Peekaboo, I See You Hoodoo
Views from the rim are mesmerizing, but descending into Bryce’s amphitheater to hike Peekaboo Loop is an adventure that will change your perspective on the geology and natural beauty of the area.
I’d strongly recommend this hike for beginners through experienced hikers if you’re up for a half-day hike because you get to see some of the best views of the park by trekking this route.
Learn more about this hike with views of some of Bryce Canyon’s most stunning terrain, hoodoos, spires, and other rock formations by continuing reading.
Ready to Explore? Here’s What You Need to Know:
- Distance: 5.2-6.3 miles depending on which trailhead you choose
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging hike
- Elevation gain: 1,500-1,560 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Cost: National Park Fees
- Share the trail with horses and mules
A Sneak Peek at the Adventure
Peekaboo Loop is a fun, moderately challenging trek that delivers incredible views of rock formations like the Wall of Windows, Hindu Temples, and The Cathedral. It’s far enough away from the rim to have fewer crowds and far less noise.
Completed in 1931, Peekaboo Loop is a hiking trail for people, horses, and mules! So prepare to share the trails (people must give riders the right-of-way) or get in the saddle for a ride in the warmer months.
While hiking this route midday in August, we were almost always the only ones on the trail. We did pass by other hikers every so often, but the noise passed so quickly that it was quiet and serene with the rocks and foliage absorbing and filtering out noise around the corners. Because of this, the hike was super fun as we felt like we had the trail all to ourselves. So we got to be goofy and playful, and really enjoy our day out on the trail.
I’d strongly recommend this hike for beginners through experienced hikers if you’re up for a half-day hike because you get to see some of the best views of the park by trekking this route.
Access to Peekaboo Loop Trail
There are two ways you can hike Peekaboo Loop:
- Via Wall Street and the Tropic Trail: 6.3 mile moderate to challenging loop hike with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain.
- From Bryce Point Trailhead: 5.2 mile moderate loop hike with about 1,560 feet in elevation gain.
We hiked via Wall Street, opting for a longer hike that covers more of the park’s most well-known trails like Navajo Loop and Queens Garden.
Free Shuttle Bus
The Bryce Canyon Shuttle bus provides free public transportation to the park’s most notable overlooks, amenities, and trailheads. Available from April through mid-October, the shuttle typically arrives at stops every 15 minutes. Take advantage of this free service and avoid the stress of not finding a perfect parking spot by riding the shuttle.
Trail Maps
Map of Peekaboo Loop Trail via Bryce Point
Map of the Figure Eight Trail (Wall Street, Queens Garden, and Peekaboo Loop)
Mapboxes courtesy of AllTrails
What to Bring for this Hike
- Plenty of water: Regardless of season, you should always bring water on your hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park. Especially with the high elevation, the dry air will contribute to dehydration.
- Snacks: This isn’t a short trail, so you may want to pack some trail mix, fruit, or protein bar as a midway snack.
- Sunscreen and sun protection: There is not much, if any, shade along this trail for any extended period of time. So, prepare to be in the sun while on this hike. Wide brimmed hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and layered, breathable clothing are all great suggestions for hiking here.
- Hiking boots: Wear sturdy, protective hiking boots that will provide enough traction. There is elevation gain and loss throughout the trail on dirt (but occasionally small gravel) terrain. Depending on the season you’re hiking in, there may also be muddy sections.
- Trekking poles: If you appreciate the support of hiking poles, then these would be ideal for hiking Peekaboo Loop. Because of its length, incline and decline sections, and uneven terrain, trekking poles can provide extra support for hikers of all ages and abilities.
- Offline Maps – Keep in mind, you’ll likely have little to no cell service in this part of the park (and potentially this part of the state!). Downloading an offline map, carrying a compass, and using a printed map you can pick up from the Visitor Center may be helpful.
Hiking Peekaboo Loop Trail
As mentioned, we hiked this trail by starting at Sunset Point, so that is the direction in which these hiking details will follow. Hiking this combination of trails in this direction is also referred to online as the Bryce Canyon Figure Eight Trail.
To begin, we hiked down Wall Street (click that link for details on this incredible section of the park) and part of Navajo Loop Trail.
The trail is wide, well maintained, and mostly dirt with some small rocks. It can become dusty, and there is little shade, so wearing sun protection is key. This and the majority of the trails at Bryce Canyon are well marked, making it nearly impossible for you to get lost or go off trail.
You’ll come to a 4 way fork in the road at the Navajo Loop Benchmark. Here, you can decide to either hike left to go back up Navajo Loop to the rim, continue straight onto Queens Garden, or bear right onto the Tropic Trail (also called the Navajo Connector). Take the trail to the right which will connect you to Peekaboo Loop in under a quarter mile.
