Navajo Loop

Bryce Canyon National Park, Ut

Amazing Views, Geological Wonders, and Hoodoos

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 550 ft
Approximate Hiking Time: 0.5 – 1.5 hr
Features: Geological Features
Nearest Town: Tropic, Ut

The Navajo Loop is one of the most popular trails into the Bryce Amphitheater and it’s easy to see why.  Hiking down from the canyon rim is breathtaking with a few surprises along the way.  Get ready though.  The trail may be short, but it’ll definitely give your quads a workout.  Switchbacks anyone?

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  • Kid Friendly 70% 70%

Hike Highlights

1. Hoodoos

Walking in the Bryce Amphitheater and seeing some hoodoos close up.

2. Slot Canyon Feel

While the Navajo Loop is not technically a slot canyon, it does give that general feeling with towering walls framing the trail.

3. Amazing Views

On this hike you’ll see Thor’s Hammer, Two Bridges, and Wall Street.  Be sure to take your time (and breaks) so you can take in the amazing views of the trail and surrounding landscapes.

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Hike Overview

Trailhead Directions

Park at the Sunset Viewpoint parking lot.  From the parking area walk out to Sunset Point where you’ll find the trailhead.  You’ll actually be able to see the trail dropping into the canyon below Sunset Point.

Note that this is a fee area within Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bryce Canyon Sunset Point
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Hike Details

Note that parts of the Navajo Loop may be closed during certain times of the year.  Check the signs before you set out on the trail.

Start by descending from the canyon rim heading towards Two Bridges while enjoying the view of the hoodoos below.  On this part of the path keep an eye out for Thor’s Hammer which is one of the most prominent hoodoos in this part of the trail.

Bryce Canyon Thors Hammer
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The trail soon curves to a set of switchbacks leading down to the Two Bridges.  Near the bottom of the switchbacks, a short 30 ft trail spur brings you back to the sign and view point of two natural bridges.

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From here continue on the Navajo Loop to the junction where the connector trails between Queen’s Garden and Peek-a-Boo loops join the Navajo trail.  Follow the signs to Navajo Loop and Wall Street.  This will take you back towards the canyon rim.

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Navajo Trail will start to climb almost immediately from this area on a nice wide path through a treed area.  As you round the bend the stairs that climb into Wall Street will come into view.  Wall Street is kind of like a slot canyon with walls that curve up and over the trail.  It can be a real treat in the summer as it’s often shady in Wall Street.

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At the end of Wall Street the switchbacks that take you back to the canyon rim come into view.  Take breaks as you climb to the top to catch your breath and enjoy the view looking back towards Wall Street.  Near the top of the switchbacks there is a viewpoint worth a quick peek.

brycecanyonwallstreet
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Why is this hike rated moderate?

Navajo Loop may be short at only 1.5 miles long, but it’s steep.  Be prepared to walk a lot of switchbacks both on the way down into the canyon and on the way back up to the canyon rim.

More Hikes to Choose From

Check out this and more hikes in and around Bryce Canyon National Park and Tropic, Ut.

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