The Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park

The Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park

Utah has some amazing scenery to explore, and some of their most beautiful hikes are in Bryce Canyon National Park. Here we’ll be going over the best hikes in Bryce Canyon where you’ll get vast views, see unique rock formations like hoodoos, and so much more! 

Curious what hoodoos are? In general, a hoodoo is a spire made of rock and minerals that can range anywhere from five to one hundred and fifty feet tall. They are formed over many centuries through a combination of physical and chemical weathering forces, like wind and rain. Bryce Canyon National Park is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to see these incredible formations.

Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden

Distance: 2.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 646 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Undoubtedly the best hike in Bryce Canyon is the Navajo and Queen's garden loop, as it takes you down among the hoodoos. You can do these two loops separately, but we recommend connecting them for the best experience. Look out for Queen Victoria and Thor’s Hammer, two of the park’s most famous features. See beautiful red, orange, and white formations and marvel at the scenes before you.

AdventureTripr's Marketing Manager Kirsten exploring a natural arch in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Fairyland Loop

Distance: 7.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,545 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Stay in a Bryce Canyon campground and get an early start for the Fairyland Loop Trail. On this Byrce Canyon hike you’ll pass humbling hoodoos and stunning scenery as you head into the canyon. You’ll have amazing views on this trail.

Note: The road leading to this trailhead has seasonal closures

Peekaboo Loop

Distance: 5.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,453 feet

Difficulty: Hard

Another of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon is the Peekaboo Loop. Get some of the best views in the park as you hike down to the canyon floor. You’ll get to hike among arches, ridges, and spires as you explore Bryce Canyon.

Note: The beginning of this trail, Bryce Point, is subject to weather closures. Check conditions here.

Navajo Loop

The Navajo Loop Trail, one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 515 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Even though this hike is only 1.5 miles, the elevation gain, lack of shade, scorching sun, and freezing temps make one of the harder hikes in Bryce Canyon. Be prepared for whatever conditions you encounter as you hike through a narrow canyon, see Thor’s hammer, and get to see other unique formations. 

Note: Parts of this trail can close due to freezing temps and weather. Check conditions here.

Sunset Point to Sunrise Point

Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance: 1.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 82 feet

Difficulty: Easy

This paved trail is great for kids, and as a bonus, dogs are allowed! On this Bryce Canyon hike you’ll get views for miles, and may even get to see wildlife. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunrise from. This is a popular hike, like the rest on this list, so be sure to be there early, later, or on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop

Distance: 3.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 643 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Another of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon is Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop. This hike is best done in the summer but it doesn’t have any shade so be prepared for the sun. Hike in and out of red rock formations and get up close to the hoodoos as you explore the park.

Note: Parts of this trail can close due to freezing temps and weather. Check conditions here.

The best hikes in Bryce Canyon let you walking through hoodoos.

Queen Victoria via Queen's Garden Loop

Distance: 2.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 406 feet

Difficulty: Easy

This is another great hike to bring kids on. You’ll see wildflowers, get amazing views, and even get to hike through an arch in the rocks on this best hike in Bryce Canyon. Get up for sunrise and you’ll have amazing views of the sun coming over the horizon. It’s not something you’ll soon forget!

Note: Parts of this trail close seasonally. Check conditions here.

Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows

Distance: 1 mile

Elevation Gain: 118 feet

Difficulty: Easy

This is another of the kid-friendly hikes in Bryce Canyon. Hike by a creek and hoodoos to a waterfall and a mossy cave where you may see icicles. It’s a fun hike for the family, and a great way to see more of the canyon without actually hiking down into it. The adventurous can climb to the hole in the wall above the waterfall for some extra fun.

Navajo Loop Trail to Peekaboo Loop

Distance: 5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,407 feet

Difficulty: Hard

One of the more difficult hikes on this list rewards hikers with views, wildlife, and so much more. Hike through a canyon, see hoodoos, and get your sweat on for this adventure. It’s best to go early to try to beat the heat in the warmer months. Plus, the earlier you go, the less crowded it’ll be!

Note: Parts of this trail close seasonally. Check conditions here.

Looking out at a sea of hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park.

Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop to Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail)

Distance: 6.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,499 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

As you’ve probably realized by now, most of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon are near each other! There’s been tons of overlap on this list, with a few variations to make the hikes easier or harder. This last one has amazing views and because it’s a mix of a few shorter trails, so you’ll have sections less crowded in between the highlights. This great hike allows you to get the most out of one of the best sections in Bryce, so be sure to take lots of photos if you do it.

There are so many fun things to do in Bryce Canyon. We hope you have an amazing time as you explore! Be sure to tag us in your social media @adventuretripr—we love seeing where you explore!