Navajo/Peekaboo Combination Loop

A view over a landscape filled with red rock formations with the iconic thor's hammer formation.

This is a lung-buster: a 4.9-mile Figure-8 loop combining Bryce's two most iconic trails—Navajo and Peekaboo—into one relentless descent-and-climb. You'll drop 1,475 feet into a cathedral of red hoodoos via steep switchbacks, navigate high-altitude grade, then climb back out. Expect minimal shade, cliff edges, and loose footing. Strenuous. Not for casual hikers.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 4.9
Route Type: Loop (Figure-8 combination)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1475

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 4.9
Route Type: Loop (Figure-8 combination)
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1475
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours if fit; 5+ hours if you take breaks for photos and hydration
Trail Surface: Firm native sediment with loose sections and exposed bedrock
Trail Features: Red hoodoo formations
High-altitude canyon views
Scenic viewpoints
Exposed red rock spires
Geologic cathedral
Switchback engineering
Trail Highlights: Two of Bryce's most iconic trails merged into one challenging loop. Descend into the heart of the hoodoo forest via relentless switchbacks, navigate the high-altitude Peekaboo section, and emerge with panoramic canyon views. The geologic immensity—thousands of spires surrounding you—is the real payoff.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Sunset Point
Parking Fill Time: Early morning (peak season); typically full by 8:00 AM
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Shuttle service available when in operation. Oversized vehicles not permitted in parking area when shuttle operates. Check NPS website for current shuttle schedule and hours.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for day hiking.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (Bryce Canyon entrance fee, as of 2026-06-12). Motorcycle: $30. Per-person (walk-in/bike): $20. Youth 15 and under: free. Nonresidents (16+): additional $100 fee.
Trail Status: Open year-round
Seasonal Closures: No full closures. Winter: Navajo Loop uses Two Bridges route instead of main descent. Snow and ice may require traction devices.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Water-fill stations at Sunset Point (seasonal) and at Sunset Point restroom building (year-round). Pit toilets on west side of Peekaboo Loop (summer only). No natural water sources on trail—carry all your water.
Accessibility: Not an accessible trail. Firm native sediment surface with steep grades: 14% typical (Navajo descent), 6% typical (Peekaboo), up to 30% max on Navajo. Trail width: 25-77 inches, with 25-inch minimum on Navajo (very narrow). Intense exposure and drop-offs. Not ADA compliant. Not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility devices.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep drop-offs with no barriers
Rapid elevation gain (1,475 ft)
Intense sun exposure
Technical footing on loose terrain
Horses and mules on Peekaboo Loop
Narrow single-track sections
High altitude (9,000-10,000 ft)
Hazard Details: Cliff edges with unforgiving sheer drop-offs throughout, particularly on Navajo section. Maximum grades reach 30% (Navajo descent) and 27% (Peekaboo sections). Loose native sediment footing demands careful foot placement. Mules and horses on Peekaboo Loop require right-of-way protocol. High altitude increases fatigue and dehydration risk. Narrow sections (25-77 inches wide) mean limited margin if you slip.
Crowd Level: Conga line—this is one of the park's most popular trails
Peak Crowd Times: Early morning (6-9 AM) and midday. All-day crowding during peak season (June-September). Least crowded in winter and early spring before school breaks.
Best Season: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer milder temps. Summer is intense with heat exposure. Winter is passable but snow/ice adds hazard. Park open year-round.
Best Time To Visit: Arrive by 6:00 AM to beat crowds and secure parking. Start before midday heat peaks; the canyon has virtually no shade and afternoon exposure is brutal. Winter route uses Two Bridges side of Navajo Loop for snow/ice conditions.
Tips Advice: Hydration: Carry minimum 3L water. Heat and altitude dehydrate fast.
Trekking poles: Non-negotiable. They save knees on descent and provide balance on steep grade.
Boot discipline: Lace tight. Loose boots invite twisted ankles on technical terrain.
Start early: Parking fills fast. Be at Sunset Point by sunrise.
Cliff awareness: Edges are unforgiving. Stay on trail. No margin for error.
Horse/mule protocol: Give right-of-way. Stay uphill of animals.
Weather: Afternoon storms can move in fast. Turn back by 2 PM if clouds build.

More details

Park Area: Bryce Canyon National Park
Trail Markers: Well-marked at main junctions and Navajo descent. Some Peekaboo sections require attention to stay on trail. The Figure-8 route can confuse hikers unfamiliar with combo loops—pay attention at trail splits.
Dogs Allowed: No—pets not permitted on trail. Service animals allowed per NPS policy.
Biking Allowed: No—hiking only
Shade Level: Virtually none—full sun exposure throughout canyon descent. Hat and high-SPF sunscreen mandatory. The hoodoos cast shadows but minimal protection for extended breaks.
Emergency Contacts: Dial 911 for life-threatening emergencies. Ranger support available at Visitor Center. Ranger stations at major trailheads.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Winter conditions possible November-March. Navajo Loop uses Two Bridges route instead of main descent in winter. Snow/ice may require microspikes or traction aids.
Insider Tips: The false summit at Mile 3 will tempt you to stop—don't. The real payoff is the final switchback section with full hoodoo immersion.
Hike Peekaboo clockwise (as NPS recommends) to avoid uphill encounters with mules and horses.
Start your descent before 8 AM. Afternoon thunderstorms can move in fast from the south and trap you with zero visibility.
The Navajo descent is your hazard zone. Tight boots, poles, slow footwork. Your knees thank you on the return climb.
Sunrise from Sunset Point before you descend is worth the 5 AM wake-up—you'll be alone, and the light is unreal.
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for young children. Steep drop-offs require constant supervision and hand-holding. Elevation gain exhausts kids quickly. Best for older children (10+) with prior hiking experience and comfort with heights. Parents must assess vertigo risk—this trail has real consequences for mistakes.
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms and water at Sunset Point. Visitor Center (mile from trailhead) has maps, ranger briefings, and full facilities. Lodging and food in Bryce Canyon town (30+ minutes outside park boundary). Park services concentrated at main visitor area.
Review Summary: Hikers report the elevation gain is brutal and humbling—many underestimate difficulty. The payoff—standing in the hoodoo cathedral surrounded by thousands of red spires—justifies the suffering. Most say bring more water than you think and start earlier than planned.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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

Not recommended. 1,475 feet of elevation gain in 4.9 miles is relentless and unforgiving. If your longest hike was 2 miles, start with Queen's Garden or Rim Trail instead. Return here after you've built serious endurance.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Not ideal. The exposure, loose footing, and remoteness mean accidents happen: twisted ankles, dehydration, falls. Hike with at least one partner. Notify someone of your plan and expected return time.

What if I'm scared of heights?

The drop-offs are significant and there are no railings. If unprotected heights make you dizzy or panicked, skip this trail. Bryce has easier rim paths with views. No shame in choosing the safer route.

Do I really need trekking poles?

Yes. Your knees need them on the 1,475-foot descent, and they give you a critical balance point on steep grades and loose terrain. Don't skip them—borrow a pair if needed.

How much water do I actually need?

Minimum 3 liters. Carry more if you hike slow or feel thirsty early. The sun, altitude, and exertion dehydrate fast. Running out of water in the canyon with no refill is dangerous.

What time of year is best?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer cooler temps and are ideal. Summer is brutal with relentless heat exposure. Winter is doable but snow/ice adds hazard. Start early any season to beat crowds and heat.