Navajo Loop Trail

Hikers descend sandy switchbacks heading into a canyon of red rock with trees

The iconic 1.3-mile Navajo Loop descends via tight switchbacks into the heart of Bryce Canyon's hoodoo formations, passing Thor's Hammer, the park's most famous landmark. At high elevation, the air is thin and the grade is steep (max 30%), but the views justify the burn. The loop has two sides: Two Bridges runs year-round, while Wall Street closes in winter. Most fit hikers complete it in 1–2 hours.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.3
Route Type: Loop (summer, full Wall Street section); Two Bridges out-and-back year-round
Difficulty Level: Moderate—short but steep
Elevation Gain Feet: 515

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.3
Route Type: Loop (summer, full Wall Street section); Two Bridges out-and-back year-round
Difficulty Level: Moderate—short but steep
Elevation Gain Feet: 515
Estimated Time: 1–2 hours depending on fitness and altitude acclimation
Trail Surface: Firm native sediment (packed dirt and stone)
Trail Features: Thor's Hammer hoodoo
Colorful limestone walls
Douglas-fir and pinyon-juniper forest
Hundreds of hoodoo formations
Bryce Amphitheater views
Trail Highlights: Views of Thor's Hammer, the park's most iconic hoodoo, framed by narrow red-rock walls. Surrounded by hundreds of towering hoodoos in the Bryce Amphitheater.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Sunset Point
Parking Fill Time: Full by 7 AM during peak season (June–September)
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Shuttle service available via Bryce Canyon Shuttle system; recommended alternative if parking lot is full

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required
Fees: No fee for the trail itself. Bryce Canyon National Park entrance fee applies: $35 per private vehicle (as of 2026-06-12)
Trail Status: Open year-round; Wall Street section seasonally closed in winter
Seasonal Closures: Wall Street side closed during winter months; Two Bridges remains open year-round

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Dry trail—carry all water (minimum 2 liters). Water fill stations at Sunset Point (seasonally); water available year-round at Sunset Point restroom.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Steep switchbacks (max 30% grade) with narrow trail sections (minimum 25" width). Firm native sediment surface. Due to natural terrain, not considered accessible.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Fall/drop-off danger
Steep grade (max 30%)
Altitude exposure
Loose rock in switchbacks
Rapid weather changes
Narrow trail sections
Hazard Details: Steep switchbacks (max 30% grade) with narrow sections (minimum 25" width). Exposed drop-offs on both sides. High elevation creates thin air and rapid weather changes. Loose native sediment can be slippery when wet.
Crowd Level: High—Navajo Loop is the park's most iconic trail; expect a conga line during summer
Peak Crowd Times: June–August, 9 AM–3 PM
Best Season: Year-round (Two Bridges section); Summer for full Wall Street loop
Best Time To Visit: Summer (June–September) for the full loop with Wall Street open. Arrive by 7 AM to beat crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. Shoulder seasons (May, September–October) offer fewer crowds and cooler temps for the climb.
Tips Advice: Carry 2+ liters of water—dehydration at high elevation hits fast.
Hike counter-clockwise (NPS recommendation) to manage the steep descent.
Trekking poles mandatory for the knees on the descent; they're not optional.
Start by 7 AM; afternoon thunderstorms can move in fast.
Wear layers—high elevation temp swings are extreme.
Take 30 minutes at the rim to acclimate before descending.

More details

Park Area: Bryce Canyon Rim (Sunset Point–Sunrise Point area)
Trail Markers: Well-marked switchback trail; easy to follow
Dogs Allowed: No—pets not permitted on this trail (service animals excepted)
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Partial shade in narrow sections between hoodoos; exposed sun on ridges and switchbacks
Emergency Contacts: 911; Bryce Canyon Visitor Center (contact via nps.gov/brca)
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: Wall Street section typically closed December–March; Two Bridges may have ice/snow but remains passable year-round
Mud Season: Rarely muddy; high desert climate and firm sediment drain quickly after rain
Bug Season: Minimal; sparse water and high elevation limit insect populations
Insider Tips: Hike counter-clockwise (steeper descent on Wall Street is less punishing on the return).
Combine with Queen's Garden Trail for a 2.9-mile loop via the Rim Trail (more scenic variety).
Two Bridges section is open year-round and gentler; save it for winter visits if you want a legal alternative.
If parking is full, skip the lot-hunting—take the shuttle from the visitor center. It's faster.
The false summit at mile 0.8 tricks many hikers; the real payoff is just ahead.
Recent Updates: None reported
Family Friendly Notes: Switchbacks are steep with drop-offs on both sides; hand-holding required for children under 12. At high elevation, children under 10 may experience altitude effects (nausea, fatigue). Not recommended for children under 6.
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms and water (seasonal) at Sunset Point trailhead. Visitor Center, lodging, and additional services at park entrance (5–15 min drive from trailhead).
Review Summary: Hikers consistently call this the must-do trail at Bryce Canyon and bucket-list material for the iconic Thor's Hammer views. Most fit hikers complete it in 1–2 hours. The main challenge isn't technical difficulty—it's managing altitude exposure and steep switchbacks; preparation and early arrival are key to enjoyment.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears or dangerous wildlife?

No bears. Mule deer and pikas are common but avoid humans. Be loud if hiking solo.

Can I do this if I'm not super fit?

Yes—it's only 1.3 miles—but you'll feel every foot of the 515 ft gain at high elevation. Hike slowly, take breaks, and don't push through altitude sickness symptoms.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes. The trail is well-marked and heavily trafficked during daytime. Stay aware on exposed sections near drop-offs and carry a whistle.

Do I need trekking poles?

Highly recommended, especially for the descent. The switchbacks are steep and poles save your knees from absorbing the full impact.

How much water do I need?

Minimum 2 liters. There's no water on the trail itself. Refill at Sunset Point before you start.

Can my kids do this?

Yes, but hand-holding is mandatory for children under 12 (drop-offs on both sides). Children under 6 and those with altitude sensitivity should skip it.

What's the difference between Two Bridges and Wall Street?

Wall Street is steeper with better hoodoo close-ups; Two Bridges is gentler. Summer: both open for a full loop. Winter: only Two Bridges is open.