Navajo Loop - 3mi Moderate Hike

A wayside showing a tall red rock spire describes hoodoos and the Hike the Hoodoos program

The Navajo Loop plunges 500 feet below the rim into Bryce's iconic hoodoo amphitheater—a descent through towering red rock pinnacles that demands respect for exposure and hydration. This 3-mile loop is the park's signature experience, best tackled early morning to avoid the intense afternoon sun at 9,000+ ft elevation. The climb back to the rim is brutal but worth every switchback; experienced hikers complete it in 2–3 hours, casual pace takes 4 hours. A moderate-to-strenuous commitment, but non-technical if you respect the heat and bring water.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 3
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 550

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 3
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 550
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours for fit hikers; 3–4 hours for casual pace. Factor in time for benchmark stops and photography.
Trail Surface: Red rock trail with loose stone, dirt, and rocky switchbacks. Uneven footing; no paving.
Trail Features: Iconic red hoodoo formations
Towering rock pinnacles
Natural amphitheater views
Benchmark stations (I Hiked the Hoodoos program)
Switchback descent/ascent
Canyon shadows and light play
Trail Highlights: This is the crown-jewel Bryce experience. You descend into a cathedral of red rock hoodoos—the park's defining feature. The benchmark stations reward your effort with physical proof. Surround yourself with 500+ ft of exposed hoodoos; the return climb reminds you why this accomplishment matters.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Sunrise Point trailhead parking area, bottom junction of Navajo Loop Trail
Parking Lot Size: approximately 75 spaces (limited; fills quickly in peak season)
Parking Fill Time: Full by 8 AM summer months; arrive by 7 AM or expect to walk from overflow lots
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required. Sunrise Point has direct parking access. Optional shuttle service available at Bryce Canyon Shuttle Station for those unable to drive; confirm with Visitor Center.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for day hiking. The 'I Hiked the Hoodoos' program rewards free (available at Visitor Center).
Fees: $35 — Entrance - Private Vehicle; $30 — Motorcycle; $20 — Per Person (walk-in/bike). Valid 7 days. As of 2026-07-02.
Trail Status: Open year-round
Seasonal Closures: December–February: snow and ice possible; switchbacks become treacherous. Trail rarely closes completely but conditions degrade significantly. Check with Visitor Center.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Zero. Dry trail at high elevation. Carry 2L minimum; pack extra. No creeks or sources to filter.
Accessibility: Steep descent with rocky, uneven trail throughout. Requires moderate-to-good fitness and balance. Not suitable for mobility limitations.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Cliff edges and drop-offs
Sun exposure at elevation
Dehydration risk (no water sources)
Loose rock and uneven footing
Steep switchbacks
Altitude-related fatigue
Hazard Details: The trail descends steeply with exposed edges; one slip could be serious. Intense sun at 9,000+ ft altitude can cause heat exhaustion or dehydration quickly—no shade, no water. Rocky, uneven terrain demands attention. The switchback climb-out tests cardio; altitude fatigue kicks in. Loose rock is common on descent.
Cell Service: Spotty to unreliable. Plan to be out of comms range. Bring a whistle; satellite messenger recommended for remote hiking confidence.
Crowd Level: Conga line during peak season (Jun–Aug 10am–2pm); ghost town early morning and off-season
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends 9 AM–3 PM; holidays; spring break (April). Lowest traffic: October–November, before sunrise, after 5 PM.
Best Season: May through October; April and November are marginal with possible snow at rim. Avoid November–March unless experienced with snow travel.
Best Time To Visit: Start by 6:30 AM to beat the afternoon heat and sun exposure. Morning light illuminates the hoodoos perfectly; by 2 PM, the trail becomes an oven at 9,000+ ft. Late May through September is optimal; April and October can still have snow patches at the rim.
Tips Advice: Carry 2L minimum; pack an extra liter—no water sources on-trail.
Apply sunscreen liberally; the high elevation intensifies UV damage.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and good hiking boots for rocky descent.
Download the 'I Hiked the Hoodoos' guidebook at Visitor Center before starting—benchmarks reward grit.
Descend first, climb last; save your legs for the exit punch.
Start by 6:30 AM; the 2–3 PM slot is a furnace.

