Bryce Canyon Hikes: Unique landscapes, quiet turns, and rock-carved wonder

Bristlecone Loop Trail is an easy mile-long loop trail near Kanab that is recommended for hikers of all skill levels. The trail is accessible via Rainbow Point near the park’s southern end and gains an elevation of 88 feet, taking visitors to the park’s highest region, which peaks at over 9,100 feet. It traverses past historic bristlecone pine trees aged up to 1,800 years old, along with a rich blue spruce, Douglas, and white fir tree forested region.

Along the way, visitors have chances to see woodpeckers, owls, ravens, Steller’s jays, and other native bird species. Visitors should note that the Bristlecone Loop Trail may be inaccessible between December and March due to the region’s heavy annual snowfall.

Bryce Point Trail is a heavily-traversed 0.2-mile trail that offers stunning views of the Bryce Amphitheater for hikers and tourists of all skill levels. The easy out-and-back trail is paved its entire length, offering access for families with young children in town and visitors with disabilities. Newly-installed safety fencing also provides additional comfort.

Bryce Point Trail is used by a number of National Park-led nature trips and walks and offers chances for bird watching along the way. Visitors should note that the trail may be closed during the winter months without notice due to icy pavement conditions. Dogs are not permitted on the trail at any time.

Fairyland Loop Trail is a 7.4-mile moderately difficult trail that embarks at Fairyland Point in the park’s northern end. The trail gains an elevation of 1,545 feet throughout its loop route and typically takes approximately four to five hours to complete. Along the way, visitors have chances to glimpse the park’s spectacular collection of hoodoo spires, which were created by the erosion and separation of natural land bridges.

A portion of the Fairyland Loop Trail combines with the nearby Rim Trail between Fairyland and Sunset Points. As one of the park’s longest individual-trail hikes, visitors are encouraged to bring water on their trips and exercise proper hiking caution throughout their trip.

Hat Shop And Pink Cliffs Via Under The Rim Trail is an 11.8-mile point-to-point trail that is rated as moderately difficult and is not advised for beginner hikers due to steep descents along its route. The trail begins at Bryce Point and descends more than 3,000 feet throughout its length.

It traverses noted park sights such as the beautiful Hat Shop hoodoo cluster within the Pink Cliffs region of the park, offering chances to explore less-trafficked areas of the park and take in scenery without large groups of tourists around. Visitors should note that the trail’s return is mostly uphill and that its difficulty level increases significantly throughout the winter months, with foot traction devices strongly recommended for hikers still attempting the route. Map

Inspiration To Queens Garden Using Park Trail is a 2.8-mile point-to-point trail that is a variation of the more popular Queens Garden Loop, which is often highly crowded during peak seasons. A park shuttle loads near the park’s entrance and visitor center and takes hikers to Inspiration Point, which offers a stunning scenic overlook. It then traverses toward Sunset Point along a mostly level route before passing Navajo and Queens Garden and ending back at the park’s General Store, gaining an elevation of 587 feet along the way. Views of park sights such as Silent City are offered, along with opportunities for bird and wildlife watching. Visitors can continue along the park’s scenic driving trail after returning to the parking lot to make a day out of their park exploration. Map

Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail is a 0.9-mile trail near Tropic that showcases a dolomite limestone-formed waterfall. The easy trail is recommended for hikers of all ability levels and is most accessible between March and November, though it is hikeable year-round depending on weather conditions. Its straightforward out-and-back route is perfect for travelers with children or hikers with limited exploration looking for a quick scenic trail. It also traverses sights such as Water Canyon, which was partially carved as an irrigation ditch by 19th-century Mormon pioneers, and the Mossy Cave shelter cavern and grotto, which is supplied by an underground spring. During the winter months, beautiful formations of icicles are visible overhanging the cavern. Map

Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail combines the popular Queens Garden and Navajo Loop routes into a 2.9-mile hike embarking from Sunset Point. The route serves as a popular combination option to see the national park’s most spectacular sights, including Sunset Point, which serves as its trailhead. From there, it meanders through the Queens Garden Trail until it reaches a four-way intersection at the canyon’s floor. Hikers will want to continue straight at the intersection into the Navajo Loop, which showcases landmarks such as Thor’s Hammer and Two Bridges. After reaching Wall Street, the park’s only slot canyon, the loop returns to Sunset Point. Map

Paria Trail is a quick, easy trail offering a chance to trek out to the park’s noted Paria View overlook, which is noted as a favorite photography spot due to the fact it offers views of hoodoos facing the setting sun. The 0.3-mile hike provides opportunities to look into the Paria River watershed, which is known for its slot canyons carved by rapid runoff erosion. Peregrine falcons are often visible from the overlook, and mules, deer, and elk may be spotted along the trail. Paria Trail gains little elevation along its route, making it an easy trek for novice hikers and visitors with children.

Peekaboo Loop Trail starts at Bryce Point and descends quickly into the heart of the canyon, allowing visitors to explore the canyon’s floor directly. Though the 5.1-mile loop trail’s route is steep and is rated as moderately difficult, it is a popular route due to its spectacular showcase of top attractions within the Bryce Amphitheater, including the Wall of Windows. Hikers should note that the trail is also used by horse and mule riders, who should be given the right of way at all times. Due to the trail’s terrain and rapid elevation changes, hikers are advised to wear sturdy footwear, carry water and snacks, and exercise caution using the trail during the winter months.