6 Incredible Hikes in Bryce Canyon: A Complete Hiking Guide

Bryce Canyon National Park was our favorite stop on our Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip. The unique spires and remarkably shaped, occasionally astonishing stone formations are something you can truly only experience in a handful of areas across the country.

While some of the viewpoints along the rim boast spectacular views, in our opinion the best way to see the park is to venture below the rim of the amphitheater, which necessitates hiking!

Most of the hikes that you’ll find below commence from the top of the rim, descend into the canyon depths, and then ascend on the return route, which is very much the reverse of the way hikes usually progress in our home regions of Washington and California.

Below are our recommended hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park based on our personal hiking experience. We loved Bryce Canyon, and think you will too.

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The 6 Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park

Let me be upfront – you’re here to determine which Bryce Canyon hikes to incorporate into your itinerary, and we’re here to assist you in answering that question.

Within the park, there are essentially three stunning loops – the Fairyland Loop Trail, the Peekaboo Loop, and the Navajo / Queens Garden Loop.

The advice would be to combine the latter two loops into one extensive day hike on your first day (you could also choose to split them apart and do them separately if the total length seems too strenuous for you). Then, tackle the Fairyland Loop trail on your second day in the park.

The Figure 8 Trail: Navajo, Queens Garden, and Peekaboo

• Length: 6.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Starting Location

This is, without a doubt, the best hiking trail in Bryce Canyon (although the Fairyland Loop is a close second!).

This amalgamates three hiking routes into one more extended set of two loops. It’s long, however still attainable for most trekkers who are in decent form, provided you’re prepared with nourishment, water, and appropriate footwear. Along the route, you’ll be up close and personal with the hoodoos, alongside some other awesome formations, and you’ll see the lush verdure down in the canyon that we thought made Bryce Canyon uniquely striking.

You’ll park in the parking area for Sunset Point, which becomes very, very crowded as people arrive for sunrise, empties out as the people who came for sunrise leave, and then immediately fills up again.

We arrived well before sunrise, and saw numerous people turned away from the parking lot by the attendants. The point being, ARRIVE EARLY.

We did this loop by descending Wall Street, performing the Peekaboo Loop counter-clockwise, and then ascending the Queen’s Garden Trail. We think that`s how you should do it too.

From Sunset Point, the path begins with a downward trek through Wall Street, a picturesque series of switchbacks lowering you below the rim. This was one of our favorite parts of the hike, but we did it early enough that we were one of just a few groups on the trail. Later in the day, it`s crammed wall to wall with people.

You`ll wind through a surprisingly lush and narrow canyon before joining up with the intriguing Peekaboo Loop trail.

Here, you’ll be at the bottom of the loop, so the direction you choose to tackle it doesn’t really matter that much. We went counter-clockwise, and it was wonderful. You’ll do some climbing, then descend back to the same place you began from.

Be sure to gaze upward to see the intriguing rock formations called the “Wall of Windows” near the canyon rim!

When you arrive back at the starting point for the loop, veer right to begin the ascent back up to the rim via the Queens Garden Trail. You’ll climb back up to Sunrise Point, which is a few hundred yards from the parking lot where you`re parked.

The two hikes below present shortened versions of this hike that divide it into more workable pieces.

The Peekaboo Loop Trail

• Length: 5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
• Trail Type: Lollipop
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Trailhead Location

This is the second loop of the figure 8 loop mentioned earlier, and it starts from Bryce Point. The initial mile of the trail is a steep descent into the canyon, where it connects with the Peekaboo Loop (that`s why the distance provided seems higher – you need to hike one mile each way just to reach the trail).

You’ll complete the three-mile loop through the canyon, with some spectacular views present all around, before ascending back up to Bryce Point to conclude the hike. There’s a restroom along the route (although it was closed for the season when we were there).

