Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best places in all of Utah to go out and view the unique hoodoos! These one-of-a-kind red sandstone pillars make it seem as if you’ve been transported to another planet and the best way to see them is by taking hikes in Bryce Canyon.
Many travelers choose to take the scenic drive through the national park, just stopping at the viewpoints to take in the canyon and the rest of Bryce Canyon’s natural beauty. But to really lose yourself in the park, you’ll have to hit the hiking trails.
There is more than enough to inspire you to strap-on your boots and head out into nature. But with dozens of trails stretching throughout the park, it’s hard to choose just a couple of these hikes to do while on vacation.
Well, we have made finding the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park easy. With everything from beginner hikes to more advanced trails, you’ll be able to pick the trips that best fit how you like to travel.
Do you have the right hiking gear? No worries we have put together 40 Hiking Essentials items that every hiker should have when hiking any of the best trails in Bryce Canyon National Park
15 Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
Table of Contents
1. Navajo Loop Trail
Kicking off our list of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon is the Navajo Loop Trail. This trail doesn’t just take you through the abundant nature of the national park; it also guides you past some of the most popular sights, such as Wall Street, Twin Bridges, and Thor’s Hammer.
With everything from spectacular hoodoos to the deep canyon on full display, this is one hike you won’t want to miss.
The Navajo Loop Trail starts at Sunset Point and stretches 2.2 miles, or 1.4 miles one way. This is a moderate trail, which means beginners may be pushing themselves a little to make it through. It takes most hikers about 1.5 hours to complete the trail.
Navajo Loop Trail Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Drive 0.5 miles to the lefthand turn off/junction for Sunrise Point. Turn left and continue 0.5 miles to the signed junction for Sunrise Point. Turn left and continue 0.5 miles to the signed junction for Sunset Point & the General Store. Turn left and continue 0.2 miles to the Sunrise Point parking area. (This parking area fills up quickly and more parking is available near the lodge. You should always park in designated parking spots, parking along the road will get you ticked.)
- Pets Allowed: No
- Location: Sunset Point
- Duration: 1 – 2 Hours
- Elevation Change: 550 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop (In the winter this hike is a Point To Point hike).
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area. None along the trail.
- Notes: Sunrise point is an extremely popular packing area, get there early if you plan on doing any hikes here. It is always best to park in designated parking spaces, if not you will be ticked. So do not park along the road if there are no parking spots.
Hot Tip: Always check Current Conditions for any alerts or trail closures.
2. Rim Trail
There is no better place in the park to see all the splendor of Bryce Canyon than from the Rim Trail. As the name suggests, Rim Trail takes hikers along the edge of Bryce Canyon, exposing you to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire state.
The simple Rim Trail takes hikers from Sunrise to Sunset Point and is only one mile long – perfect for beginner travelers. But if you’re looking for extra adventure, be sure to do the entire Rim Trail, which is a total of 11 miles one way.
Rim Trail Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: You can access the Rim trailhead at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Fairyland Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point.
- Pets Allowed: Pets are allowed on all paved trails.
- Location: Sunrise Point & Sunset Point (Amphitheatre)
- Duration: 1 – 7.5 Hours
- Elevation Change: 1177 Feet
- Trail Type: Point To Point (NOT A LOOP)
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: Keep in mind hikers will need to take the shuttle back to their vehicles if you do not plan on hiking all the way back to where you started your hike, we suggest just hiking from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point and back to get in the best views of this hike.
Hot Tip: Drones are not permitted in this US National Park so leave them at home like we did!
3. Fairyland Canyon Loop
Starting at the northern part of the park, Fairyland Canyon Loop is another spectacular hike that takes travelers past the unique hoodoos and along the awe-inspiring Bryce Canyon. This trail also goes by some of the best sights, such as Tower Bridge and Sunset Point.
Fairyland Canyon Loop is considered one of the more strenuous hikes in the park due to its length and curving paths. The entire trail is eight miles in length and takes most people anywhere from four to five hours to complete.
Fairyland Canyon Loop Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Trailhead: The Fairyland Loop trailhead is located at the Fairyland lookout area. The trail descends in the midst of the Fairyland and heads around Boat Mesa connecting to the Rim Trail at Sunrise Point.
- Pets Allowed: No
- Location: Fairyland
- Duration: 4 – 5 Hours
- Elevation Change: 523 Feet
- Trail Type: Point To Point (NOT A LOOP)
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: You can hike it from Fairyland Point or North of Sunrise Point. We suggest for the best views hike it from Fairyland Point to Sunrise Point. The Fairyland Loop is one of the less crowded hiking trails in Bryce Canyon National park.
Hot Tip: Its always best to practice Leave No Trace while exploring our amazing National Parks.
