Bryce Canyon National Park’s landscape is a masterpiece of sculpture, where eons of erosion have chiseled canyons and spires into an epic amphitheater of rock. While the shorter, well-trodden paths offer a quick glimpse, the park’s true spirit reveals itself to those who venture deeper.
This guide is your invitation to explore some of the park’s most rewarding day hikes. Leave the crowded rim behind and discover a Bryce Canyon of grand distances, varied terrain, and photographic vistas that will leave you in awe. Get ready to put in the effort and unlock an adventure in stone.
Understanding Bryce Canyon’s Trail System
Before you set out, remember that Bryce Canyon’s trails primarily descend from the rim into the amphitheater, meaning your hike back out will be uphill. This can make even moderate distances feel more strenuous at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 9,000 feet. Always carry plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
The Longer Day Hikes: Descend into Wonderland
Peekaboo Loop Trail (via Bryce Point or Inspiration Point)
- Distance: 5.5 miles (if starting from Bryce Point, 6.4 miles if adding Navajo Loop for return)
- Elevation Change: ~1,571 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
- Best Times to Hike: Spring and Fall. The cooler temperatures during the shoulder seasons make this strenuous climb more manageable. The trail is typically closed in winter due to snow and ice.
Often considered one of Bryce Canyon’s premier trails, the Peekaboo Loop offers an incredibly immersive experience. It descends deep into the main amphitheater, weaving among towering hoodoos. You’ll pass iconic features like the Wall of Windows and feel truly enveloped by the red rock spires. Starting from Bryce Point gives you a dramatic descent. For an even longer and more varied experience, combine it with the Navajo Loop (descending Wall Street and ascending Two Bridges) to create a figure-8 loop. This offers diverse scenery and eliminates the need to backtrack.
Key Features: Wall of Windows, Three Wise Men, incredibly close-up hoodoo views.
Fairyland Loop Trail
- Distance: 8.0 miles
- Elevation Change: ~1,719 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
- Best Times to Hike: Spring and Fall. This is a fantastic shoulder-season hike when the heat of summer has subsided, making the exposed sections more pleasant. It can be a very hot hike in the summer and is generally not accessible in winter.
For those seeking solitude and an expansive journey, the Fairyland Loop is unmatched. Starting at Fairyland Point (accessible via a short drive or a walk from the North Campground), this trail circles a less-visited section of the amphitheater. You’ll encounter unique formations like the Chinese Wall and Crescent Moon, often with fewer crowds. The varied terrain includes exposed ridge lines and shaded sections, offering constantly changing perspectives of Bryce’s intricate geology. Pack extra water for this longer, more remote loop.
Key Features: The Chinese Wall, Crescent Moon, Tower Bridge (a spur trail), unparalleled views away from the busiest sections.
Queen’s Garden & Navajo Loop Combination
- Distance: 2.9 miles (without Peekaboo)
- Elevation Change: ~600 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (due to uphill climb)
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Best Times to Hike: Year-round, with conditions permitting. This is a quintessential Bryce experience that is accessible during most of the year. The trail is spectacular in spring, summer, and fall, and is a popular snowshoeing trail in the winter.
While often done as a shorter loop, for those transitioning to longer hikes, combining the Queen’s Garden Trail with the Navajo Loop offers a fantastic intermediate option before tackling the truly strenuous routes. Descend via Queen’s Garden, marveling at formations like Queen Victoria, then connect to the Navajo Loop. Ascend either “Wall Street” (if open and conditions allow) with its narrow slot canyon and towering Douglas firs, or the equally impressive “Two Bridges” section. This loop packs a huge amount of Bryce’s iconic scenery into a manageable longer hike.
Key Features: Queen Victoria, Wall Street (seasonal), Thor’s Hammer, Two Bridges.
The Rim Trail (Partial or Full)
Distance: Up to 11 miles one-way
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This trail is excellent for a choose-your-own-adventure day hike. You can hike as far as you like along the rim, enjoying a continuous chain of spectacular views from different vantage points. The trail between Bryce Point and Fairyland Point is a fantastic, long day hike with incredible scenery and some rolling terrain. You can use the park’s shuttle to complete a one-way hike without having to backtrack.
Hat Shop Trail
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Strenuous
This trail offers a unique descent into the canyon, leading to a cluster of hoodoos topped with “hats”—boulders that have resisted erosion. It’s a less-trafficked, challenging hike that rewards you with an up-close look at some of Bryce’s most distinctive formations. The return trip is a tough uphill climb.
Under-the-Rim Trail (as a day hike)
Distance: Varies, up to 23 miles one-way (as a backpacking trail).
Difficulty: Strenuous
While this is a multi-day backpacking trail, a day-hiker can use it to create some truly epic routes. For example, you can hike a challenging 8-10 mile segment from Bryce Point to an area like Yellow Creek, experiencing the deep wilderness below the rim. This is for experienced hikers looking for solitude and an intense challenge.
A Longer Day Hike in Nearby Red Canyon
This area is just a few miles west of Bryce Canyon on Highway 12 and is well worth adding. The red rock spires are similar to Bryce but with their own unique character and a different trail system.
Thunder Mountain Trail
Distance: 7.8 miles loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
Often considered one of the most scenic trails in the region, this route descends through stunning red rock formations and canyons. While popular with mountain bikers, it’s also a fantastic and challenging day hike. The trail offers a mix of dramatic overlooks and winding singletrack through spires and hoodoos. It’s a great way to experience a different side of the region’s famous geology.
Planning Your Hike
- Start Early or Go Late: To beat the crowds and the midday heat, begin your hike as early in the morning as possible. For summer hikes, also consider a late afternoon or evening hike when temperatures begin to drop. Always carry a headlamp if hiking near sunset.
- Hydration is Key: Carry at least 2-3 liters of water per person for longer hikes. There are no water sources on these trails once you descend.
- Layer Up: Weather can change quickly at high elevations. Dress in layers that you can easily add or remove as conditions change.
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are crucial, as many sections are exposed.
- Check Conditions: Always check with park rangers at the visitor center for the latest trail conditions, closures, and weather forecasts.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile hoodoos and vegetation.
Embarking on a longer day hike at Bryce Canyon is an unforgettable experience, after a long, rewarding day of conquering the hoodoos, there’s nothing better than returning to comfort and convenience. With its prime location right at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park, Ruby’s Inn is the perfect base camp for your epic hiking adventure.
Refuel with a hearty meal at one of our on-site restaurants, relax and recover in our comfortable rooms, and stock up on any last-minute gear or snacks at the General Store before your next journey. Our goal is to ensure you have everything you need for an unforgettable experience, from your accommodations to your time on the trail.