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Hike Among the Hoodoos Bryce Canyon Lodge Utah USA
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Hike Among the Hoodoos

Lace up your boots and hit the trails—Bryce Canyon is a hiker paradise! Whether you’re strolling along the Rim Trail for jaw-dropping amphitheater views or tackling the thrilling Peekaboo Loop among towering hoodoos, every step brings new adventure. No matter your pace or experience, Bryce Canyon’s trails promise fun, fresh air, and unforgettable scenery!

Easy to Strenuous Hikes

Easy hikes are partially paved trails with gentle grades and minimal elevation changes. 

Hike Distance Features Notes 
Sunset to Sunrise 1.0 mi / 1.6km round trip Paved portion of the Rim Trail. Easiest of all hikes. Pet friendly. 

Est. Time: 1 hour 

Elevation Change: 40 ft (12 meters) 

Mossy Cave .8 mi / 1.3 km round trip Found outside of the amphitheater on highway 12 going toward Tropic, this trail is a streamside walk up to a mossy overhang and small waterfall. (Waterfall flows May to October) 

Est. Time: 1 hour 

Elevation Change: 150 ft (46 meters) 

Rim Trail 1.0 - 11 mi / 1.6 - 17.7 km round trip Observe the amphitheater and its hoodoos along the rim and if planned right, visit all four main viewpoints. 

Est. Time: 1 hour – 7.5 hours 

Elevation Change: 719 ft (219 meters) 

Bristlecone Loop 1.0 mi / 1.6 km round trip Hike through spruce-fir forests to cliffs with bristlecone pines and expansive vistas. 

Est. Time: 1 hour 

Elevation Change: 200 ft (61 meters) 

Moderate hikes have steep grades with “down and back” elevation changes. 

Hike Distance Features Notes 
Queens Garden 1.8 mi / 2.9 km round trip This is the least difficult trail into the canyon. Using your imagination, you may even see Queen Victoria at the end of a short spur trail. 

Est. Time: 1-2 hours 

Elevation Change: 450 ft (137 meters) 

Navajo Trail 1.3 mi / 2.2 km round trip The Navajo Loop begins at Sunset Point and goes down into Bryce Amphitheater through a "slot" canyon where large Douglas Fir trees stretch to reach sunlight high above. Steep and short trail. Hikers will see Thor’s Hammer, Two Bridgers, and the bottom of Wall Street. 

Est. Time: 1-2 hours 

Elevation Change: 625 ft (191 meters) 

Tower Bridge 3 mi / 4.8 km round trip See Bristlecone Pines and the China Wall. A shady 1/4-mile spur trail leads to Tower Bridge. 

Est. Time: 2 – 3 hours 

Elevation Change: 760 ft (232 meters) 

Swamp Canyon 4.3 mi / 7.2 km round trip Descend into one of the lesser-known areas of Bryce Canyon. 

Est. Time: 3 – 4 hours 

Elevation Change: 800 ft (244 meters) 

Strenuous hikes are long distance, steep grade trails with multiple elevation changes. These are particularly challenging hikes, even for avid hikers. 

Rule of thumb: Per 2-3 hours of hiking, carry 1 quart of water. 

Hike Distance Features Notes 
Fairyland Loop 8 mi/12.9 km round trip See the China Wall, Tower Bridge, and tall hoodoos on this less-crowded trail. 

Est. Time: 4 – 5 hours 

Elevation Change: 1900 ft (579 meters) 

Peek-A-Boo Loop 5.5 mi/8.8 km round trip Steep but spectacular hike through the heart of Bryce Amphitheater. See the Wall of Windows. 

Est. Time: 3 – 4 hours 

Elevation Change: 1560 ft (474 meters) 

Hat Shop 4 mi / 6.4 km round trip Descend the Under-the-Rim Trail to see a cluster of balanced rock hoodoos. 

Est. Time: 3 – 4 hours 

Elevation Change: 1380 ft (421 meters) 

Figure 8 Combination 6.4 mi / 10.2 km round trip Combination of Queen’s Garden, Peekaboo Loop, and Navajo Loop. Clockwise direction needed on Peekaboo loop. 

Est. Time: 4 – 5 hours 

Elevation Change: 1575 ft (480 meters) 

Bryce Amphitheater 4.7 mi / 7.5 km round trip Descend from Bryce Point, turn left on Peekaboo Loop. Then connect to Queen’s Garden and ascend to Sunrise Point. Use shuttle or 3.2 Rim return. 

Est. Time: 3 – 4 hours 

Elevation: 1145 ft (349 meters) 

Park Rules Bryce Canyon Lodge Utah USA

Park Rules

Bryce Canyon National Park is a federally protected area. To help preserve the park resources and for your protection, please observe the following rules on park trails: 

  • Pets, including ADA registered animals, are only allowed on paved trails, viewpoints, roads, campsites, and picnic areas. Pets must be on a leash at all times. 
  • Do not climb hoodoos or stray from maintained trails. 
  • Feeding wildlife is prohibited. 
  • Stay on trails to protect vegetation and avoid wildlife confrontations. 
  • Bicycling is allowed only on paved surfaces. 
  • Be prepared! Park elevations reach over 9,000 feet. Equip yourself with water, food, proper clothing, and shoes.  
  • Elevation may cause nausea and dizziness. 
  • Check the weather before hiking. Lightning is a year-round danger to hikers. 
  • Hikers must yield to horses/mules on trails. 
  • In the winter, crampons and ski poles are strongly advised. 
Safety at High Elevation Bryce Canyon Lodge Utah USA

Safety at High Elevation 

Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000+ feet, where oxygen levels are lower than at sea level. Choose your hiking trail with elevation in mind and pace yourself. Weather can change fast at this altitude—if you hear thunder, seek shelter right away. 

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