4. Queens Garden Trail
Perfect for all you families and beginner backpackers, the Queens Garden Trail is the easiest hike that takes visitors into Bryce Canyon.
Named after one of the unique rocks in the canyon, which bears a resemblance to a queen, this trail will show you some of the most out of the ordinary scenery on the planet.
Being one of the more simple hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park, you’ll only have to hike about 1.8 miles. The hike takes most travelers about an hour to complete, not counting the time it would take to get back out of the canyon.
Queens Garden Trail Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Drive 0.5 miles to the lefthand turn off/junction for Sunrise Point. Turn left and continue 0.5 miles to the signed junction for Sunrise Point. Turn left and continue 0.5 miles to the signed junction for Sunset Point & the General Store. Turn left and continue 0.2 miles to the Sunrise Point parking area. (This parking area fills up quickly and more parking is available near the lodge. You should always park in designated parking spots, parking along the road will get you ticked.)
- Pets Allowed: No
- Location: Sunset Point
- Duration: 1 – 2 Hours
- Elevation Change: 357 Feet
- Trail Type: Point To Point (NOT A LOOP)
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: At the parking lot.
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: The Queen’s Garden trail is the least difficult trail that descends into the Canyon. We suggest doing this hike with the Navajo Loop Trail.
Hot Tip: Lighting is a year-round danger in Bryce Canyon National Park especially during summer storms. If you can hear thunder, light is within 10 miles of you and you should seek shelter. Make sure you pack a good rain jacket.
5. Sunset to Sunrise Point Trail
The entire Rim Trail is far too much for your average visitor or traveler on a time limit. If you still want to take in the breathtaking sights of Bryce Canyon but don’t want to spend most of your day on the trail, be sure to check out the Sunset to Sunrise Point Trail.
This easy 1.1-mile hike takes visitors past some of the same breathtaking scenery as the Rim Trail. With plenty of wildlife and jaw-dropping views of the canyon, you may feel inspired to explore more of the lengthy Rim Trail!
Sunset to Sunrise Point Trail Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Drive 0.5 miles to the lefthand turn off/junction for Sunrise Point. Turn left and continue 0.5 miles to the signed junction for Sunrise Point. Turn left and continue 0.5 miles to the signed junction for Sunset Point & the General Store. Turn left and continue 0.2 miles to the Sunrise Point parking area. (This parking area fills up quickly and more parking is available near the lodge. You should always park in designated parking spots, parking along the road will get you ticked.)
- Pets Allowed: Pets are allowed on this hike.
- Location: Sunset Point
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Elevation Change: 34 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: At the parking lot.
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: For the best views of the Wall of Windows we suggest hiking the Peekaboo Loop clockwise. Ankle injuries are high on this hike, you should wear proper shoes.
Hot Tip: Park elevations reach over 9,000 feet. Even the easiest of hikes with little to mild exertion may leave you feeling light-headed and nauseated. Plan accordingly and drink plenty of water.
6. Peek-a-boo Loop
Peek-a-boo Loop is another hike that leads you to the base of Bryce Canyon. Unlike the other trails, this one is meant more for experienced hikers due to its length and steep paths.
Although Peek-a-boo Loop is more of a challenge, the views are nothing short of extraordinary! The entire trail is 5.5 miles long and takes most visitors about six hours to complete.
Peek-a-boo Loop Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Trailhead: The Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail begins at Bryce Point and drops quickly to the canyon floor.
- Pets Allowed: No Dogs
- Location: Bryce Point
- Duration: 3 – 4 Hours
- Elevation Change: 1555 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: For the best views of the Wall of Windows we suggest hiking the Peekaboo Loop clockwise. Ankle injuries are high on this hike, you should wear proper shoes.
Hot Tip: Pets are only allowed on paved trails and viewpoints, roads, campsites, and picnic areas. They are not allowed on the hiking trails and for those who are looking for a few dog friendly hiking trails they should visit nearby Red Canyon.
7. Riggs Spring Loop
Are you looking to get away from some of the crowds? Riggs Spring Loop is noted for being off of the beaten path but doesn’t lack any of the stunning views found in the rest of the park. Taking you through dense forests, you’ll be enjoying a hike in the shade while trotting down this trail.
Riggs Spring Loop is also considered a difficult trail due to its length. The entire trail is a total of 8.6 miles, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get in and out.
Riggs Spring Loop Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: To reach the Riggs Springs Loop trailhead head 17 miles south of the visitor center to the Rainbow Point parking lot.
- Pets Allowed: No Dogs
- Location: Rainbow Point
- Duration: 6 – 7 Hours
- Elevation Change: 1853 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: The Riggs Spring hike can be done in either direction but clockwise is the best for the views. The Riggs Spring hike can be done as a loop hike or as a two-day hike camping down in Corral Hollow.
