It would be no exaggeration to say that Bryce has some of our favourite hikes in all of North America. For a small park with a lot less trails than many others that is quite something!
We’ve visited twice now, the first time being in March when every single trail under the rim was closed due to snow. On our second visit to the US, we drove for 15 hours just to try out some of the Bryce Canyon hikes. It was halfway through trail one when we declared it was worth it!
The great thing about Bryce is there’s something for everyone: from easy flat trails along the rim to epic adventures inside the canyon itself. If you’re fanatical about hiking like us then you’ll be happy to know that with just a few days you can actually hike virtually every single one of them!
Here’s our take on Bryce Canyon’s magnificent hiking trails.
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These are the walks in Bryce Canyon ranked best to worst:
1: Navajo Loop
2: Peek-a-boo loop
3: Fairyland Loop
4: Queens Garden Trail
5: Rim Trail
6: Hat Shop Trail
7: Bristlecone Loop Trail
8: Mossy Cave
The Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon Ranked
Here’s a few tips that will help you experience the best of Bryce Canyon:
The best hikes are below the rim. To experience the best hiking in Bryce, we strongly recommend going for the trails that take you beneath the rim. You may think that the lookouts above the canyon offer the best views, but trust us - there’s nothing like seeing the hoodoos towering over you from the valley floor.
Start early or late to beat the crowds. If you can’t stand crowds, then we recommend starting early in the day or going later in the afternoon. Most of the time you’ll lose the crowds once you go a mile or two down a trail.
Winter can be tricky. You will need some luck in the winter, as heavy snowfall can close a lot of trails. We’ve heard that this doesn’t happen every year, but when we visited in the winter all but the Mossy Cave and Rim Trail were closed! Summer and fall are the best times to ensure all trails will be open.
Prepare for extreme heat in the summer. Bryce Canyon can get seriously hot in the summer, so avoid the midday sun, bring plenty of water (there’s none on the trails), sunscreen and a hat.
Parking can be hard. If you start early or late, you may be able to get a parking spot, however in the middle of the day it can be very hard unless it’s winter. You can get on a shuttle, but there can be queues.
Equal first: The Navajo Loop
Distance: 1.4 miles (2.25km)
Elevation: 460 feet (140 m)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Navajo Loop is spectacular and is probably one of the greatest short hikes in the world. The only negative we have to say about this one, is the sheer number of people you get on the first section of track.
If you’re on Instagram, you’ll no doubt have seen pictures of ‘Wall Street’, it’s the narrow path which takes you from the canyon rim to the bottom on a series of zig zags.
It makes for some absolutely spectacular photos and everybody knows it.
Even when we visited in late fall, and the park was fairly quiet, this trail had so many people that we actually got shoved out the way and elbowed more than once.
We also had to witness people clambering on the fragile hoodoos and they didn’t respond to being told not to. However, there is no way you can come to Bryce Canyon and not hike this trail.
Go early or late to avoid the carnage.
Even if you visit during the middle of the day though we have some good news for you - the crowds miraculously disappear at the end of Wall Street and they miss some of the best bits of the trail - the short but dramatic slot canyon and the other series of zig zags which take you back up the trail on the other side to form a loop! Winning!
In fact we loved this hike so much it’s on our favourite hikes in Utah list.
Equal first: The Peek-a-boo Loop
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6km)
Elevation: 1,000 feet (300m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: The Peekaboo Loop can only be accessed via the Navajo Loop or the Queens Garden Trail so you must add those distances on to the stats above.
The Peekaboo Loop - combined with the Navajo - is one of our all time favourite hikes. It took us hours to complete, not because it is long or difficult, but because it is impossible to rush through this scenery.
Once you turn off the Navajo or Queens Garden Trail, you’’ll start heading up a sandy track and into some of Bryce’s most magical scenery. In fact, we’d say it’s the most magical section in the whole park.
