Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop
f you want the quickest and most spectacular way to immerse yourself in Bryce Canyon, this is it. The Queen’s Garden–Navajo Loop drops you straight into the amphitheater, weaving between towering hoodoos, narrow canyon walls, and some of the most iconic formations in the park.
At just under 3 miles, it delivers an incredible amount of scenery in a short distance. You move from sweeping rim views down into the heart of the canyon, where the scale of the hoodoos really sets in, then climb back out through dramatic switchbacks framed by towering rock.
This is Bryce’s most popular hike—and a visit here doesn’t feel complete without it. You won’t find solitude, but what you gain in sheer beauty more than makes up for it. It’s also one you’ll likely want to repeat, especially at different times of day when the light completely transforms the canyon.
The most iconic Bryce hike—short, dramatic, and the quickest way to walk among the hoodoos.
Awe Rating (1-5):
5
Length:
< 5 miles
Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail Type:
Loop
Time Needed:
1-2 Hours
Highlights:
Big Views, Photography
Landscape:
Hoodoos, Canyon
Solitude Potential:
Low
Trailhead Access:
Paved Access
Special Considerations, Best Season to Hike:
Hike clockwise (down Queen’s Garden, up Navajo). Busy year-round; go early or late for better light and fewer crowds. Wall Street may close in winter.
Things to Know
Best direction (important): Hike clockwise—descend via Queen’s Garden from Sunrise Point and climb out via Navajo to Sunset Point. You’ll be walking into the views, and it’s safer to go up the steeper Navajo section.
Distance & effort: ~2.9 miles with about 600–625 feet of elevation gain; moderate but short.
Trailheads: Start at Sunrise or Sunset Point and connect them with a short stretch of the Rim Trail.
Wall Street closures: The Wall Street side of Navajo often closes in winter due to ice; the Two Bridges route remains open.
Crowds: This is the busiest trail in Bryce—go early, late, or simply expect company.
Combine for more: Easily connects with Peekaboo Loop for a longer, unforgettable hike deeper into the amphitheater.
More to Explore
For the ultimate Bryce experience, combine this loop with Peekaboo Loop to create a longer route through the heart of the amphitheater.
Photo Inspiration