More details

Park Area: Bryce Amphitheater, Sunrise Point area
Trail Markers: Well-marked with cairns, signage, and established switchbacks. Main trail is obvious; junction to Peekaboo Loop is marked—stay left for Navajo Loop only unless you're adding mileage.
Dogs Allowed: No; national park regulations prohibit dogs on hiking trails
Biking Allowed: No; hiking only
Shade Level: Full sun exposure. Minimal shade in the hoodoos. High elevation (9,000+ ft) amplifies UV intensity. Afternoon sun is relentless on the climb-out.
Emergency Contacts: Dial 911. Visitor Center (staffed during operating hours) for immediate trail assistance and ranger support.
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: November through March; snow likely above 8,500 ft. Rim usually sees snow by early December; lower hoodoo elevations remain more bare.
Mud Season: April through May; trail may be sloppy after snowmelt and spring runoff.
Wildflower Peak: Late May through July; ponderosa pine understory with manzanita and columbine in sheltered areas.
Fall Colors Peak: Late September through early October; aspen groves and scrubland foliage turn gold and red.
Bug Season: Minimal. High elevation (9,000+ ft) and aridity suppress mosquitoes. Summer can see occasional gnats; not a serious factor.
Insider Tips: Grab the official 'I Hiked the Hoodoos' guidebook at Visitor Center—it locates 9 benchmark stations across park trails (Navajo has one). Collect rubbings or selfies with benchmarks, return for the reward.
The junction to Peekaboo Loop appears ~1.5 miles in; stay left to complete Navajo Loop only (shorter commit). Adding Peekaboo extends mileage to 5+.
Descend first (fresh legs), climb later. Your knees will thank you on the exit.
The 'false summit' at 0.5 miles doesn't indicate trail end—keep going; real payoff is at the bottom junction.
Hoodoos cast deep shadows in morning light—bring a tripod if photography is your mission.
Recent Updates: Check with Visitor Center for current trail status, snow closures, or maintenance work. Park website and NPS app updated daily.
Family Friendly Notes: Drop-offs present; children must stay close to adults. Recommended for ages 8+. Teach foot placement and respect for edges. The climb-out is grueling for young legs; consider shorter benchmark-only mission (1–2 hours) instead of the full loop.
Nearby Facilities: Visitor Center at Sunrise Point: water, restrooms, information, and 'I Hiked the Hoodoos' program materials. No food; bring snacks. Sunrise/Sunset Point viewpoints are nearby for pre/post-hike views.
Review Summary: Hikers rave about the iconic hoodoo views and the accomplishment of the climb-out, but universally warn of the heat, dehydration risk, and steep punishment on quads. Most rate it challenging-but-achievable for moderate fitness; early-morning starts and serious hydration are non-negotiable. The 'I Hiked the Hoodoos' program adds a game-like reward layer that hikers love.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this trail even though I'm not super fit?

Yes, but honestly assess: 3 miles with 500 ft elevation loss/gain at 9,000+ ft altitude is moderate-to-strenuous. If you can walk 2 miles at sea level without stopping, you can do this—but expect 4 hours, not 2. Start early, bring water, and don't ego-drive. The benchmark-only mission (1–2 hours) is an easier alternative.

Is it safe to hike alone?

The trail is well-marked and popular, so you're never truly alone in peak season. Cell service is spotty, so carry a whistle or satellite messenger if solo in off-season. The exposure and dehydration risk are the real concerns—buddy up if possible, especially on the climb-out when fatigue sets in.

What gear is non-negotiable?

Bring: 2L+ water (no sources), sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, trekking poles (knee relief on descent), and proper hiking boots (rocky terrain). Start early (before 7 AM) to avoid afternoon heat. A headlamp if you're starting at dawn.

What's the 'I Hiked the Hoodoos' program about?

It's a scavenger hunt: hike 3+ miles OR find 3+ benchmark stations, collect pencil rubbings or selfies with the benchmarks, and return to the Visitor Center for a reward (free). It's gamified hiking—people love it. Grab the guidebook at the Visitor Center before starting.

How much harder is this than a paved rim walk?

Hugely. The rim walks are strolls; this is cardiovascular work. You're descending and climbing steep switchbacks on loose rock with exposure. Budget 3–4 hours and respect the elevation gain. Your legs will feel it for 2 days after.