Rim Trail - 11 mile round trip
The Rim Trail is an easy and well-traveled hike. It traverses the rim, from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point, connecting all the scenic overlooks for these two points. The section between Sunrise and Sunset Points is where baby strollers and wheelchairs can be used. The rim reveals a beautiful view of Bryce's Hoodoo's from above.
Upper Inspiration Point - .6 mile round trip
A wonderful view point showing off numerous, symmetric rows of hoodoos
Mossy Trail - 1 mile round trip
The Mossy Trail is an easy hike without significant elevation change. The entire mile-long round trip is different from the rest of Bryce Canyon National Park. To locate the trail, drive past the Bryce Canyon entrance and keep going north until you see a small trailhead sign to your right. This is a nice stream-side walk to a small waterfall and a small mossy overhang or cave. The Mossy Cave Trail is a wonderful hike to take kids or to find solitude away from the main amphitheater.
Bristlecone Pine Trail - 1 mile round trip
This hike is a fun one for kids who are often delighted to find out just what is the oldest living thing on the earth.
Navajo - Peekaboo Combo - 2.9 mile round trip
This hike is a good choice if you are short on time and will only be able to hike one trail. The path combines Navajo and Peekaboo and begins at Sunset Point. Many of the hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park begin around the large loop encircling the main amphitheater.
Navajo - Queens Combo - 4.9 mile round trip
Combine Navajo Loop and the Queen's Garden, taking the Rim Trail back to where the hike began. Begin at Sunset or Sunrise Point.
Queens Garden Trail - 1.8 mile round trip.
This is a short trail and although there is a climb, it is considered to be the least difficult trail leading below the rim. Begin at Sunrise Point and descend below the canyon rim, but keep in mind that the uphill climb is a steep one. Know your limits. The trail does not loop, but there is the option to combine with Navajo loop.
Navajo Loop Trail - 1.3 mile round trip
A moderately difficult loop from the rim at Sunset Point descending immediately downward into a series of switchbacks. The descent drops 520' in less than a mile. At the end of the switchbacks, the limestone slot canyon section begins. Walls close in tight with only a narrow walkway in some sections of the trail. In the midst of Wall Street, two towering Douglas Firs are thriving. The lower limbs of the tree are void of leaves due to the lack of sunlight, but the top of the tree is heavy in foliage. The trail continues for a short distance past Wall Street. You have the choice to return back the way you came and climb up the switchbacks or to choose a connecting hike.
Hat Shop Trail - 3.8 mile round trip
This trail has a steep return, but the views of the "hat" capped hoodoos are worth it. This trail is less traveled in Bryce, but it's very beautiful.
Peekaboo Trail - 5.5 mile round trip
This is a steep trail that is shared with horses. Begin the trail at Bryce Point.
Tower Bridge Trail - 8.3 mile round trip
Tower Bridge is a short spur off the Fairyland Loop Trail. The Chinese Wall is visible from this hike.
Fairyland Loop - 8.3 mile round trip
Begin this strenuous hike at Fairyland Point or north of Sunrise Point. The trail leads to Campbell Canyons and the area around Boat Mesa.
Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park is an unique experience that you will want to partake in. Although Bryce Canyon is in the high desert region of southern Utah it provides a unique experience because of the location. Sitting at over 10,000 feet the air is clean, and the skies are bright. The air is thin, but not so much that exploration is not enjoyable. The air does not take long to get use to, and if visiting Zion National Park first, that will acclimate visitors to the higher conditions in Bryce Canyon. Be sure to dress for the conditions. The sun is close, so wear sun protective clothing and hats. Bring lots of water, and low weight, high energy foods such as power bars, nuts, whole grains and even water holding foods such as fruits and vegetables. An example is a whole grain bread topped with peanut butter and honey. This will give you the energy you need for the hike without the worry of spoilage.
Directions to Bryce Canyon
From Salt Lake City: Travel south on Interstate 15 past Beaver to UT 20. Exit on UT 20. Turn south on UT 89 and travel past Panguitch. Follow UT 89 to UT 12. Travel along UT 12 through Red Canyon to Bryce Canyon. Turn south on UT 63 to enter the park. From Las Vegas: Travel Interstate 15 past St. George to Exit 16. Drive through Hurricane, Utah. Follow Utah Highway 9 through Hurricane and to the only stop light in LaVerkin. Turn right at the stop light. Continue on Highway 9 to the south entrance of Zion National Park. Drive through Zion to the junction of UT 9 and US 89 at Mt. Carmel Jct. Turn north on UT 89, then exit on UT 12. Follow UT 12 through Red Canyon, turning south on UT 63 to enter Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon is a year-round hiking park, although some of the trails will close there is still so much do to in Bryce. Consider cross country skiing, snowshoeing, the scenic drive and winter photography. The area outside of the park has made it's own little city and brings in entertainment.
Lodging and services are available on the gorgeous east side of Zion National Park, where guests are close to Zion National Park (12 miles), Bryce Canyon National Park (60 miles), Cedar Breaks National Monument (45 miles), Coral Pink Sand Dunes (12 miles), and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (85 miles). It's where city traffic is absent and the skies are bright and clean.
Mileage from
Mt. Carmel Jct.
Zion National Park 12
Bryce Canyon 60
Grand Canyon 85
Cedar Breaks 45
Grand Staircase 9
Dixie Forest 22
Sand Dunes 11
Coyote Butte 57
Red Canyon 47
Tuweep 90
Stay in the heart of the parks, Mount Carmel Junction, and visit the treasures of the Southwest and Utah.
This is my new favorite quote:
"I don't know who Mary Cisneros is, but I mean zionnational-park.com
It's a better site than the NPS's anyway."
Written by the authors of the book: Favorite Hikes in and around Zion National Park
Contact Mary to report errors:
Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park is an unique experience that you will want to partake in. Although Bryce Canyon is in the high desert region of southern Utah it provides a unique experience because of the location. Sitting at over 10,000 feet the air is clean, and the skies are bright. The air is thin, but not so much that exploration is not enjoyable. The air does not take long to get use to, and if visiting Zion National Park first, that will acclimate visitors to the higher conditions in Bryce Canyon. Be sure to dress for the conditions. The sun is close, so wear sun protective clothing and hats. Bring lots of water, and low weight, high energy foods such as power bars, nuts, whole grains and even water holding foods such as fruits and vegetables. An example is a whole grain bread topped with peanut butter and honey. This will give you the energy you need for the hike without the worry of spoilage.