We didn’t meet another soul on the track and got to enjoy hundreds of hoodoos and incredible rock formations, another secret mini Wall Street and views that make you feel like you’re dreaming.
The one downside of this track is that horses are allowed to use it. We didn’t see any ourselves, but we did see plenty of evidence they’d been there! I mean, I love horses, but watching your step was a little bit annoying at points.
Nonetheless, if you only do one hike in the entire park, make it this one (combined with the Navajo) and I promise you will not be disappointed.
3 - Fairyland Loop
Distance: 8 miles (13.4 km)
Elevation: 1580 ft (482m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Staggeringly - given how fantastic it is - the Fairyland Loop is actually one of the quieter trails in Bryce. Perhaps this is because aside from the overnight Under the Rim Trail it is also the longest.
The trail starts by heading down into the canyon, and the views begin immediately, and seem to get more awe inspiring with every step. You’ll see more hoodoos than you can imagine!
Whilst the trail has many ups and downs, there are lots of flat sections which mean that you are never climbing for too long at a time.
It’s easy to see how the trail got its name because it really does feel like you’re walking in another world.
The majority of the trail is inside the canyon, but you do have a couple of miles walking along the rim, which is gorgeous, but in our opinion can’t compare to what you see inside the canyon itself.
You can read a more detailed guide with lots more photos in this blog.
4 - The Queens Garden Trail
Distance: 2 miles (3.2km)
Elevation: 436 feet (133m)
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
The Queens Garden Trail is another under the rim trail with spectacular views, both out across the park, as well as lots of hoodoos up close.
The trail descends straight into the canyon and the scenery is dramatic with every step.
My absolute favourite parts of the track were the little doorways cut into the rock that look like you’re entering another world. Walking through the doorways absolutely delighted me so I can only imagine how well it would go down with kids!
The grand finale is a collection of hoodoos including one that looks like Queen Victoria on the throne and the reason for the trail’s name. There’s a collection of handily placed logs under some trees which offer the perfect shady spot to take in the scene.
It’s one of the easiest trails that takes you into the canyon, with a sharp downhill followed by some flat hiking. Of course it’s almost all uphill on the way back but it’s not too difficult or steep.
5 - The Rim Trail
Distance: 1 - 5.5 miles (one way)
Elevation: 1754 ft (535m) for the total distance
Difficulty: Easy - moderate, depending on distance hiked
For us - much like at the Grand Canyon - the magic of Bryce lies below the rim. It’s the reason that we returned even when our time was limited and the drive was long.
However, if you’re looking for an easier hike, this is it. If you walk the whole track, there is a surprising amount of elevation gain but if you choose the most popular section - the mile between Sunrise and Sunset Point - it is flat.
These are million dollar views and do change as you make your way along the trail (we’ve hiked around four miles of it in total). We actually love the Rim Trail for sunset as the soft light makes the hoodoos glow pink.
It’s incredibly photogenic and - despite us saying that we prefer the hikes below the rim - we still wouldn’t leave Bryce without hiking at least a small section of the Rim Trail.
If you want to hike the whole route (from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point) you can use the shuttle service to avoid having to walk all the way back again.
6 - Hat Shop Trail
Distance: 4.4 miles (7.08 km)
Elevation: 1,043 feet (318m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Anywhere else in the world this would be considered a fantastic hike, but in Bryce it is good, but not great.
Whilst you see some spectacular views and rock formations it doesn’t compare to any of the other trails that are below the rim.
The highlight of the trail is the large collection of hoodoos (which reminded us of the Toadstools in Grand Staircase Escalante) that are of course the hats for which the trail is named.
It’s a really cool spot, but if your time is limited we would suggest doing one of the trails we’ve written above.
7 - Bristlecone Loop Trail
Distance: 1 mile (1.6km)
Elevation: 144 feet (44m)
Difficulty: Easy
My favourite thing about this trail is that it took us to a part of Bryce I wouldn’t have otherwise seen. It’s worth noting that it is a fair way (16 miles around 30 minutes drive) from Sunrise Point to Rainbow Point, where the trail begins.
