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Best trails in Bryce Canyon National Park

Best trails in Bryce Canyon National Park

4.7(122,561 reviews)

·

United States
: 
#1 of 60 national parks

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Named after Mormon pioneer Ebenezer Bryce, Bryce Canyon is the smallest of Utah's 5 national parks, but it's packed with amazing sights. Bryce Canyon is known for having the most hoodoos in the world. Hoodoos are tall spires of rock that are created naturally through weathering and erosion. Bryce Amphitheater is the most famous section of the park because it's packed with these unusual rock formations. We've highlighted some of our favorite routes to experience the hoodoos, whether you want to stick to scenic overlooks along the Rim Trail or trek below the rim.

The main road in the park runs from the visitor center at the northern end to Rainbow Point at the southern end. You can drive your own vehicle along this road and stop at the iconic overlooks along the way. Because parking can be challenging, you may want to ride the free shuttle. The shuttle runs from early April through late October and stops at popular spots in the Amphitheater area, going as far south as Bryce Point. You can board the shuttle at any stop.

Bryce Canyon sits at high elevation, with some areas of the park at more than %{9000_feet} above sea level. If you're not used to the altitude, it's normal to feel tired more quickly than you normally would. Be careful not to overextend yourself and be sure to drink extra water to prevent dehydration. Don't forget sun protection, too!

The best time to visit Bryce Canyon is from May through September, because there's much less chance of closure due to weather conditions. This window offers the nicest weather, but be prepared for sudden thunderstorms in July and August. You can get a sense of the park's otherworldly beauty in 1 day by taking the scenic drive, but to truly experience the park and see the hoodoos up close, you may want to spend 2 or 3 days hiking below the rim.

There is an entrance fee to visit the park, which you can pay online in advance or in person at the park entrance.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail

    4.9(31018)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.9 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Featuring incredible views and unique rock formations, this hike is one of the best ways to experience the hoodoos and spires of Bryce Canyon National Park. This great trail takes you by some of the park’s most iconic features, including Queen Victoria and Thor’s Hammer. You’ll start by hiking along the Navajo Loop Trail towards Sunset Point, where you’ll have fantastic views of the colorful canyon. You can choose to go to the right here and venture through Wall Street, a narrow canyon....

  2. #2 - Wall Street and Queens Garden Loop Trail

    4.9(11932)
    ·Moderate
    ·3.2 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This epic loop weaves in and out of some of the most famous red rock formations in Bryce Canyon. These areas are some of the most popular in the park, and some of the most sought after by hikers. Expect a busy but well-worth it experience. The Wall Street portion of the trail is often closed throughout the year due to freezing overnight temperatures causing dangerous conditions. Shoulder seasons like fall and spring are the best time to see Wall Street when temperatures are mild. This same...

  3. #3 - Wall Street, Queens Garden, and Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail)

    4.9(10540)
    ·Hard
    ·6.2 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    The peekaboo hike has amazing views and little traffic in the morning. There is no water so be sure to bring your own.

  4. #4 - Fairyland Loop Trail

    4.9(11818)
    ·Moderate
    ·7.9 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Fairyland Loop Trail begins at Fairyland Point, at the northern portion of Bryce Canyon National Park, and takes you through spectacular hoodoos and scenery along the rim and into the canyon; including a spur trail to Tower Bridge. The Fairyland Loop Trail also includes a portion of the Rim Trail from Sunrise Point to Fairyland Point. This hike is considered moderate to hard due to its length and meandering trails with multiple elevation changes. It is best to carry plenty of water, 1 quart...

  5. #5 - Navajo Loop Trail

    4.9(7023)
    ·Moderate
    ·1.5 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    The Navajo Loop Trail is one of Bryce Canyon National Park’s most popular trails. The trailhead starts just across the street from Sunset Campground and begins by dropping down into the amphitheater and passing through "Wall Street," a narrow switchbacked slot canyon between sheer cliffs, with towering Douglas fir trees growing along the trail. The trail provides outstanding views of much-photographed Thor's Hammer - a tall, narrow pinnacle with a narrower neck, supporting a large...

  6. #6 - Navajo Loop Trail to Peekaboo Loop

    4.9(5135)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.0 mi
    ·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Known to be one of the most stunning locations in the park, Navajo Loop Trail and Peak-a-boo are great places to watch the sunset or rise. From Sunset Point and the Navajo portion of the trail, keep an eye out for the amazing Thor's Hammer. The trail begins at Sunset Point where there are accessible bathrooms. The majority of this path is well-marked. The terrain has some steep and loose sections. Yield to horses and mules which are allowed on the Peek-a-boo side of the route.

  7. #7 - Peekaboo Loop Trail

    4.9(5495)
    ·Hard
    ·4.9 mi
    ·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    The Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail begins at Bryce Point and drops quickly to the canyon floor. The trail takes its name from the surprises that await around its many turns and elevation changes. While some consider this a more moderate hike, due to the rapid elevation change and the length this hike is considered hard. Hikers are cautioned to be aware that this trail is shared with horses. It is a mystical and inspiring experience so it’s no surprise that it is one of the most popular hiking trails...