Hot Tip: Know your hiking limits. Keep in mind more hikes begin with a descent and end with a climb up, leave yourself enough energy for your return trip. A good set of hiking poles are a must when hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park.
8. Mossy Cave Trail
Mossy Cave Trail is another hike that will take you away from all the tour groups and crowds of some of the more popular areas of the park. Even though it doesn’t have the people, you’ll still find deep caves, grottos, and plenty of hoodoos.
This hike is perfect for beginner hikers, stretching only one mile. Following a quiet stream, you’ll want to bring a picnic along so you can relax amidst the breathtaking scenery.
Mossy Cave Trail Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Drive 4 miles north of the Visitor Center on UT 63 to the junction of SR 12. From here turn right and diver 3.5 miles east. The parking area will be on the right-hand side of the road. Do not park along the shoulder of the road, you will get ticketed. If there are no parking spots it is strongly suggested to return to hike it at another time.
- Pets Allowed: No Dogs
- Location: Water Canyon Area
- Duration: 1 – 2 Hours
- Elevation Change: 300 Feet
- Trail Type: Out And Back
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: This has quickly become one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon and due to a large number of hikers there has been a loss of vegetation due to visitors not staying on the marked paths, loads of litter, and other impacts caused by crowded conditions. It is always best to practice Leave No Trace while exploring our amazing National Parks.
Hot Tip: September and October are the best times to visit Bryce National park. The hiking trails are less crowded. However, if you want the park to yourself we suggest exploring it during midweek in the middle of winter.
9. Under the Rim Trail
If you’re looking for a real adventure, look no further than the Under the Rim Trail. Taking you nearly the length of Bryce Canyon National Park, you won’t miss a single sight while on this journey.
Under the Rim Trail is a massive hike that should only be attempted by true backpackers. Stretching a whopping total of 22.4 miles, this is not your everyday hike. The trail takes most hikers about ten hours to complete but can be broken up into sections.
Under the Rim Trail Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Trailhead: Drive 1.6 miles from the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center to the turnoff from Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. Follow this paved road southeast for 0.5 miles bearing to the lest at the junction to Bryce Point parking lot. The Under the Rim Trail starts from the east side of the Bryce Point parking lot.
- Pets Allowed: No Dogs
- Location: Bryce Point
- Duration: 10 Hours (Full Day Hike)
- Elevation Change: 3103 Feet
- Trail Type: Point To Point
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: Some, The right fork of Yellow Creek and Ponderosa Canyon, Iron, and Birch Springs during the right time of the year. It is recommended to carry water.
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: You can do this hike as a shorter 13-mile hike from Bryce Point to Whiteman Bench. Or you can break up this full hike making it a two-day hike to complete the full trail. This trail is lightly trafficked.
Hot Tip: Get up early and have a plan. Most parking lots fill up by 7 A.M. during the summer months and finding a parking spot can be extremely hard.
10. Bristlecone Loop Trail
Starting from Rainbow Point in the southern part of Bryce Canyon National Park, Bristlecone Loop Trail is a hike that will put all the area’s natural beauty on full display.
With birds chirping overhead, animals wandering the dense woods, and views that look over the park, this is a hike you won’t want to miss.
The best thing is that Bristle Loop Trail is an easy hike that can be done by travelers of all experience levels. At just one mile long, you can easily complete the trail in less than an hour.
Bristlecone Loop Trail Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: The Bristlecone Loop Trail is located 17 miles south of the Visitor Center in Bryce Canyon at the Rainbow Point parking lot.
- Pets Allowed: No Dogs
- Location: Rainbow Point
- Duration: 45 Minutes – 1 Hour
- Elevation Change: 200 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: The trail is forested and easy to follow.
Hot Tip: Bryce Canyon National Park is a morning park, by the afternoon the views are sun-bleached.
11. Tower Bridge Trail
The unique Tower Bridge is one of Bryce Canyon’s most breathtaking landmarks. Bearing a stunning likeness to its brother across the pond, it’s easy to see where this naturally formed bridge got its name!
Of course, you can view the bridge from the road, but if you want to embark on a real adventure, you’ll have to hit the trails. The Tower Bridge Trail starts from Sunrise Point and stretches about three miles. It takes most travelers around three hours to complete the hike.
Sheep Creek – Swamp Canyon Loop Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: The Tower Bridge trailhead is located next to Sunrise Point. Park near the general store and the trailhead is located .2 miles north along the Rim Trail from Sunrise Point.
- Pets Allowed: No Dogs
- Location: Fairyland
- Duration: 2 1/2 – 3 Hours
- Elevation Change: 802 Feet
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: The Tower Bridge Trail is moderate in difficulty mostly because of the downward part.
Hot Tip: We recommend at least staying one night in the park so you don’t miss a sunrise.
