Bryce Canyon is a quick stop along the famous Arizona-Utah road trip. The terrain is so different from nearby Zion and Grand Escalante National Parks that it is worth making a visit. Bright orange hoodoos as far as the eye can see are sure to leave you in awe.

Where to Hike:

It doesn’t take much to see everything you need to in Bryce Canyon. Here’s the hike I recommend, see the highlighted trail map below:

• Start by parking at Sunrise Point. There is plenty of parallel parking close to the trail.
• Walk the short distance from the parking area to sunrise point then head right for Rim trail.
• Follow Rim Trail until you get to Sunset Point. This portion is a paved walkway.
• Take Navajo Loop Trail down to Queens Garden Trail.
• Follow the signs to turn right at Queens Garden Trail. This will lead you through the lower part of the ampitheater and a more forested region before heading back up to Sunrise Point.
• You will end Queens Garden Trail at Sunrise Point where you parked.

What to expect on the Trail:

• The Rim Trail portion is nothing different from walking down the side walk and offers great views of the amphitheater from above.
• You will be hiking all downhill on Navajo Loop Trail, with some pretty steep switchbacks. This is why I suggest doing this portion on the down hill.
• Queens garden takes you through the lower part of Bryce Canyon. Then the trail starts to gain the elevation back but at less of an incline then Navajo Loop.
• The trails are well maintained and easy to follow. The crowd thins out on Queens Garden Trail.
• The entire loop is only 2.5 miles and as you’ll see in the pictures below it is a hard packed easy trail the whole way.

First stop on Navajo Loop Trail

Taken further down Navajo Loop Trail

These switchbacks make you thankful you’re going downhill

Queens Garden Trail becomes more lush with greenery

Hiking the lower part of Bryce along Queens Garden Trail

In some places the trail cuts through the hoodoos

Fees:

You will have to pay the $30 National Park entrance fee as you come in unless you have an Annual National Parks Pass. If you are visiting more then 2 national parks it is worth it to buy the pass for $80. You can buy the pass or pay the entrance fee at the checkpoint.

Be sure to checkout these other great stops nearby Bryce Canyon:

Zion National Park It’s only 1 hour away.

Horseshoe Bend & Lower Antelope Canyon -Arizona Only 2 more hours past Zion.