4.6
(1155)
13,356
hikers
Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Trail
01:37
5.34km
190m
Hiking
Embark on an easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) hike through the unique landscape of Bryce Canyon, gaining 609 feet (186 metres) in elevation over approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes. You will descend into the Bryce Amphitheater, where you can walk directly among vibrant pink, orange, and red hoodoos. The route winds through natural arches, tunnels, and ravines, offering close-up views of these geological formations. Keep an eye out for iconic landmarks like Thor's Hammer and the distinctive Two Bridges formation along the Navajo Loop section.
When planning your visit, be aware that Bryce Canyon sits at a high elevation, around 8,000 feet, which might make you feel more winded than usual. For a more comfortable experience, many hikers prefer to complete the loop in a clockwise direction. This approach involves descending first via the Queen's Garden Trail, then ascending the Navajo Loop, which offers a less steep climb back out. Consider starting your hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
This trail offers an intimate experience with Bryce Canyon's famous hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion. The geological formations create an otherworldly landscape that is truly unique to this national park. It is a highly recommended route for first-time visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the park's distinctive natural beauty and geological wonders.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Bryce Canyon National Park
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
899 m
Thor’s Hammer (hoodoo)
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
1.31 km
Two Bridges (Navajo Loop Trail)
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
2.97 km
Queen's Garden Hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park
Highlight • Canyon
Tip by
5.34 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.29 km
1.04 km
Surfaces
3.93 km
676 m
362 m
283 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Thursday 7 May
20°C
-1°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Trail?
This loop trail typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The total distance is approximately 2.75 to 3.1 miles (4.4 to 5 km).
What is the difficulty level of this trail?
The trail is generally rated as moderate. It involves a significant elevation change of about 620-625 feet (190-191 meters) as it descends into and ascends out of the Bryce Amphitheater. Keep in mind that Bryce Canyon is at a high elevation (around 8,000 feet), which can make the climbs feel more strenuous.
What kind of terrain and scenery can I expect on the route?
You'll experience an otherworldly landscape with stunning close-up views of Bryce Canyon's famous hoodoos, which are distinctive, irregular rock formations in vibrant hues of pink, orange, and red. The path is composed of firm native sediment and winds through arches, tunnels, ravines, and sections of pine forest.
What notable features will I see along the trail?
The trail offers many iconic sights. On the Queen's Garden portion, look for the hoodoo formation resembling Queen Victoria. On the Navajo Loop, you'll encounter the famous Thor’s Hammer, the distinctive Two Bridges, and the narrow slot canyon section known as Wall Street (though it can occasionally be closed).
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but can be hot, so an early start is recommended. Winter hiking is possible, but conditions can be snowy and icy, requiring appropriate gear and caution.
Is the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Trail dog-friendly?
No, dogs are generally not permitted on unpaved trails within Bryce Canyon National Park, including this one. They are allowed on paved roads, paved viewpoints, and the Shared-Use Path, but must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to hike this trail?
Yes, the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Trail is located within Bryce Canyon National Park, so a park entrance fee is required. You can find current fee information and details on passes on the official nps.gov website for Bryce Canyon. No additional permits are typically needed for day hiking this specific trail.
Where does the trail start, and what are the parking options?
The trail can be accessed from both Sunrise Point and Sunset Point. Many hikers recommend starting the loop by descending the Queen's Garden Trail from Sunrise Point. Parking is available at both points, but it can fill up quickly during peak season. Bryce Canyon National Park also offers a shuttle system to help manage parking and access to popular trailheads.
What's the recommended direction to hike the loop?
Many hikers suggest hiking the loop in a clockwise direction. This means starting by descending the Queen's Garden Trail from Sunrise Point and then ascending the Navajo Loop to Sunset Point. This approach often provides a less steep climb on the Navajo side and allows you to enjoy the scenic views into the amphitheater as you descend.
Is the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Trail suitable for families?
Yes, it is a popular choice for families due to its immersive experience among the hoodoos. While rated moderate with significant elevation changes, the gradual descent of the Queen's Garden portion makes it manageable for many. However, consider the high elevation and the steeper switchbacks on the Navajo Loop when planning with younger children or those less accustomed to hiking.
Does the trail connect with other paths?
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Rim Trail, the Bryce Canyon Multi-Use Path, and the Queen's Garden Trail itself, offering opportunities to extend or modify your hike.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Bryce Canyon 🏜️, a riot of colors that you just want to immerse yourself in! The Navajo Trail Loop winds its way down from Sunset Point 🌅. Once we got to the bottom, we changed our plan and climbed up to Sunrise Point 🌄. The path has much gentler gradients and there are always trees 🌲 and rocky outcrops that provide shade.... that was a good decision 😅
One of the most beautiful hikes, the red rock with the blue sky and green trees was absolutley stunning. And a different landscape to anything else we have ever seen. I took too many photos again....
It's beautiful here in Bryce Canyon, but now in December it's freezing cold and windy.
Simply stunning, it is difficult to walk more than a few metres at a time as you keep stopping with your mouth open to take photos or simply absorb the impressions in amazement.
How did nature come up with this? Spectacular.
The rangers suggest doing the loop clockwise, but this leaves the steep switchbacks for the way out. CCW may be preferred for a gentler way out. Can easily extend this hike once at the bottom along Peekaboo Trail.
Bryce Canyon - an absolute highlight in the southwest of the USA. After we drove along the Scenic Route with the many viewpoints to Rainbow Point with ever new gigantic views of the red, bizarre rock formations in an interplay of sun and dark storm clouds, I hiked into the rocks along the Navajo Trail and on to Queens Garden. Wonderful, so right in the middle, a part of the whole. At the beginning of the trail there were still a lot of people wanting to take photos, everyone was particularly fond of Thor's hammer, but further down the valley I was almost alone on the hiking trail. Weren't there bears here🥺? But then a few hikers came towards me. On the way back (definitely take the route from Sunset to Sunrise Point, it's easier) a thunderstorm surprised me: the rumbling was scary, the thunder was huge and of course the rain came with a real drop in temperature 💦☃️. Take your time for this great tour, have fun 🙋🏼♀️
Today it was only a short loop but one of the most scenic. We did the Navajo and Queens Garden Loop in Bryce Canyon. Not particularly strenuous but incredibly beautiful. Here one photo opportunity follows the other. Bryce Canyon is not actually a canyon in the classic sense, but a huge natural amphitheater structure that was created by erosion. It is located in southern Utah and is particularly known for its bizarre rock formations, the so-called hoodoos. These towering rock needles, which were formed by wind, water and ice over thousands of years, give Bryce Canyon its unique appearance. The colors of the rocks range from red to orange to white, which gives the place a magical atmosphere, especially at sunrise and sunset. There are several hiking trails of varying difficulty that lead through the hoodoos, with the "Navajo Loop Trail" and the "Queens Garden Trail" being particularly popular.D