The Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park is easily one of my top 3 hikes I’ve ever experienced—and it’s not hard to see why. Voted as one of the top 10 hikes by National Geographic, this trail takes you through Bryce’s surreal landscape, filled with vibrant reddish-orange rock formations and iconic hoodoos that seem to defy gravity. Despite its relatively short distance, the hike packs a punch with its challenging switchbacks and stunning vistas, making it a must-do when visiting this National Park in Utah.
Hiking Info: Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop Trail
- Trailhead location: Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon
- Loop Trail Hike: Loop 3.5 miles
- Rated: Moderate
- Elevation change: 580 feet
Tip: Wearing proper hiking shoes is essential to ensure comfort, stability, and protection while navigating challenging trails.
When To Go
The best time to visit Bryce Canyon is from late spring to early fall (May to September) when the weather is mild, and the trails are mostly snow-free, offering optimal conditions for hiking. However, winter also has its charm with fewer crowds and the chance to see the stunning red rock hoodoos dusted with snow, creating a striking contrast against the bright blue sky.
The History
Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop Trail is one of the oldest in the park, developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The Hike: Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop Trail
The path starts at Sunrise Point where you can park and walk down to Queen’s Garden trail. Descending into the heart of the canyon, you’re introduced to a cast of characters that have been carved by the whims of nature—the hoodoos. These towering rock formations, sculpted by the relentless forces of wind, water, and time, seem to spring to life with each twist and turn of the trail, creating a mesmerizing maze of orange and white layers that protrude up from the ground.
The hoodoos are striking white and orange colors due to the unique mineral composition and geological processes at play. The orange and red hues result from iron oxide (rust) within the rock, where iron-bearing minerals have oxidized over millions of years, creating vibrant tones. In contrast, the white sections are primarily limestone, rich in calcium carbonate, which forms lighter-colored layers on top of the hoodoos. The differing erosion rates of these iron-rich sandstone and limestone layers contribute to the distinct banded appearance, giving Bryce Canyon’s landscape its iconic, colorful spires.
This formation below reminds me of a castle with the little door carved out for the trail.
As you continued onto the Navajo Loop Trail, you’ll ascend a series of dramatic switchbacks through bright Sienna colored slot canyon. It’s called Wall Street because its towering, narrow walls resemble the skyscrapers lining Manhattan’s famous financial district. The steep, vertical rock faces rise dramatically on both sides of the trail, creating a canyon-like corridor that feels enclosed and imposing, much like walking through the urban canyon of New York City’s Wall Street. It’s dark and cold from lack of light, but utterly mesmerizing.
When you exit this slot canyon there are red rock switchbacks up to the rim. As you make your way back up, the views shift, allowing you to see the intricacies of the hoodoos from different perspectives.
Even though this trail is just over 3 miles round trip, the elevation change is around 600 feet, so it’s quite the workout for a shorter trail.
Give yourself plenty of time to take photos, and also because of the elevation it’ll take a bit more time to catch your breath.
So, lace up your hiking boots, embrace the challenge, and prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of Bryce Canyon’s Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop Trail.
Are you spending a weekend in Bryce Canyon and need more ideas, check our my post 2 days in Bryce Canyon National Park.
One Response
Thanks a lot for this post. This was very useful for me to make a day trip in Bryce Canyon. The hikes have beautiful views of the canyon and takes you all the way down to the bottom of the canyon.