Beginning on Peekaboo Loop
You can choose to hike the loop clockwise or counterclockwise, but the NPS recommends clockwise because of sections of incline and decline. We followed that recommendation and turned to the left when arriving at the junction with Peekaboo Loop. The loop alone is about 3 miles in length.
Bryce Creek is the main drainage that separates Peekaboo Canyon from the rest of the amphitheater. For about a mile, the trail has a consistent incline with the occasional switchback. Your legs will be working hard during this part of the trek, but it’ll be well worth the effort!
Every turn at Bryce presents you with even more magnificent hoodoos and rock formations. Peekaboo Loop is the epitome of this because there is no shortage of incredible sights for the entirety of the trail.
You’ll be up close and personal with wiry pinnacles and towering spires along the trail. Look for the bright contrasting colors of the layered rock walls (of the Claron formation limestone), hoodoos, fissures, and sand knolls in pink, orange, and red hues.
Near the top of a ridge, you’ll see the first named rock formation of this trail, the Fairy Castle. Pinnacles and fins beneath Bryce Point will be visible from this point on as the trail zig zags down the ridge. You’ll pass through a tunnel and then cross Peekaboo Canyon’s wash.
Passing the Junction for Bryce Point Trail
Then, you’ll come to a junction with Bryce Point Trail. Do not go that route as it will take you off the loop and back up to the rim. Instead, continue on Peekaboo Loop.
Somewhat shortly after (1.1 miles into Peekaboo Loop), you’ll pass by an area with a corral used by horses and mules with a water trough for them to drink from. There’s an area to sit here and take a break (which we did white eating our apples), as well as a pit toilet available seasonally.
Continue along the trail as it goes up and down traversing the area. Eroded rock formations along and just below the rim of the canyon will tower at your side.
After an uphill section, you’ll walk by the Wall of Windows benchmark. This magnificent formation along the canyon’s western wall will be easy to recognize to your left. It really speaks for itself.
Passing this section, the trail descends into a dry wash and then you go uphill again, steadily through a narrow notch. This area mimics Wall Street in many ways, with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees trickled throughout. This area is the main reason NPS recommends hiking the trail clockwise!
As you reach the end of the switchbacks, Peekaboo Loop presents you with another rock archway you’ll pass through and then be deposited onto another wash. Then, continue ascending until you see a collection of tall hoodoos, known as the Hindu Temples.
Lastly, The Cathedral, standing at 7,821 feet in elevation, is the final named landmark along the Peekaboo Loop Trail. As you pass this towering rock formation, you’ll continue descending gradually until you connect back to the beginning of the loop.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peekaboo Loop Trail
Is Peekaboo Loop a hard trail?
NPS considers Peekaboo Loop to be a strenuous hike, however, there is some nuisance with the word “strenuous.”
There are many sections of incline and decline throughout Peekaboo Loop. It’s also somewhat of a lengthy trek with little to no shade and a high elevation. These factors contribute to it being rated strenuous (moderate according to AllTrails).
However, if you’re prepared for a lengthier hike and are somewhat in shape, then this is absolutely a challenge I’d recommend considering. For us, it was a half-day commitment which we brought plenty of snacks and water for, and were content with this as our major activity for the day. Personally, I would not consider this to be a strenuous hike, however its length was the most challenging aspect.
How long is the Peekaboo Loop Trail?
It depends on which access point you use! The loop itself is about 3 miles in length. But, you must add on the distance of either beginning at Bryce Point or another trailhead out-and-back.
Is Peekaboo a slot canyon?
There are other landmarks and areas in Utah that go by the name Peekaboo (or Peek-a-boo). There is Peekaboo Slot Canyon in Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument, as well as another slot canyon by the same name in Kanab, Utah that also goes by “Red Canyon.” Neither of these are related to Bryce Canyon’s Peekaboo Loop Trail.
Do you need a tour guide to hike Peekaboo Loop?
In my opinion, no. However, it is helpful to read up on the rock formations along the trail and their locations so you can be mindful of their significance while passing them en route. Bryce Canyon National Park maintains all their trails very well and each has clear signage at all junction points, so getting lost or going off trail is very rare.
Meaning Behind “Hoodoo”
Scientists attribute the spire rock formations called hoodoos to years of erosion from wind, water, and seasonal changes. The red, yellow, and purple colors are derived from iron oxide, limonite, and pyrolusite. However, legends told by people of the Paiute Nation tell a different story of the hoodoos originating as early indigenous people who were bad and were turned into rock from their actions by the powerful Coyote Spirit. This interesting, historic legend can be read about at this blog with information from a Paiute elder Indian.
Best Times to Hike at Bryce
When planning your trip to Bryce Canyon, consider visiting between April and November for more predictable weather and an enjoyable experience. The park’s high elevation can make winter visits unpredictable with a high chance of snow and road/trail closures.
We visited in mid-August and found the summer temperatures to be pleasant due to the elevation, a refreshing break from hotter areas like Kanab or Zion.
