Navajo Loop
Bryce Canyon National Park, UtAmazing 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?
- Trail Condition 100%
- Usage 100%
- Trail Head Easy to Find 100%
- Kid Friendly 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Queens Garden and Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon National Park, Ut
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 1.8-3.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 357-643 ft
Take Queens Garden for the shortest route into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater to experience the hoodoos up close and personal.