Peekaboo Loop Via Navajo Loop
Bryce Canyon National Park, UtAmazing Views, Geological Wonders, and Hoodoos
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 5.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 1407 ft
Approximate Hiking Time: 3.5 – 5 hr
Features: Geological Features
Nearest Town: Tropic, Ut
Descend into Bryce Canyon and walk among the hoodoos on this less traveled trail.
Hiking through the amphitheater is an incredible experience with amazing close-up views. Each hoodoo seems to have its own personality.
- Trail Condition 100%
- Usage 75%
- Trail Head Easy to Find 100%
- Kid Friendly 30%
Hike Highlights
1. Hoodoos
Walking in the Bryce Amphitheater may be the only thing more beautiful than seeing it from above.
2. A Tiny Bit of Solitude
Peekaboo Loop is one of the lesser hiked trails through the Bryce Amphitheater. You may find some breif solitude as you enjoy this trail.
3. Amazing Views
Several overlooks provide amazing views of the trail and surrounding landscapes.
Hike Overview
Trailhead Directions
Park at the Sunset Viewpoint parking lot which is about 1 mile from the Visitor Center. The trail starts at the Navajo Loop trailhead.
Note that this is a fee area within Bryce Canyon National Park. From the parking area walk out to Sunset Point where you’ll find the trailhead.
Hike Details
Start by descending the switchbacks on the Navajo Loop taking the path that heads to Two Bridges. At the bottom of the switchbacks keep an eye out for the 2 bridges trail spur. It’s only about 30 ft back to the sign and view point of the bridges.
From here continue to the trail junction where the connector trails between Queen’s Garden and PeekaBoo loops join the Navajo trail. Take the sign towards PeekaBoo loop.
It is one of the harder trails in and around the Bryce Canyon hoodoos due to the change in elevation. It’s mostly up and down. Ha! For the entire loop it feels like you go up 300ft, down 300ft and repeat that about 5 times!
Follow the trail in a clockwise direction which will keep you following the path in the same way the horse tours do. Just step to the side and let them pass if you are sharing the trail.
The trail winds around between the fins ascending to an amazing viewpoint at the top of one of the fins. Here it bends around and through a tunnel. If you’ve been collecting “Hike the Hoodoo” pictures there is one on the information sign just before the tunnel.
Crossing through the tunnel the trail drops back down to a resting area under a huge overhanging rock. It was shaded in the morning and made an excellent place for a break and a quick snack.
Continuing on the trail passes two washes. It isn’t really possible to see The Alligator from here, but is fun to look for “pictures” in the hoodoos. Further up the trail look back and you’ll get a great view of The Alligator.
Once again the trail starts to ascend where it meets the trail to Bryce Point, a steep mile back out of the canyon to Bryce Point. If you’re tired, short on time or just want to head out of the canyon, this is the best place to do it especially in summer when you can take the shuttle back. Otherwise, the trail continues through the hoodoos for about 2.5 miles back to Sunset Point or take the Rim Trail from Bryce Point back to Sunset Point.
Continuing on the Peek-a-Boo loop about 0.25 miles from the return to Bryce Point there is a rest area complete with vault toilets. Watch for deer and hummingbirds around the area. Personally, I think the next part of the loop is the prettiest. The trail continues on to the Wall of Windows, looking up from here there are two huge windows high up on the fin. Also, there is the next “hike the hoodoos” medallion.
Continue down the trail to the Hindu Temples, an amazing collection of hoodoos that look surprisingly like temples. Gaze back from the trail as you move through the hoodoos, each area offering different views of the surrounding landscape.
After admiring the hoodoos continue down the trail and through a tunnel nicknamed the Devil’s Slide. It’s easy to see how it got it’s nickname as the trail drops at a steep angle straight towards a big drop off. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the spectacular views as you walk through the tunnel.
Finally, the trail continues to descend returning to the beginning of the loop.
From here take the connector trail back to Navajo loop trail and follow the signs to Wall Street. A great way to end the trail as it ascends through a very short slot canyon. Near the top of the switchbacks there is a viewpoint worth a quick peek.
Not into hiking the 5.2 mile figure 8 loops?
Take one of the horse tours. Just beware that the horses often like to live life on the edge!
Why is this hike rated hard?
Peekaboo loop via Navajo arch is the shortest option to complete the loop, but is still 5.2 miles round trip. It’s not necessarily the length that makes it hard, but the elevation gain and terrain.
More Hikes to Choose From
Check out this and more hikes in and around Bryce Canyon National Park and Tropic, Ut.
Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon National Park, Ut
The Navajo Loop Trail is one of the most popular trails into the Bryce Amphitheater and it’s easy to see why.
Viewpoints of Bryce Canyon National Park
Check out one, two, or all the Bryce Canyon Viewpoints. Whether you’re visiting for a short time or just want an easy hike, this is it!
Mossy Cave, Topic Ditch Waterfall, and Turret Arch, Bryce Canyon National Park, Ut
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.3 mi
Elevation Gain: 141 ft
Discover Mossy Cave and the Tropic Ditch Waterfall while visiting Bryce Canyon on this fun and easy hike for the whole family.