12. Sheep Creek – Swamp Canyon Loop
Sheep Creek – Swamp Canyon Loop is not the most famous hike in the park but doesn’t lack any of the sights as the other viewpoints. Taking you away from all the crowds, you’ll be able to feel more in touch with nature and the stunning hoodoos on this trail.
The Swamp Canyon Loop is 4.6 miles long and more suited to experienced hikers. Be sure to give yourself at least four hours to complete this one.
Sheep Creek – Swamp Canyon Loop Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: From the left side of the Swamp Canyon overlook pullout that’s about 5 miles south of the Bryce Canyon visitor center. From there join the marked Swamp Canyon Connecting Trail where it branches from the Sheep Creek Connecting Trail.
- Pets Allowed: No Dogs
- Location: Swamp Canyon
- Duration: 3 – 4 Hours
- Elevation Change: 892 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: From the Swamp Canyon overlook in Bryce, hikers can descend to either side of the prominence on a trail that will connect with the Under the Rim Trail and then return on the other side, making a loop. We recommend hiking clockwise.
Hot Tip: From the months of January to February the hiking trails in Bryce Canyon National Park are covered with snow, this is when the skiing is the best.
13. Hat Shop Trail
The Under the Rim Trail is far too difficult for your average traveler, but if you still want to experience some of the sights, you can always journey down Hat Shop Trail.
This moderate – strenuous hike will take you past the same scenery without having to plan to stay overnight in the park.
Hat Shop Trail Starts at Bryce Point and is four miles in length. The hike is also one way, so if you’re looking to return, you’ll have to head back the way you came.
Hat Shop Trail Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous
- Trailhead: From the Bryce Canyon visitor center, drive 1.5 miles to the left-hand turn-off for Bryce Point/Inspiration Point. From the turn-off, follow the road for 2 miles, keeping left as it veers toward the canyon rim. At the end of this road is the Bryce Point view area where the Hat Shop Trail starts.
- Pets Allowed: No Dogs
- Location: Bryce Point
- Duration: 3 – 4 Hours
- Elevation Change: 1075 Feet
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: This hike is not a loop, it’s an out-and-back trail. This trail is a steep descent so if you have bad knees be extra careful. It is not recommended to hike this trail in the winter unless you are very well prepared for ice, deep snow, and other winter hiking conditions.
Hot Tip: Make sure you have a good hiking daypack that includes lots of water and snacks.
14. Amphitheater Traverse Trail
Another hike that will show you all the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park is the Amphitheater Traverse Trail. Taking you through all the stunning hoodoos and the canyon, you’ll be taking pictures every few minutes.
The Amphitheater Traverse Trail is a moderate hike stretching about 4.7 miles. One way, the trail will take anywhere between three and five hours to complete.
Amphitheater Traverse Trail Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Trailhead: From the Bryce Canyon visitor center, drive 1.5 miles to the left-hand turn-off for Bryce Point/Inspiration Point. From the turn-off, follow the road for 2 miles, keeping left as it veers toward the canyon rim. At the end of this road is the Bryce Point view area where the Amphitheater Traverse trail starts.
- Pets Allowed: No Dogs
- Location: Bryce Point
- Duration: 3 – 5 Hours
- Elevation Change: 1,090 Feet
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: Descend from Bryce Point hiking clockwise on to the Peekaboo Loop trail that connects to the Queen’s Garden trail then ascend to Sunrise Point. It is best to use a shuttle back or hike 3.2 miles around the rim to return back to Bryce Point.
Hot Tip: The Bryce Amphitheater Lookout has the best scenery in Bryce National Park. Don’t be disappointed with the photos you take, make sure you have the right camera gear to capture this amazing scenery.
15. Inspiration Point Trail
Saving one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park for last, the Inspiration Point Trail will take you to some stunning views looking out over the surrounding hoodoos and canyon. Divided into three levels, you’ll be given several different perspectives on the park.
Inspiration Point Trail is an easy hike perfect for all kinds of travelers. Just 0.6 miles long, you can take in the views and still have tons of time to check out some of the other sights around the park.
Inspiration Point Trail Quick Information:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: From the Bryce Canyon visitor center, drive 1.5 miles to the left-hand turn-off for Bryce Point/Inspiration Point. From the turn-off, follow the road for 2 miles, keeping left as it veers toward the canyon rim. At the end of this road is the Bryce Point view area where the Inspiration Point trail starts.
- Pets Allowed: No Dogs
- Location: Bryce Point
- Duration: 12 Minutes
- Elevation Change: 134 Feet
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back
- Season: All Year (Best From June – October)
- Time of Day: Morning or early afternoon.
- Water: No
- Bathrooms: Located in the parking area, None along the trail.
- Notes: Use extreme caution when hiking along the cliffs of Inspiration Point. All visitors are strongly cautioned to stay on all marked trails and behind all railings.
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