Hiking

Overview

Bryce Canyon hiking attracts visitors from all over the world to experience the stunning sights of its hoodoos and amphitheaters at close quarters. Hiking in Bryce Canyon ranges from the easy ½ mile trail connecting Sunrise and Sunset Points to the 23 mile Under-the-Rim Trail which requires backcountry camping. Most are day hikes and are easy to moderate, although at altitudes of over 8,000 feet with extreme weather conditions, these hikes can be challenging as well as supremely rewarding.

Bryce Canyon Hiking Trails - Easy to Moderate Hikes:

• Mossy Cave Trail is 0.5 miles long each way and is ideal for families. Trailhead is off Hwy 12 between Milemarkers 17 and 18.
• Navajo Trail is a 1.3 mile loop from Sunset Point which takes about 1½ hours to complete.
• Swamp Canyon Loop Trail runs for 4.3 miles in a loop from Swamp Canyon and drops 628 feet. Allow 2 hours for this moderate hike.
• Rim Trail traverses the rim and is accessible at several points. The total round-trip distance is 11 miles, taking 4 to 5 hours.
• Bristlecone Loop begins at Rainbow Point and runs for 1 mile, climbing 100 feet. This easy, short walk lasts about 1 hour.
• Queen's Garden Starting at Sunrise Point this 1.8-mile (one-way) walk climbs 320 feet. The round trip takes about 2 hours.
• Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop is a combined trail beginning at Sunrise Point or Sunset Point. It lasts 1.3 miles climbing 521 feet and takes 1-2 hours to walk.

Strenuous hikes in Bryce National Park:

• Under the Rim Trail runs for 23 miles along Bryce Canyon taking 1-2 days and requiring backcountry camping.
• The Riggs Spring Loop departs from Rainbow Point and is 7.7 miles in length. It is may require overnight camping.
• Peekaboo Loop is accessed at Bryce, Sunrise, or Sunset Points. Length is between 4.8 and 6.8 miles with a climb of up to 800 feet. This walk takes 3-4 hours.
• Tower Bridge Trail starts north of Sunrise Point, with a length of 3 miles and a climb of 800 feet. The walk takes about 2½ hours.
• Fairyland Loop begins at Sunrise Point and climbs 900 feet in 8 miles. Allow 5 hours to walk.
• Trail to the Hat Shop This linear trail begins at Bryce Point and runs for 3.8 miles, climbing 900 feet in 4 hours.

Other excellent hikes can be found in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Kodachrome Basin State Park and in the Dixie National Forest.

• Hikes in Bryce National Park range from the easy ½ mile trail connecting Sunrise and Sunset Points to the 23 mile Under-the-Rim Trail 
• Bryce hiking is mostly of easy to moderate difficulty, at altitudes of over 8,000 feet 
• Other excellent hikes can be found in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Kodachrome Basin State Park and in the Dixie National Forest