Hike the Hoodoos

Q: Is this safe to hike alone?

Yes, trails are well-marked and popular. Stay alert on loose rock and don't hike after dark. Leave word with park staff about your route.

Q: Do I need trekking poles?

Strongly recommended. The descent is steep and loose—poles prevent falls and save your knees on the way down.

Q: What if I'm not fit enough for the altitude?

Test yourself on Bristlecone Loop (1 mile, 1 medallion) first. Altitude hits harder than distance. Be honest about your fitness.

Q: Where do I get water on the trail?

Nowhere. Carry 2–3 liters minimum for the 3-mile route. No sources to filter; this is a dry canyon.

Q: What's the most popular route?

Queen's Garden + Navajo Loop (3 miles, 2 medallions). Most hikers finish in 3 hours and love the reward.

Distance

3 mi

Elevation Gain

600 ft

Est. Time

3 hours for the 3-mile minimum if you're fit; 4–5 hours if you hunt longer routes or struggle with altitude. Add time if loose rock slows your descent.

Route Type

Multiple routes available; most popular = Queen's/Navajo Loop combo (loop route)

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) for stable weather and comfortable exertion.

Overview

About This Trail

This is a structured hike-and-hunt across Bryce Canyon's marked trails: navigate at least 3 miles, collect rubbings or photos of benchmark survey markers, then claim your reward at the Visitor Center. Terrain is steep with loose rock—you'll descend 500+ feet into the hoodoo canyon and fight back up. The program spans eight trails, so you can go minimal (3 miles) or all-in (18.4 miles for all nine benchmarks). Most hikers tackle the recommended Queen's/Navajo combo in 3–4 hours of pure grunt work.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate to Strenuous (steep grades with loose rock)

Trail Highlights

Collect benchmark medallions on marked trails through Bryce Canyon's iconic hoodoo rock formations. Each medallion represents a checkpoint; gather rubbings or photos to claim a special reward from the Visitor Center ranger.

Insider Tips

• The Queen's/Navajo combo is the meta-efficient choice—3 miles, 2 medallions, full satisfaction. • Sunrise Point parking fills by 7:30 AM in summer; arrive early or park at Visitor Center and shuttle. • The descent is the killer—poles save your knees. Don't skip them. • Loose rock is your enemy on the way down. Control your speed; don't race. • Claim your reward at the Visitor Center before closing time. • Fit hikers finish the 3-mile combo in 2.5 hours; plan 3–4 hours if slower or stopping for views.

Best Season to Hike

Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) for stable weather and comfortable exertion.

Hiking Tips

Bring minimum 2–3 liters of water; there are no sources on trail.
Trekking poles are not optional—loose descent will destroy your knees without them.
Start early to beat the heat and crowds.
Queen's/Navajo combo is the efficiency pick—3 miles, 2 medallions, full glow.
Check trail conditions at Visitor Center before starting.
Use sunscreen and a hat—no shade on rim sections.
Don't push all nine benchmarks unless you've trained for altitude and distance.

Family Info

Service animals permitted. Trail is steep with loose rocks and drop-offs—hand-holding mandatory for young children. Minimum 3 miles on steep terrain at altitude requires solid fitness. Not recommended for kids under 8 unless very experienced.

What Hikers Say

Hikers love the structured challenge and reward motivation—it makes a steep hike feel like an achievement. Most tackle the 3-mile Queen's/Navajo combo, finishing in 2.5–4 hours. The loose rock and elevation challenge hikers more than distance.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 3 miles

Elevation Gain: 600 ft

Duration: 3 hours for the 3-mile minimum if you're fit; 4–5 hours if you hunt longer routes or struggle with altitude. Add time if loose rock slows your descent.

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (steep grades with loose rock)

Route Type: Multiple routes available; most popular = Queen's/Navajo Loop combo (loop route)

Surface: Unpaved, steep grades, loose rock and scree, compact dirt

Getting There

Trailhead: Multiple trailheads: Queen's Garden (near Sunrise Point), Navajo Loop (near Sunrise Point), and six other marked starting points throughout the park

Requirements

Permit Required

No special permits. Access included with park entrance fee ($35 for private vehicle).

Fees: $35 entrance fee (Private Vehicle)

Shuttle Available

Bryce Canyon Shuttle operates seasonally; not required for this activity. Parking available at scenic overlooks.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Service animals only; pets are not permitted on these trails.

Trail Markers: Well-marked trails with 'Hike the Hoodoos' benchmark medallions clearly placed at designated points

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: None on trail. Carry all water needed. Plan for 2–3 liters minimum for the 3-mile route.

Shade: Full sun on rim sections; variable shade in canyon. Most exposed terrain in morning and midday.

Hazards:

Steep grades and loose rock create slip-and-fall risk, especially on descent. Drop-offs are real—watch footing. High elevation (9,100+ ft) accelerates dehydration and fatigue; many hikers underestimate altitude. Sun is brutal; reflection off rock intensifies burn. Loose terrain means controlled scrambling, not casual hiking.

Emergency: 911 if in cell service (variable in canyons). Alert a ranger or hiker if you need help on trail. Visitor Center at park entrance.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to high, especially on Queen's/Navajo combo (most popular trail in the park)

Peak Times: July–August, weekends year-round, holidays. Arrive before 7 AM to avoid the crush.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Service animals permitted; trail surfaces unpaved with steep grades and loose rocks. Not wheelchair accessible.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Visitor Center (where rewards are claimed) with restrooms and information. Park has two campgrounds (North and Sunset) and scenic overlooks with parking.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Can I do the 3-mile minimum and still get a reward?

Yes. The Queen's/Navajo Loop combo is exactly 3 miles (4.6 km) with 2 medallions. Claim your reward at the Visitor Center.

Is this safe to hike alone?

Do I need trekking poles?

What if I'm not fit enough for the altitude?

Where do I get water on the trail?

What's the most popular route?

📖 National Park Service — Hike the Hoodoos (official page) (checked 2026-06-13) 📖 National Park Service — Bryce Canyon National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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