Bryce Canyon   |  Stephan Mitterwallner

Bryce Canyon Hikes

Hiking through Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best ways to see the park’s famous hoodoos, spires and sandstone fins. An interconnected network of trails makes it easy to keep hiking all day, where trails branch off toward new landmarks and discoveries, all without ever straying too far from the park’s main road. Whether you’re a family of adventurers, or venturing into a solo backpacking expedition, Bryce Canyon’s trails won’t disappoint.

The 5 Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon

Family-Friendly Trails

  • Bristlecone Loop Trail | 1 mile

    A short loop that stays entirely above the canyon rim as it traverses a subalpine fir forest. The trail is named after the bristlecone pine trees, the oldest tree species in the world, which is found more frequently along this trail than along other trails in Bryce Canyon National Park Utah.

  • Mossy Cave Trail | 0.8 mile

    A short stroll into the reddish pinnacles of Bryce Canyon from S.R. 12 that ends at a mossy, seeping cave, offering a smaller-scale sampler of Bryce grandeur. As parking is limited at the trailhead, consider visiting before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid peak visitation and only park in designated areas. Additional tips on the Mossy Cave page.

  • Navajo Loop Trail | 1.4 miles

    A popular trail that makes a short 1- to 2-hour loop from the rim at Sunset Point down to the floor of Bryce Canyon. The trail visits favorite hoodoo formations such as Wall Street, Twin Bridges and Thor’s Hammer.

  • Queens Garden Trail | 1.8 miles

    A short trail descending below the canyon rim that takes hikers to fascinating rock formations including Gulliver’s Castle, the Queen’s Castle and Queen Elizabeth herself.

  • Rim Trail | .5 to 5.5 miles one way

    A popular trail above Bryce Canyon that connects all the scenic overlooks from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point. The 0.5 mile section between Sunrise and Sunset points is paved and accessible to those with wheelchairs.

Moderate Day Hikes + Backpacking Routes

  • Connector Trails | 2 to 4 miles

    A series of short “connector” trails that take hikers from the canyon rim to various points along the Under the Rim Trail.

  • Fairyland Loop Trail | 8 miles

    An enjoyable day hike, this route loops through the Fairyland amphitheater just north of Bryce Canyon past many interesting rock formations.

  • Peek-a-boo Loop Trail | 5.5 miles

    A hiker and horse trail that winds around hoodoo formations below Inspiration Point and Bryce Point, offering views of the popular Wall of Windows, the Three Wisemen, The Organ and The Cathedral.

  • Riggs Spring Loop | 8.8 miles

    A day hike or leisurely backpacking loop that traverses above and below the famous Pink Cliffs at the southern edge of Bryce Canyon National Park.

  • Under the Rim Trail | 23 miles one way (shuttle available)

    The premier backpacking route in Bryce Canyon National Park that follows the foot of the Pink Cliffs through the southern reaches of the park.

Things to Know

Pack Your Daypack

It’s very important that you’re well prepared before setting out for a day on Bryce Canyon’s hiking trails. Be sure to pack adequate clothing, sun protection, snacks and more than enough water. Some trails traverse steep and rocky slopes, so you’ll want to wear sturdy hiking boots.

Connect Bryce Canyon’s Trails

One of the advantages of hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park is that many of the trails intersect each other and can be connected to form loops of varying distances and difficulties. For instance, the Navajo Loop, Peekaboo Loop and Queen’s Garden trails can all be combined with short excursions along connecting trails.

Winter Is A Great Time To Visit

When you imagine yourself on a Bryce Canyon getaway, you may not envision yourself wrapped up in a scarf. We don’t blame you; winter hiking is one of Bryce’s best kept secrets. For a vacation with more snow-capped views and less crowded trails, learn more about winter hiking in Bryce Canyon.

Have Your Camera Ready

While adventurous hikers, climbers, mountain bikers and canyoneers have plenty to explore in the Bryce Canyon region, the park is known for its incredible viewpoints. There is nothing quite like winding your way through the bizarre fins and hoodoos and viewing this amazing geology close up. You’ll want to have a camera at the ready on this trip.

Explore The Bryce Canyon Region

Year after year, thousands of visitors flock to Bryce Canyon National Park, unknowingly missing out on the hidden gems that are just outside the park’s borders. Whether it’s your first time visiting the park, or you’re practically a local at this point, there are new adventures in the Bryce region waiting to brighten your trip. For more inspiration, build out your itinerary with the complete Bryce Canyon trip.

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