grotto; ends at the Mossy Cave Trailhead
Best for:
A relaxing experience at the waterfall and the grotto.
Scenic views of the Tropic Ditch stream, an artificial stream created to irrigate southern Utah.
Ideal for families or individuals who wish to experience the canyon’s landscape but do not prefer extensive hiking.
Perfect balance of short hiking time and great views.
Swamp Canyon Loop
Overview: The Swamp Canyon Loop Trail offers Bryce National Park's best hikes in the lesser-known backcountry. This loop combines the Swamp Canyon Connector, a segment of the Under-the-Rim Trail, and the Sheep Creek Connector. It takes you through meadows and hoodoo formations, into a forested canyon.
Location: Southern part of Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 4.0 miles (6.4 km) round trip
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Start/Finish Route: Starts at the Swamp Canyon Overlook, leads to the Swamp Canyon Connector, Under-the-Rim Trail, and Sheep Creek Connector; ends at the Swamp Canyon Overlook
Best for:
Extensive, serene views of the backcountry.
Ideal for those looking to explore beyond the park's main amphitheater and enjoy a peaceful, scenic hike.
Why Choose AdventureTripr for Your Bryce Canyon National Park Hiking Tour?
At AdventureTripr, we specialize in curating personalized and affordable hiking tours to Bryce Canyon National Park among hundreds of other destinations. Our expert local guides lead you through the park's iconic hoodoos and other unique geological formations, ensuring you go on the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park. We handle all logistics, from accommodations to park entries, so that you can focus on the adventure. Whether seeking a challenging hike or a leisurely walk, our itineraries cater to all fitness levels. With a commitment to safety and sustainability, we ensure that each journey not only delights but also respects the natural environment. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Bryce Canyon's unique landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question 1: Do I need a permit to hike in Bryce Canyon National Park?
Answer 1: You do not need a permit for day hikes. However, if you’re planning an overnight backcountry hike, such as the Under-the-Rim Trail or Riggs Spring Loop, you must obtain a backcountry permit from the Visitor Center.
Question 2: Does the park have a shuttle system?
Answer 2: The park has a seasonal shuttle system. If you visit from April through mid-October, the shuttle will be in operation. Using the shuttle is wise since you won't have to deal with traffic congestion and parking hassles.
Question 3: Do I need to stay prepared for altitude sickness?
Answer 3: If you're not used to high altitudes, you will likely experience altitude sickness in Bryce Canyon National Park. Its elevation ranges from approximately 8,000 to over 9,000 feet (2,438 to 2,743 meters). You must acclimatize, stay hydrated, and pace your hike.
Question 4: What’s the best time to hike in Bryce Canyon?
Answer 4: Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer the best hiking experience with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Question 5: Can I hike Bryce Canyon during winter months?
Answer 5: Hiking is possible during winter, but trails will likely be snow-clad and icy. We recommended that you use gear such as crampons and trekking poles. Make sure to check current trail conditions before heading out.
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