The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

The Burr Trail OHV Road is less a single trail and more a gateway to some of Utah's most wild and spectacular canyon systems, offering a diverse hiking experience through Grand Staircase-Escalante and Capitol Reef National Park. You'll traverse varied terrain, from paved sections near Boulder to graded dirt roads that wind past Navajo Sandstone domes and through dramatic red rock formations. The highlight for many is the historic Burr Trail Switchbacks, a series of steep hairpin turns that descend an 800-foot rock escarpment, providing breathtaking views of the Waterpocket Fold and the Henry Mountains.

This is a difficult 76.8-mile (123.6 km) route with 5318 feet (1621 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 33 hours and 39 minutes to complete. While the main route is a road, many designated and undesignated hiking opportunities exist off it, ranging from easy walks like Pedestal Alley to strenuous, multi-day backpacking trips. Be aware that the unpaved sections can become muddy and impassable in wet conditions, even for 4WD vehicles, so check weather forecasts before you go. Always carry ample water, as shade is limited, and strong navigation skills are essential for exploring side canyons.

The Burr Trail is recognized as a scenic byway, providing continuous visual appeal and access to remarkable geological formations like the vividly colored Waterpocket Fold and the red Circle Cliffs. It's a historical route, originally a cattle trail developed by John Atlantic Burr, and offers a sense of untouched wilderness. Spring and fall are the best times to visit for milder temperatures, making it an ideal choice for experienced hikers seeking remote beauty and geological wonders.

The Bryce Point to Sunset Point Trail offers a spectacular journey along the rim of Bryce Canyon, showcasing the park's iconic amphitheater and its vibrant hoodoo formations. You'll walk through natural terrain, with continuous vistas of the "Silent City" and other unique rock spires, sculpted by millennia of erosion. The high altitude of 8,000 to 8,368 feet above sea level adds to the challenge, but the visual rewards are immense, making it a truly memorable experience.

This moderate hike covers 4.9 miles (8.0 km) with an elevation gain of 691 feet (210 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 19 minutes to complete. Due to the significant elevation changes and high altitude, remember to carry ample water, wear sun protection, and be prepared for varying terrain. The section from Bryce Point to Inspiration Point is closed during winter, so check seasonal conditions before you go.

What makes this route particularly special is the ever-changing perspective it offers of Bryce Canyon's unique geology, from the colorful Claron Formation to ancient Douglas fir trees. It serves as an excellent connector between major viewpoints, and you can combine it with descents into the canyon via trails like the Navajo Loop for a more immersive adventure. The dramatic light during sunrise and sunset truly brings the hoodoos to life, making these times ideal for photography.

The Lower, Mid, and Upper Inspiration Points trail offers a concise yet incredibly rewarding hiking experience in Bryce Canyon National Park. You'll journey through a landscape dominated by an "endless sea of hoodoos," starting with a short walk to Lower Inspiration Point before ascending a consistent, relatively steep incline to Mid and Upper Inspiration Points. From these higher vantage points, you'll gain broader, nearly 360-degree panoramic views of the canyon, including the distinctive "Silent City" and Boat Mesa, making it one of the most popular viewpoints for its stunning geological formations.

Planning your visit to these accessible viewpoints is straightforward, though it's wise to check park conditions, especially during winter when icy sections can make the trail treacherous. The 0.6-mile (1.0 km) out-and-back route, with its 70 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes only 16 minutes, making it a perfect family-friendly option. For the most breathtaking experience, consider an early morning hike to Mid Inspiration Point, which is particularly highlighted as an excellent spot for viewing the sunrise over the canyon.

This trail is notable for providing a comprehensive experience of Bryce Canyon's iconic scenery within a relatively short hike, allowing you to appreciate the scale and intricate formations of the natural spires from multiple angles. It serves as a fantastic introduction to the park's unique geological context and is a must-do for anyone wanting to quickly immerse themselves in the beauty of the hoodoos. The progression through the three viewpoints ensures you capture diverse perspectives, making it a standout among beginner hiking trails in the area.

Embark on an easy 3.9-mile (6.2 km) hike along the Sunset and Inspiration Points via Rim Trail and Bryce Canyon Path, where you'll gain 562 feet (171 metres) in about 1 hour and 47 minutes. This route delivers some of Bryce Canyon's most spectacular panoramic views of its unique hoodoos and the vast natural amphitheater. You'll traverse diverse terrain, from a paved, accessible section between Sunrise and Sunset Points to a well-maintained dirt path with a moderate incline leading to Inspiration Point, all while enjoying sweeping vistas of formations like the Silent City and distant views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking iconic scenery without a strenuous climb.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail offers significant flexibility; you can hike shorter segments or combine sections, and the park's shuttle service is available to help you return to your starting point. The trail is particularly rewarding for photographers, with the changing light throughout the day creating dramatic scenes. While the overall difficulty is easy, be aware that some segments, especially between Bryce Point and Inspiration Point, can have steep drop-offs and may be uneven or muddy after inclement weather. These sections are also subject to winter closures, so check conditions before you go.

What makes this trail truly notable is its accessibility and the sheer density of iconic viewpoints it connects, all from above the rim. It allows a broad audience, including families and those with strollers, to experience the park's splendor. The trail efficiently links all the significant viewpoints in the Bryce Amphitheater area, providing diverse perspectives of the park's famous natural features and making it one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park for high-impact views.