  8. #8 - Sunset Point and Sunrise Point via Rim Trail

    4.7(3682)
    ·Easy
    ·1.2 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Both Sunset and Sunrise Point are sought-after overlooks in Bryce Canyon, and there are many ways of getting there. This route takes you on a tour of both overlooks and the canyon rim! You'll begin at the parking area for Sunset Point and travel on a tour of an amphitheater full of hoodoos to Sunrise Point. You'll return the way you came. This section of the Rim Trail is one of only a few trails that allow dogs in all of Bryce Canyon National Park! Accessibility: This trail is likely...

  9. #9 - Mossy Cave Trail

    4.5(9089)
    ·Easy
    ·0.9 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    An easy stroll in Bryce next to a creek that brings you past hoodoos, to a waterfall, and then to a mossy cave where icicles hang in the shady places. Mossy Cave is a great option if you have a short amount of time and want to do a quicker hike. This is a perfect little stroll where you can get the whole canyon experience without the hike down into the canyon. The trail also provides access to Water Canyon in one direction and to view a sheltered overhang known as Mossy Cave in the other....

  10. #10 - Queen Victoria via Queen's Garden Trail

    4.8(2436)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.1 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    One of the park's most popular trails, the Queen's Garden trail descends and bends for about a mile along a ridgeline down to a unique hoodoo said to resemble Queen Victoria (be sure to travel down the spur trail at the bottom of the trail to see this hoodoo). The varied and colorful rock formations that surround this hoodoo, are described as many sculptures and other ornaments within the Queen's "Garden". Of the six trails that descend into the Bryce Amphitheater, the Queen's Garden Trail is...
Showing results 1–10 of 41
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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $20
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(435) 834-5322
Entrance pass
Motorcycle

Price is per motorcycle.

$30
Purchase pass
Per Person

Admits one individual with no car to the park - typically used for bicyclists and walk-ins. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.

$20
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle

Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants.

$35
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

Valid for entry into Bryce Canyon National Park for 12 months from purchase.

$70
Get details from the park
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

The Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. The orientation film includes closed captioning.

Assistive listening and audio-description devices are available at the Visitor Center front desk upon request.

Several summer ranger-led programs, including geology talks, rim walks, and evening programs in the auditorium, are wheelchair accessible.

Additional information about accessibility at Bryce Canyon National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Transportation

Bryce Canyon's shuttle buses have powered wheelchair lifts and can accommodate two wheelchairs. They operate from April to October.

Facilities

The Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. The orientation film includes closed captioning.

The Sunrise Unit of Bryce Canyon Lodge has wheelchair accessible rooms and restrooms.

There are accessible restrooms at the following trailheads: the General Store, Farview Point, and Rainbow Point.

Camping

Sunset Campground has 2 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites (#223 and #224) and accessible restrooms at Loop A and the group site.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

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Guides

in Bryce Canyon National Park
Top Picks in Bryce Canyon National Park
8 trails
in Bryce Canyon National Park
Hidden Gems in Bryce Canyon National Park
5 trails
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Bryce Canyon National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Bryce Canyon National Park is Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail, which has a 4.9 star rating from 31,018 reviews. This trail is 2.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 646 ft.

What is the longest trail in Bryce Canyon National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Bryce Canyon National Park is Under the Rim Trail. This trail is estimated to be 22.6 mi long.

How many trails are in Bryce Canyon National Park?

There are 41 trails in Bryce Canyon National Park. These trails have an average 4.7-star rating from 122,561 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Bryce Canyon National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Bryce Canyon National Park has you covered. Under the Rim Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 4,366 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Under the Rim Trail: Bryce Point to Whiteman Bench, which will get you 3,103 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Bryce Canyon National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 13 camping trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and the most popular is Wall Street, Queens Garden, and Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail) with an average 4.9 star rating from 10,540 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Bryce Canyon National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 running trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and the most popular is Wall Street, Queens Garden, and Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail) with an average 4.9 star rating from 10,540 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Bryce Canyon National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Bryce Canyon National Park and the most popular is Yovimpa Point to Bryce Point with an average 4.6 star rating from 461 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park?

What are the best fall hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park?

What are the best winter hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Bryce Canyon National Park?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Bryce Canyon National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a waterfall in Bryce Canyon National Park: Mossy Cave Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Bryce Canyon National Park?

Are there any trails with springs in Bryce Canyon National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with springs in Bryce Canyon National Park, including Riggs Spring Loop Trail and Under the Rim Trail.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Bryce Canyon National Park?

Are there any trails with rivers in Bryce Canyon National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a river in Bryce Canyon National Park: Mossy Cave Trail.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Bryce Canyon National Park?