Figure-8 Combination

Red rock formations on top of a steep sandy slope with distant red rock formations in the background

The Figure-8 Combination is the ultimate Bryce hoodoo gauntlet: six miles linking Queen's Garden, Navajo Loop, and Peekaboo Loop into one relentless descent-then-ascent circuit. You're descending into a canyon of red hoodoos, navigating grades up to 30%, scrambling through tight passages, and sharing the trail with horses and mules. This is strenuous terrain with rapid elevation change—expect lung-busting climbs on the Navajo ascent and raw exposure to sun and wind. Not for casual strollers; this is for hikers ready to earn their views.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 6.4
Route Type: Loop (Figure-8)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1575

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 6.4
Route Type: Loop (Figure-8)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1575
Estimated Time: 4–5 hours if you're fit and moving steady. Add 1–2 hours if you're stopping for photos or need recovery breaks. This is not a casual hike.
Trail Surface: Firm native sediment with steep grades (max 30%). Naturally stable but unforgiving on the knees. Loose scree in sections; slippery when wet or icy.
Trail Features: Hoodoos
Red rock amphitheaters
Switchback trails
Queen's Garden overlooks
Navajo Loop viewpoints
Peekaboo Loop forest sections
Two Bridges natural arch
Sunrise and Sunset Point rim views
Trail Highlights: The iconic Bryce Canyon hoodoo landscape—towering red and orange rock formations carved by erosion. Unobstructed views into the Bryce Amphitheater from multiple angles. The combination of three separate hikes gives variety: Queen's Garden is scenic descent, Navajo Loop is dramatic switchbacks, Peekaboo Loop winds through forest and hoodoo forest. The sense of scale is overwhelming.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Sunrise Point or Sunset Point (clockwise descent from Queen's Garden Trailhead recommended)
Parking Lot Size: Parking available at both Sunrise and Sunset Points. Lots fill during peak season. Oversized vehicles not permitted when shuttle is in operation.
Parking Fill Time: Summer weekends: full by 7–8am. Weekdays and shoulder season (May, October): usually full by 9–10am. Check NPS website for real-time updates.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Shuttle service available and recommended during peak season. Check the NPS website for shuttle schedules and operation dates. Shuttle avoids parking stress on busy days and can save 30–45 minutes of driving.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for day hiking. Backcountry camping requires a permit; this hike is day-only.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle entrance fee (valid 7 days). Motorcycles $30. Nonresidents aged 16+ pay an additional $100 nonresident fee. Walk-ins and bicyclists $20.
Trail Status: Open (subject to seasonal closures)
Seasonal Closures: May close mid-winter (typically December–February) due to snow depths of 2–15 feet, making the trail impassable. Check NPS website for current closure status.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Water-fill stations at Sunset Point (seasonally), Sunset Point restroom (year-round), and near the General Store at Sunrise Point (seasonally). Trail itself is dry—no natural water sources. Carry all water. Pit toilets on the west side of Peekaboo Loop (summer only).
Accessibility: Not an accessible trail. Steep grades (up to 30%), uneven firm native sediment surface, narrow sections (minimum 25 inches), significant drop-offs, rapid elevation change. Not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility aids, or anyone with mobility limitations.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep grades (up to 30%)
Rapid elevation gain
Intense sun exposure
High altitude (9,000+ feet)
Cliff edges with no railings
Horses and mules on trail
Slippery when wet or icy
Winter snow closures
Afternoon thunderstorms
Hazard Details: Navajo Loop hits grades up to 30%; Queen's Garden grades max 25%. Narrow trail sections (minimum 25 inches) with sheer drop-offs—no railings. Horses and mules use the Peekaboo Loop; they have right-of-way, and runners can startle them. Trail ice is common before the full snow closure. Altitude of 9,000+ feet can cause headaches or shortness of breath for unacclimatized hikers. Sun reflects off red rock—you're getting burned even on cloudy days.
Crowd Level: Moderate to heavy during peak season (June–August). Most hikers tackle Queen's Garden or Navajo Loop individually; the full Figure-8 combo requires more grit, so it's less crowded than the single trails. Spring and fall see lighter traffic.
Peak Crowd Times: July–August (summer vacation). Weekends year-round. 9am–2pm most popular hours.
Best Season: May through September (before winter snow). Peak accessibility June through September. Avoid December through February due to heavy snow and ice.
Best Time To Visit: May through October, targeting May–September for reliable open conditions. Start by 6am to beat the afternoon heat and finish before the sun peaks. Avoid July–August if you're heat-sensitive; July brings intense high-desert sun with little shade. October is prime—cool mornings, clear skies, fewer crowds. Winter (December–February) brings 2–15 feet of snow, closing the trail entirely.
Tips Advice: Carry minimum 2–3 liters of water; fill stations are seasonal—don't rely on them. Bring an extra bottle.
Start early (before 6am) to beat afternoon heat and secure parking.
Wear a hat, sunscreen, and long sleeves—there's almost zero shade on hoodoo trails.
Trekking poles are non-negotiable for the Navajo ascent (30% grades). They save your knees on the way down.
Wear boots with aggressive tread—the trail is firm but steep, and slippery when wet.
Horses and mules use the Peekaboo Loop. Give them the right-of-way; step off the trail on the uphill side.
Check weather before you go. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast at altitude.