For us, the best bit about this trail were the lookouts (Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point), which offer vast and spectacular views.
Unfortunately many of the famous Bristlecone Pines looked largely dead which was a real shame, though those you can see are still lovely. The oldest in the park at 1,600 years can be found on this trail at Yovimpa Point.
It’s an easy hike and can easily be squeezed into a spare half hour (plus travelling time). However, we’d say it’s only worth doing if you’ve thoroughly explored the rest of the park, or are particularly keen to see some lookouts in a lesser visited area.
8 - Mossy Cave Trail
Distance: 0.9 miles (1.5km) total
Elevation: 300 ft (91m)
Difficulty: Easy
This was one of the two trails that was open when we visited Bryce the first time in winter. It was a true winter wonderland and we’ve never seen icicles like the ones hanging in the Mossy Cave.
It’s a short and easy hike with some good views along the way. If not visiting when Bryce is under snow I wouldn’t say it’s a “must-do” by any means. It’s an easy trail though and would be a good one for families.
The one that got away…..
Under the Rim Trail
This 22.9 mile backpacking route takes you through the parks best scenery between Rainbow Point and Bryce Point. It’s rated as difficult, with over 4000ft elevation gain over the course of the walk.
A $5 backcountry permit is required to hike it, and you must stay in one of the designated campsites (most people choose Swamp Canyon).
If you’ve done some day hiking around Bryce you will have come across the Under the Rim Trail several times. The views are said to be spectacular, although you will also spend some time in dense forests.
If we are lucky enough to visit Bryce for a third time it will be this trail we come back for!
Essential information about hiking in Bryce
The weather
The weather can definitely impact how difficult some of these hikes are. If you’re hiking in the middle of the day in summer, be aware that the majority of hikes have very little shade and the intense sun will make even the smaller climbs more difficult.
Similarly, in winter, if you are lucky enough to visit with snow and the trails are still open, they may become slippery and traction devices and sometimes even snoeshoes would be necessary.
Bryce Canyon Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for Bryce is $35 for vehicles, $30 for motorbikes and $20 for pedestrians or cyclists. As with all national parks, if you plan on visiting more than three in one year then buy the $80 America The Beautiful Pass.
Parking at trailheads
Many of the car parks are quite small at Bryce. Whilst we never struggled to park in fall or winter, in summer you will probably need to go very early or late in the day to secure spots at the most popular trailheads.
Alternatively you can use the free shuttle system which runs every 15 minutes between mid April and late October.
Packing suggestions for Bryce Canyon
Having the right gear can make a huge difference, whether it’s hiking during the hot summers, or the potential snow in the winter. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon, REI or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on REI or Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check out REI or Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check then out on REI or Amazon
For winter
Where to stay near Bryce Canyon
Ruby’s Inn (Best Western Plus)
There’s no place closer to Bryce Canyon than Ruby’s. This hotel is an institution and is huge! It is a Best Western Plus, which means you know the quality and comfort will be good.
We stayed here in the winter when the temperatures were -12C, snow was everywhere and the room prices were incredibly low ($35 per night including breakfast!). In peak season it becomes very expensive. If you’re on a budget we’d recommend the option below.
Click to check prices & reviews on
Dragonfly Motor Lodge - Panguitch
If you don’t mind a drive (25 minutes) and are looking for a comfortable, clean budget option, then head to the Dragonfly Motor Lodge. This place has recently been taken over and the renovation has began. The rooms are cosy and definitely need that update but if you don’t mind rustic then the price was great. Over time the standard will also get a lot better as they complete the renovations.
Panguitch is 25 minutes away from Bryce, which isn’t too far away. However, there aren’t many dining options!
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Are you planning a trip to Bryce Canyon? Which are your favourite hikes? Let us know in the comments below!
