Let’s dive into the awe-inspiring beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, a true gem that blew me away during our epic road trip to Utah’s “Big 5” national parks. This place is like no other – a truly unique wonder that has earned its spot as one of the most incredible spots on Earth. One particular hike in this stunning park even made it into my top 5 all-time favourite hikes worldwide!
Notes
One of the cool things about Bryce is how a lot of the hikes can be combined into loops and various other shapes. The most common is the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop, but there are other great combos too – make sure to plot things out on a map for maximum efficiency. Mix, match, and make your own hiking masterpiece!
Easy Hikes
Mossy Cave Trail
- Length: 1 km (0.6 miles)
- Elevation: 200 feet
- Time: About 30 minutes
- Trailhead: Mossy Cave Parking Area
This short trail is a nice change of pace from the longer hikes, and is a totally different vibe. We tacked it on during our last day, and loved it!
Bristlecone Loop Trail
- Length: 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
- Elevation: 200 feet
- Time: About 1 – 1.5 hours
- Trailhead: Rainbow Point
An easy walk through the forest at the highest point in the park, with stunning views and impressive old growth pines.
Sunset to Sunrise Point Trail
- Length: 1.7 km (1.1 miles)
- Elevation: Minimal changes
- Time: About 1 hour
- Trailhead: Sunset Point to Sunrise Point
A paved section of the Rim Trail (see below) that follows the rim of the Bryce Canyon Amphitheatre with non-stop views.
Rim Trail
- Length: Varies (approximately 11 km/7 miles one way)
- Elevation: Minimal changes
- Time: Variable
- Trailhead: Multiple access points
This is a one-way trail, so be prepared to back-track or find a shuttle stop. Alternatively, you can tie this in with another hike to create a loop – we combined this one with the Fairyland Loop.
Moderate Hikes
Queen’s Garden Trail
- Length: 2.9 km (1.8 miles)
- Elevation: 320 feet
- Time: About 1.5 – 2 hours
- Trailhead: Sunrise Point
The easiest hike that descends in the Amphitheatre. If possible, combine this with the Navajo Loop Trail.
Navajo Loop Trail
- Length: 2.2 km (1.3 miles)
- Elevation: 550 feet
- Time: About 1.5 – 2 hours
- Trailhead: Sunset Point
The iconic switchbacks that you have probably seen on social media! If possible, combine with the Queen’s Garden Trail.
Queen’s Garden/Navajo Combination Loop
- Length: Approximately 4.3 km (2.7 miles)
- Elevation: Around 600 feet
- Time: About 2.5 – 3 hours
- Trailhead: Start at Sunrise Point, descend via Queen’s Garden Trail, ascend via Navajo Loop Trail
The most popular hike in the park, and for good reason!
Swamp Canyon Loop Trail
- Length: 4.8 km (3 miles)
- Elevation: 600 feet
- Time: About 2 – 3 hours
- Trailhead: Swamp Canyon
Check out Swamp Canyon via a more rugged trail through the forest.
Advanced Hikes
Fairyland Loop Trail
- Length: 12.9 km (8 miles)
- Elevation: 1,725 feet
- Time: About 4 – 5 hours
- Trailhead: Fairyland Point
My favourite hike in the park! Ever-changing other-worldly views.
Hat Shop Trail
- Length: Approximately 5.5 km (3.4 miles) round trip
- Elevation: Around 650 feet
- Time: About 2.5 – 3 hours
- Trailhead: Begin at Fairyland Point or Tower Bridge Trailhead
This hike descends from Bryce Point into the backcountry, where you’ll get views of the colourful cliffs of the Grand Staircase.
Peekaboo Loop Trail
- Length: 8.7 km (5.4 miles)
- Elevation: 1,570 feet
- Time: About 3 – 4 hours
- Trailhead: Bryce Point
This trail is packed full of the famous hoodoos!
When to Visit
There’s no “right time” to visit Bryce Canyon. Spring and fall are great since they’re not too hot and not too cold, but they’ll have a decent amount of crowds. The wildflowers in spring add a pop of colour, while fall turns the landscape into a golden masterpiece. Summer will be busy and hot, but more daylight hours is nice for longer hikes. Winter, on the other hand, is a serene wonderland – fewer visitors, snow-draped hoodoos, and an almost otherworldly quiet.
We went in November, which had its pros and cons. No crowds to fight with, which was awesome – I think we saw 5 people total over the two days we were there. But unfortunately, the town is very seasonal. Most stuff was closed, including stores and restaurants. We had a hard time finding anything to eat! And while the snow we got to see in the park was gorgeous coating the hoodoos, the snowstorm as we drove to our next destination in our rental car with all-season tires along treacherous roads was terrifying. So, we got to enjoy the park in a unique way, but just keep in mind that November’s a bit of a trade-off – no crowds, a chance of snowstorms, and some interesting dining experiences.
What to Bring
Now, let’s talk gear. Packing smart is the name of the game here, but you won’t need anything unexpected. This is pretty much your standard hiking gear list.
First off, make sure you’ve got a sturdy pair of hiking boots – some of the walks are easy paved pathways, but some are more rugged trails. Layered clothing is key since the weather can be quite unpredictable (in all seasons!). A lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer, a comfy long-sleeve shirt, and a warm fleece or jacket is the ideal set-up. Don’t forget a hat to shield yourself from the sun, and toss in some sunscreen regardless of the time of day or even time of year because those high altitudes mean more UV rays. And of course, stay hydrated, so having a good water bottle handy is a must. A small backpack to carry your essentials, a camera to capture those jaw-dropping views – you’re all set! If you’re planning to visit in the cooler months, bring gloves and a toque as well.
Bottom line, be prepared for varying conditions and make sure you’ve got the basics covered, so you can focus on soaking in the awe-inspiring landscapes.
Getting There
I won’t lie, reaching Bryce Canyon involves a bit of a journey. If you’re flying in, the nearest major airports are Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). From Salt Lake City, it’s roughly a 4-hour drive, and from Las Vegas, you’re looking at around 4.5 hours on the road. But the effort is totally worth it! And it can easily be combined with other stops to make an epic road trip. We included it as a stop in our tour of Utah’s Big 5 National Parks – more on that to come soon!
