Bryce Canyon National Park offers a ton of stunning trails to explore, each with its own unique features and breathtaking views of hoodoos, arches, windows in the rocks, and into the amphitheater.
Among the many trails to choose from, the Navajo Loop Trail and Queens Garden combination hike stand out as an iconic route that showcases the best of the park and its geology.
In this post, I’ll delve into the history behind the names of these trails, explore trailhead options for planning your route, and give you tips from my own experience on this trail.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Elevation Change: ~650 ft.
- Cost: National Park Fees. Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Annual Pass if you plan on visiting other National Parks like Zion or Capitol Reef during your trip.
Decoding the Names Behind These Trails
You’ll notice that many of the rock formations and trails in Bryce carry interesting names. There’s Fairyland Loop, Thor’s Hammer, and Peekaboo Loop to name a few. Each of their names carries their own significance, whether for appearance or as a dedication.
Naming of Navajo Loop Trail Bryce Canyon
Honoring the rich history of the region, the Navajo Loop Trail is named after the Navajo people. One of the original tribes who stewarded these lands for centuries, the Navajo hold a deep spiritual connection to Bryce Canyon.
About the Trail
Navajo Loop Trail alone is a moderate 1.5 mile hike with about ~515 feet of elevation change. Navajo Loop offers switchbacks, narrow ridges, and close encounters with towering hoodoos as you wind your way through the amphitheater. If you choose to hike this trail on its own, you will see Wall Street, Thor’s Hammer, and Two Bridges. The incline and decline will get your blood pumping, but it’s a great loop for beginners through advanced hikers!
How Queens Garden Was Anointed
The whimsical name “Queens Garden” evokes the fantastical beauty of this section of the trail. Early visitors were captivated by the delicate and otherworldly formations resembling spires and towers, reminiscent of a royal garden adorned with natural sculptures.
About Queens Garden Trail
Queens Garden is a 2.1 mile out and back trail that has about 450 feet of elevation change. The path meanders along the Rim Trail, then from Sunrise Point downwards into the amphitheater. You’ll pass by the terrestrial ET Hoodoo on your way to the spur trail that features the royal Queen Victoria hoodoo formation. This is a moderate hike due to the elevation change, but most of it is gradual along a ridge line. However, of all the trails that descend into the amphitheater, Queens Garden is considered the least strenuous.
Hiking Navajo Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park
There are several different ways to do this hike. In entirety, it should be around 3 miles in distance and take you between 2-3 hours to complete.
I hiked it going from Sunset Point, through Wall Street, along Navajo Loop, connecting onto Peekaboo Loop Trail, back up to Queens Garden, finishing the ascent to Sunrise Point, and walking back to my car along the Rim Trail. This is an extended way of trekking both trails for about 6 miles total and around 4 hours.
You can do this in reverse or do just Navajo Loop or Queens Garden out-and-back on their own. It’s really up to you, your physical abilities, and how much mileage you want to commit to. Here’s some information about each section of these trails for reference.
Trailhead Options
Bryce Canyon National Park offers two trailhead options for accessing the Navajo Loop Trail and Queens Garden:
- Sunset Point: The most commonly used trailhead because this way you’re able to descend the switchbacks of Wall Street. I began my hike at this trailhead because of the incredible views into Wall Street, and the NPS recommends hiking it clockwise with this as the starting point. (See Google Maps of trailhead below.)
- Sunrise Point: Offers a gentler decline into Bryce Amphitheater. However, going that way, you’ll have to ascend the switchbacks of Wall Street! The choice is all yours!
Both trailheads offer plenty of parking spaces, and are connected by the Rim Trail (about a 20 minute walk).
There is a free shuttle bus service at the park from April through October which can get you to these two locations. Read more about Sunset vs Sunrise Points in this article!
Map to Sunset Point:
The Original Wall Street
One of the trail’s highlights is the opportunity to see and traverse Wall Street, a narrow slot canyon carved by millennia of erosion. It’s one of the most famous parts of the park, so you’ll want to see it up close and personal. Wall Street is one section along Navajo Loop Trail, located close to Sunset Point.
By mid-day, sunlight filters through the top of the canyon and highlights the orange, yellow, and red hues of the rocks. There is a fun, little tunnel you’ll crouch through in this section, too. Wall Street levels out at the end where the walls open a bit to an area that has several extremely tall trees called Ponderosa Pines.
Be aware that Wall Street can be closed in the winter due to ice or snow. Be sure to check current park conditions with the NPS before your trip.
If you’ve begun the trail with Queens Garden and are ascending along the Navajo Loop, you may choose to ascend along the northern side of the loop to avoid Wall Street. You’ll still have to climb several switchbacks, but going that route allows you closer views of Two Bridges and Thor’s Hammer on your way to Sunset Point.
Venturing Onto Queens Garden
As the incline levels out, you’ll come to a sign for the Navajo Loop Benchmark. At this point, you can either choose to ascend Navajo Loop up to Sunset Point, or venture onto Queens Garden. The trail is level with a slight incline for about half a mile and then becomes a bit more steep as you get closer to Queen Victoria.
You’ll be walking through a slightly wooded section with shade and a wide trail in the first portion of the trail after Navajo Loop. This trail is perfect for admiring the intricate details of the hoodoos, with plenty of opportunities to stop and capture photos of the nature around you.
Keep an eye out for the Queen’s Garden Spur, a short side trail leading to the exquisite Queen Victoria Hoodoo, a landmark within the park.
Elevation Change
The Queens Garden Trail offers a gentler descent into the amphitheater, if you choose to begin your trail from Sunrise Point. The National Park Service provides this informative graph of the elevation change throughout the combination trail.
Connector Trail to Extend Your Hike
The beauty of the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail is their versatility. You can combine them with other paths for a longer adventure. The easy Rim Trail allows you to connect back to your starting point. For a more challenging option, venture further down into the amphitheater via trails like Peek-A-Boo Loop and continuing onto Inspiration Point.
What Makes Bryce Canyon National Park So Special?
Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its otherworldly landscape, characterized by an intricate network of hoodoos, spires, and arches. Unlike any other place on Earth, Bryce Canyon’s geological formations offer a glimpse into the forces of nature at work over millions of years. The park’s unique combination of colorful rock formations, expansive vistas, and diverse ecosystems make it a truly special destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Tips for Your Trip to Bryce Canyon
- Be Prepared: Before beginning your hike, look at the trail map, check the weather forecast, and look up park regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The trail can get muddy, icy or slushy with melting snow during the colder months.
- Dress for Elevation: Bryce Canyon is a high altitude park ranging from 8,000 feet (2438 m) to over 9,000 feet (2743 m) in elevation. You can get altitude-sickness with even moderate hikes if you’re not prepared and cognizant of the effects on your body. The high elevation can also result in unpredictable weather conditions. Be prepared with layered clothing (even in the summer) and wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.
- Stay Hydrated: Remember to bring an ample supply of water, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated on the trail. Pack some electrolytes in a separate water bottle too, and definitely don’t forget the snacks!
- Leave No Trace: Help preserve the natural beauty of Bryce Canyon by practicing Leave No Trace principles and respecting wildlife and vegetation.
- Go Stargazing! Bryce holds the prestigious title of an International Dark Sky Park, designated in 2* (two thumbs up!) known as a Gold-Tier Dark Sky Park.This certification recognizes the exceptional quality of the park’s night skies and its commitment to light pollution reduction.
