Overview

The Bryce Amphitheater is a place of natural beauty, one that only Mother Nature could have created. This is the eastern slope of a plateau that was made from the vagaries of wind and water, molding fascinating shapes from the hard rock. Hiking the trails around this marvelous spot offers the best views.

The Rim Trail
This trail follows the edge of the cliff above the amphitheater, connecting the overlooks. You can hike from overlook to overlook, or follow the entire trail from Bryce Point to Fairyland Point. You get incredible vistas from every part of this hike. Trailhead: You can start your hike at Sunset Point, located just south of the park visitor center, or take the shuttle out to Bryce Point to hike the entire trail. 

• Distance – 5.5 miles
• Average Time of Hike – 2-3 hours
• Elevation Gain – 1,754 feet
• Difficulty – Moderate
• Trail Type – One-way

The Queens Garden Trail
This is the trail to take when you want to go below the rim, hiking down among the rock formations to see them up close. This is also the easiest trail to take. You’ll particularly enjoy seeing the formations named Queen Victoria and Queens Castle. Trailhead: Stop at Sunset Point, just south of the park visitor center and take the short walk or grab the shuttle to the trailhead at Sunrise Point.

• Distance – 1.7 miles
• Average Time of Hike – 1-2 hours
• Elevation Gain – 320 feet
• Difficulty – Moderate
• Trail Type – One-way

The Navajo Loop Trail
This trail also goes down into the amphitheater. Walk through a narrow slot between two towering cliffs (called “Wall Street”) and get a great view of the popular Thor’s Hammer, a tall pinnacle with a hammerhead-shaped rock on top. Trailhead: The trailhead begins at Sunset Point, located just south of the visitor center.

• Distance – 1.3 miles
• Average Time of Hike – 1 to 2 hours
• Elevation Gain – 550 feet
• Difficulty – Moderate to strenuous
• Trail Type – Loop