The Queens Garden – Navajo Loop Trail

• Distance: 3 miles
• Elevation Increase: 600 feet
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
• Trailhead Place

If you’re seeking an uncomplicated hike in Bryce Canyon National Park, this trail would likely be our selection.

This hike takes visitors from Sunset Point along Wall Street before heading up the Queens Garden Trail. It provides a relaxed outdoors experience.

You can experience this hike going either direction, but we did it counter-clockwise initially, and that’s probably how we’d tackle it if we decided to do it again. We’d opt for descending the steep trail down Wall Street rather than climbing up that path at the end of the hike.

The Fairyland Loop Trail

• Length: 8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Location of the Trailhead

Firstly, another small parking lot for 20-25 cars means this is another one that you’ll want to arrive to as early as possible to make sure you get a spot in the lot. Otherwise you might be waiting a while. There is no overflow parking either.

The scenery along the length of this hiking trail is quite spectacular for almost the entire route.

If traveling clockwise, you’ll start with a descent into the canyon. Along the route, marvel at the hoodoos on all sides towering over you as you wander your path that climbs and falls over undulating hills. You’ll roam along the valley floor for a few miles, with a few small climbs here and there, before starting the ascent back up to the rim, which isn’t an easy one.

Right before the ascent begins, about half way through (4 miles in), you’ll reach Tower Bridge. There’s a very brief little detour that takes you to the base, but we thought the improved view was actually from the switchbacks across the little valley that you just came down.

From there, it’s a direct path up to the canyon rim near Sunrise Point, and then you’ll follow the rim trail back to Fairyland Point where your vehicle is parked. From the Tower Bridge viewpoint, you’ll climb 1,000 feet to return to the rim.

You can also undertake this trail from Sunrise Point, which is what we did. We had parked at Sunrise Point to catch the sunrise, and followed the Rim Trail along the canyon rim to Fairyland Point, where we dropped into the canyon and completed the hike in a clockwise direction.

It is the identical route, merely starting from an alternate point potentially more convenient if already at Sunrise or Sunset Point.

Mossy Cave Trail

• Distance: 1 mile
• Elevation Gain: 200 feet
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Starting Point Location

The trail leading to the Mossy Cave is located outside the park limits, with the trailhead situated in the nearby town of Tropic approximately a fifteen minute drive from the Visitors Center. However, the short journey is worthwhile due to the beautiful waterfall at the end of the trail.

It’s an extremely busy trail, so planning to do it early in the day or later in the day is recommended. It’s another small parking lot right alongside the highway, so there are really no overflow options.

The hike itself is straightforward – a half mile stroll leads to a magnificent waterfall, complete with a pleasant little footbridge above the creek. At around a third of a mile in, you’ll come to a T in the trail – be sure to head right, taking you to the waterfall, and left, guiding you to the mossy cave which lends the trail its name.

In winter, the larger waterfall is occasionally completely frozen solid, creating an interesting sight.

Sunrise to Sunset Point + Thor’s Hammer

• Length: 1 mile
• Elevation Gain: 200 feet
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead Location

This is a very easy walk along the canyon edge to two great viewpoints of the rock formations below. It’s completely flat, paved, and totally accessible for families with young kids.

It’s a half mile between the two points, and you’ll start at one location, walk to the other, and return to the starting point (this sounds more complex than it is – just go from one point to the other and back!).

I’d suggest a detour down to Thor’s Hammer, which resembles the Marvel Superhero’s… hammer? It’s a cool formation, and it’s right below Sunrise Point, so it’s easy to reach.

On your return uphill, take a detour to the top of Wall Street to see the endless switchbacks from above.

The Rim Trail – Bryce Point to Fairyland Point

• The distance of the trip one way is 5.5 miles, making it 11 miles out and back.
• There is no change in elevation from Bryce Point to Fairyland Point, going downhill.
• The trail is a one-way route.
• The difficulty level is easy to moderate.
• The starting point of the trail is located here.