More details

Park Area: Central Bryce Canyon
Trail Markers: Well worn and marked. This is the most popular hike in the park; the route is obvious. But carry a map—there are junctions, and the Figure-8 loop can be confusing on first attempt.
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are permitted.
Shade Level: Full sun on most hoodoo sections. Limited shade on Peekaboo Loop's forest sections. Exposed to wind at rim elevations (9,000+ feet). Wear sunscreen.
Emergency Contacts: Ranger Station at Visitor Center (Bryce Canyon National Park). Nearest medical facility: Panguitch Valley Hospital (~45 minutes away). In life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: December through February (typical). Trail may become impassable anytime after November if early snow hits. Check current conditions on NPS website before planning winter hikes.
Mud Season: Late May through June (snowmelt) and late August through September (monsoon rains). Trail can be muddy and slippery—good boots essential.
Insider Tips: The clockwise descent via Queen's Garden is the right direction—you'll have fresh legs for the steep part.
The Navajo Loop ascent is the killer; save energy for it.
Peekaboo Loop connects through forest. It's a mental break from sun exposure but adds 2+ miles.
False summits on the Navajo ascent will mess with your head. Keep moving.
Pit toilets on the west side of Peekaboo Loop (summer only) are your only on-trail restroom; don't skip them if available.
Sunset/Sunrise Point parking lots fill fast on weekends. The General Store near Sunrise Point has overflow.
Horses often move fast on downhill sections—don't assume you can keep pace with them. Step aside.
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for young children (under 10). Narrow cliff-edge sections demand constant hand-holding and focus. Older kids (10–15) with hiking experience and good fitness can manage with close adult supervision. Watch for altitude sickness in kids above 9,000 feet. No shade for breaks. Horses and mules can spook children.
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms at Sunset Point (year-round) and General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally). Water-fill stations at both locations (seasonal). Visitor Center at park entrance with maps, permits, and ranger info. Gas and lodging 45+ minutes away in Panguitch or Tropic, Utah.
Review Summary: Hikers call this the ultimate Bryce hike, but the 1,575-foot elevation gain and 30% grades on the Navajo ascent earn it a "strenuous" rating. Most report the hoodoo views are worth every lung-busting minute, especially in spring and fall. Winter closures are common; check conditions before planning.

Location

Frequently asked questions

How much harder is the Figure-8 than the individual trails?

Much harder. Hiking Queen's Garden alone is easy; Navajo Loop alone is moderate. The Figure-8 stacks all three together, so you're dealing with cumulative fatigue, 1,575 feet of elevation gain, and 6.4 miles of exposure. Budget 4–5 hours and plan for a full-body workout.

Can I do this hike alone, or should I bring a partner?

You can do it alone if you're experienced and fit. But a hiking partner is smart for safety—there are exposed sections and no cell service in spots. Tell someone your planned return time. Carry a whistle and first aid kit.

What's the biggest fitness demand—distance or elevation?

Elevation. The 1,575-foot gain over a mix of steep switchbacks (up to 30% grades) is the killer, not the mileage. Your legs and lungs will feel every foot of that climb. The descent is hard on the knees. Good fitness is mandatory.

Do I need special gear (poles, helmet, harness)?

Trekking poles are essential for knee protection on descents and stability on steep sections. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiable—sun reflection off red rock is intense. No technical climbing gear needed, but wear boots with aggressive tread. Microspikes or gaiters may be useful in early season (late May) if snow lingers on shaded sections.

What if I get altitude sickness at 9,000 feet?

Headaches and shortness of breath are common above 8,500 feet if you're not acclimated. Drink water constantly, take it slow on climbs, and turn back if symptoms worsen (dizziness, severe headache, nausea). Spend a day at lower elevation first if you're flying in from sea level.

Are the horses a real safety issue?

Yes. Horses and mules move fast, especially downhill, and can spook if you make sudden movements or noise. Step off the trail on the uphill side and let them pass. They have right-of-way. Be quiet and calm when you see them.

What's the weather risk—rain, lightning, or cold?

Afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast at 9,000 feet. Start by 6am to be off-trail before storms kick up (usually 2pm+). Lightning is a real hazard in open hoodoo sections. If storms develop, get off the rim and into the canyon where there's some shelter. Bring a rain jacket. Winter sees snow and ice; check closures before you go.