One of the most popular trails at Bryce Canyon National Park is the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail. The 3-mile moderately challenging loop takes you by incredible views, including seeing the beautiful hoodoos from above and below.
This was a must-do hike for us during our Utah adventure. The Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop was open during our visit, so we chose that direction. However, you can customize the hike in different ways to meet your level and expectations.
I have the full guide of what to plan for and what to expect on this incredible trail and during your visit to Bryce Canyon, so let’s dive in!
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Choose Your Trail
The Navajo Loop Trail and Queen’s Garden Trail are both very popular hikes in Bryce Canyon. The nice thing about these trails is that you can kind of choose your own adventure.
When we hiked these trails, we chose to hike the Navajo Loop Wall Street section and connect to the Queen’s Garden Loop (as the guide below shares).
However, you can avoid the Queen’s Garden Trail altogether, only completing the Navajo Loop Trail (1.3 miles). Keep in mind, this is only an option when the Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop is open.
When the Wall Street section is closed, you can connect the Two Bridges section with the Queen’s Garden Trail.
Choose Your Direction
Clockwise or counterclockwise? Which is the best option?
The National Park Service officially recommends taking the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop clockwise. Well, we went the other direction. And honestly, it wasn’t that bad!
I actually preferred the ascent to Sunrise Point because when you needed a rest break or a stop to sip on some water, you could look out over the hoodoos and take in the view. The ascent on the Navajo Loop Trail side just doesn’t have the view (you’re pretty much walled off from the view), so I think it would feel a lot harder.
But in the end, it’s your decision!
Park Admission
There is an entrance fee for Bryce Canyon National Park. It varies depending on how many days you plan to visit the park, your age, and your military status. Please refer to the Bryce Canyon National Park fees page to determine your cost.
Parking
There are several parking lots within Bryce Canyon National Park.
The closest lots to access the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail are Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, and the parking lot at Bryce Lodge.
You can also use the FREE shuttle during the busier season (April through mid-October).
Amenities
There are restrooms and a water-bottle-filling station in the Sunset Point parking loop and also at the General Store at Sunrise Point. There are also several picnic tables within the Sunset Point loop and near Sunrise Point.
Getting to the Trail
No matter which trail you start with, the Navajo Loop Trail or the Queen’s Garden Trail, both are accessed via the Rim Trail, the paved path that follows along the Bryce Amphitheater.
Cellular Service
We had decent cell service along the rim at Bryce Canyon.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed on Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail.
Dogs at Bryce Canyon: Dogs are not allowed on most trails at Bryce Canyon. The only trail that allows dogs is the Rim Trail, next to Bryce Amphitheater.
Higher Elevation
Bryce Canyon National Park’s elevation ranges from 8000 to 9000 feet. You might feel more easily out of breath. Make sure to stay well hydrated and take adequate rest breaks on the steeper sections of the trail.
Sun Exposure
A large chunk of this trail is fully exposed to the sun, with no opportunity for shade. Make sure to wear sunscreen and clothing to protect yourself from the sun. Also, if you are visiting during the summer months, consider completing the trail early in the morning.
| Trail Location: | Access the Navajo Loop Trailhead at Sunset Point or the Queen’s Garden Trailhead at Sunrise Point, both along the Rim Trail |
| Trail Length: | 3.3 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate, with steep sections |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 630 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | No |
Starting the Trail
If you are connecting to the Queen’s Garden Trail, you have the option to descend into the canyon using either the Wall Street or Two Bridges section of the Navajo Loop Trail.
Wall Street is closed during the winter months and sometimes in early spring because trail conditions can be hazardous.
However, during our visit, the Wall Street section was open, so that’s the way we chose to go.
Visitor Tip: As noted above, we decided to do this loop counterclockwise, which gives you a steep climb but some incredible views towards the end of the trail. However, the official recommendation is to start at the Queen’s Garden’s trailhead and complete the trail clockwise.
I loved starting with the Navajo Loop Trail because you are immediately greeted with the quintessential Bryce Canyon view of the switchbacks.
This section features multiple switchbacks in two “rooms”, separated by a low bridge “tunnel”. It’s such a great introduction to the trail.
Wall Street
After descending the switchbacks, you will walk through the towering canyon walls called “Wall Street” on the maps. You want to feel small? This is the place to do it!
After Wall Street, continue the descent into the canyon. This is the steepest section of the trail (grades at 35-40%), but it wasn’t too difficult (plus I was probably distracted by the beauty of the canyon).
Walking Through the Canyon
Bryce Canyon is as breathtaking as everyone claims. It truly lives up to the hype. As you walk along the trail, you’ll have so many things to look at. Thankfully, the trail is pretty clear of rocks, so there aren’t too many tripping hazards!
I also enjoyed looking at the pine trees, which I was honestly surprised to see in a desert. The contrast of the green against the red rock was truly remarkable.
Connecting to Queen’s Garden Trail
About 7/10 miles along the trail, you’ll reach an intersection where you have several choices.
Go left, and you’ll head back to Sunset Point via the Two Bridges section of the Navajo Loop. Go right, and you’ll be on the connector trail to the Peekaboo Loop Trail.
We chose to go straight, which put us on the Queen’s Garden Trail.
Hiking Tip: If you are feeling tired, low on water, or starting to experience heat exhaustion, please return to Sunset Point via the Two Bridges section, which is only 6/10 miles. Sunrise Point via Queen’s Garden is another 1.7 miles from this point and has limited shade on the trail.
Queen’s Garden Trail
I loved this section of the trail! After crossing over, the trail continues a slight descent for about 3/10 miles. Then you start to head back up again!
The Queen’s Garden Trail has so many interesting features. But this is the part of the trail you get to really enjoy the hoodoos, especially as you ascend to the rim.
Thor’s Hammer
One of the most prominent rock formations in Bryce Canyon is found along the Queen’s Garden Trail. Thor’s Hammer is a 150-foot hoodoo spire that towers high above the canyon, making it easy to spot about halfway through the Queen’s Garden Trail.
There is a short spur trail you take to get a closer photo of the formation.
The Last Half-Mile
From Thor’s Hammer, it’s about a half-mile to reach Sunrise Point. Although this part of the trail is steep in sections, it’s worth the climb since there are so many places you stop, catch your breath, and take in the gorgeous view of the hoodoos.
The Rim Trail
After reaching Sunrise Point, take the Rim Trail back to your starting point, which for us was the picnic area at the Sunset Point Loop. Even though there are designated overlooks at Sunrise and Sunset Points, there is no bad view along the Rim Trail, making the half-mile feel like a quick and easy walk.
Other Hikes at Bryce Canyon
Like Zion and other National Parks, you have a nice selection of hiking trails to choose from at Bryce Canyon. In addition to this loop, we chose to hike the Mossy Cave Trail, which is located on the northeast end of the park, accessible via Hwy 12.
Other popular trails include longer trails like the Peekaboo Loop (5.5 miles) and the Fairyland Loop (8 miles). Both are considered strenuous thanks to their large elevation gains (1560 feet and 1900 feet, respectively).
Overall, it’s easy to see why this area of the park draws in the most crowds. Both the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trails offer incredible views and a great way to see the hoodoos from both above and below.
The trail isn’t too hard, but it still requires a bit of effort. If you’ve never hiked before, you might require more rest breaks and extra time to complete the trail. Or maybe, stick the shorter Navajo loop when the Wall Street section is open.
Overall, I’m so happy we included a visit to Bryce Canyon on our Utah adventure and even happier that we were able to walk amongst the hoodoos.
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