The Rim Trail circles the entire canyon from Bryce Point back to Fairyland Point, a one-way distance of about 5.5 miles that could be completed with two vehicles for a return trip.

If taking the Bryce Point to Fairyland Point route, it`s nearly all downhill with just a few brief climbs, mainly between Sunrise Point and Fairyland Point. However, without a second vehicle the return necessitates retracing your path and facing an ascent of around 600 feet back up to Bryce Point.

Tips for Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park

There are a few factors that are good to be aware of before you visit Bryce Canyon. If you have another query that you don’t see the answer to below, you might find it over in our Bryce Canyon itinerary. If not, contact us – we’re always pleased to help!

Here are some quick tips for visiting Bryce Canyon, specifically for hiking.

Entrance Fees

To enter the park, you’ll need to either pay the $35 admission charge, which covers access for your vehicle and the individuals within it for 7 days, or present a valid America the Beautiful Pass (which is the US National Parks Permit).

Should you invest in the America the Beautiful Pass? If you will be visiting three or more national parks in the next 12 months, the pass will save you money. It costs $80 for a year, and it`s valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. If you`re including Bryce Canyon as part of a wider Utah National Parks road trip, it`s likely sensible to acquire it. You are able to get it from REI.

Stay Hydrated, My Friends!

Due to the elevation, be sure to drink plenty of water. If you are arriving directly from somewhere at sea level, take it easy on your first day to give your body time to adjust to the elevation.

We are quite fond of our extremely lightweight and compact Platypus water bottles, which have literally accompanied us all around the globe, like on our Utah adventure. Each of us carries two of those bottles, and for longer hikes I usually also bring along their 70 oz water bottle as well.

The Sun is Intense

Though the sun at Bryce Canyon National Park may not be as intensely hot as some other parks in Utah and Arizona, it still provides abundant ultraviolet radiation. The use of sunscreen and wearing a good protecting sun hat will go a long way in preventing symptoms of heat exhaustion and sun damage to the skin like burns. We are particularly fond of Sun Bum products, as they leave one feeling as though they`ve been immersed in coconut milk. Here is the body sunscreen we favor, and here is the facial sunscreen we recommend.

It Gets Cold at Night / in the Morning

The layering of clothing provides advantages during hiking activities. Remember, as the elevation increases, temperatures tend to be cooler at the start of hikes. However, as the sun rises higher in the sky, ambient temperatures usually warm considerably. This temperature fluctuation indicates a need to pack extra layers that can be added or removed as conditions change. Be sure to select a daypack with sufficient internal space for efficiently storing layers once they are no longer required due to rising heat.

A Comfortable Daypack is Essential (Around 20L)

Relatedly, be sure to bring a durable daypack to carry essential water, nourishment, and layers for changing conditions, especially if tackling any of the longer recommended hikes below.

A pack having the capacity of 20 litres should sufficiently fulfill our needs, and we are fond of Osprey Packs. Alysha owns the Tempest 20 and would purchase it again without hesitation, and the equivalent for men would be the Talon 22 (which I myself do not possess, but would wholeheartedly propose subject to Alysha`s encounter and my other experiences with Osprey).

Sturdy Footwear is a Must

You’ll be hiking mainly on some mix of loose soil, gravel, and rocks, so footwear with good traction is advised.

We favor the Adidas Terrex hiking shoes (Alysha has almost solely worn them for the past seven years), Keen hiking boots (the Keen Targhees are my regular hiking boots), and Alysha recently received a pair of the Columbia Newton Ridge hiking boots, which offer an excellent mix of style, affordability, and quality.

Pack a Lunch

There are very few dining options inside the park (the Bryce Canyon Lodge is basically the only reliable choice), so packing a lunch is recommended to avoid needing to drive back out of the park to Bryce Canyon City for a midday meal, which would mean having to wait in a long queue to return.

Using the Park Shuttle to Get Around

Bryce Canyon has a handy shuttle system which is helpful if you’re planning on arriving later in the morning, when parking inside the park can be difficult.

Parking areas at the most popular trailheads fill up early as visitors enter the park and spend a few hours hiking, resulting in congested traffic within parking lots as people search desperately for spaces, following unsuspecting hikers back to their autos in hopes of swiftly obtaining a prime location.

If you’re planning on hiking in Bryce Canyon, this option allows you to avoid shuttling between parking areas and trails. It’s particularly useful for one-way trails like the Fairyland Trail, cutting off distance having to walk back to the starting point at the end of a long, hot hike.

The shuttle is free of charge, and only operates from April to October when visitor numbers are highest in the park, with park entry proof or an America the Beautiful Pass needed for travel.

Here’s a map of the shuttle routes. 

The shuttle comes around every 15 minutes, and the best places to obtain it are stop 1 (the shuttle station) and the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center – both should have adequate parking. The other stops in Bryce Canyon City are helpful if you’re staying at one of the hotels / campgrounds outside the park.

Additional details on using the shuttle system can be found here.

When to Go Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon’s climate differs somewhat from other National Parks in Utah and Arizona given its altitude of 8,000 – 9,000 feet above sea level. That elevation is significant!

In the summer, temperatures do not get as intensely hot as somewhere like Arches National Park. It will be in the 70`s and 80`s F during the day, sometimes rising into the 90`s, and in the 50`s at night. Overall, fairly pleasant conditions, but a bit cold at night.

In the spring and fall, which are also good times to visit, you’ll find cooler daytime temperatures – 50’s and 60’s – which can drop into the 30’s at night. We were there in October, and it was quite cold when the sun went down. It was amazing how rapidly the temperature changed.

Winter is the time to be there if you want to have the park all to yourself for the most part. However, it will be cold, and there’s a solid chance of snowfall, which will coat the hoodoos and make for some amazing photographs that you may or may not have to sacrifice a few toes for taking. You’ll find 30’s during the day, and it will get into the teens at night. Probably not a great time to camp – book a hotel instead if you’re coming in the winter.”

Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon

For those planning on spending a couple of days exploring Bryce Canyon, lodging inside the park or in the town of Bryce, just outside the park entrance, will likely be preferable.

Camping in the Park

There are two campgrounds inside the park. If you want to camp, which is a great choice, you’ll need to reserve well in advance, or plan on arriving extremely early to snag a first-come-first-served site.

Sunset Campground is the larger of the two sites, and is the only one that accepts reservations in advance. You’ll need to book well ahead of time, or be prepared to check for cancellations daily, which is how we ended up securing a spot for one night. The location is excellent, right across from Sunset Point, which means you can walk over to skip dealing with the busy parking lot there in the mornings. Interestingly, the bathrooms are heated, which I’ve never seen before at a campground. More information here.

Besides some buses, you cannot purchase travel tickets on board. You must get them in advance at one of the many machines found around the city at stations and stops. A single ticket costs around $1 but if you plan on using transportation frequently during your trip, the best choice is a weekly pass for $16, which provides unlimited access. You can check the various ticket options available on the BKK page.

Staying Outside the Park

For those unwilling or unable to camp (or visiting in winter when temperatures fall into the teens), the town of Bryce is a superb choice. Lodging options are somewhat limited in Bryce though a few exist, and it`s truly ideal being just five minutes from the park entrance.

If you want to camp or stay in a cabin, check out Ruby`s RV Park and Campground, which is where we resided in our van for a couple of nights. It was nice, and I`d stay there again.

If seeking lodging in Bryce, a excellent choice is the Best Western Plus Grand Canyon. Situated centrally in town, it would serve well as a base for exploring the surrounding area.

Your other available choice, situated somewhat more remotely (approximately 15 minutes from the park entry) is the diminutive town of Tropic, showcasing some noteworthy hotels and charming cabins.