Queen's/Navajo Loop - 2.9mi Moderate Hike

Hikers walk along a trail towards an open archway in the red rock

This is Bryce Canyon's signature hike. The 2.9-mile loop stacks the open hoodoo views of Queen's Garden descent against the relentless switchbacks of the Navajo ascent—625 feet of elevation gain with grades up to 30%. Moderate difficulty on paper masks the physical reality: constant climbing, loose surface, high altitude. Budget 2-3 hours and prepare for a leg-punishing route that rewards with amphitheater views from the heart of the canyon.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2.9
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 625

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.9
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 625
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours if fit; 4+ hours if you take photo breaks or struggle with elevation gain. Descent takes longer than ascent due to joint stress on loose surface.
Trail Surface: Firm Native Sediment (loose, unforgiving on steep descent)
Trail Features: Hoodoos
Switchbacks
Canyon amphitheater views
Towering canyon walls
Unique geological formations
Trail Highlights: The switchbacks on the Navajo descent embed you in the hoodoo formations—canyon walls surround you on all sides and you're hiking through the heart of the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. The Queen's Garden descent offers open, expansive views. Combined, this is the most scenic elevation change in the park.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Sunrise Point or Sunset Point (parking and facilities at both)
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Shuttle service available during operating season. Check current schedule and details with the Visitor Center before your visit.

Permits & conditions

Fees: $35 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (valid 7 days). Per-person entry available for non-vehicle users. Fee as of 2026-06-12.
Trail Status: Open year-round with seasonal modifications
Seasonal Closures: Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop closed in winter (exact dates available from Visitor Center). Two Bridges side remains open as alternative route. Hike time increases in snow/ice conditions.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: No reliable water sources on the trail itself. Water-fill stations available at Sunrise Point (General Store, seasonally) and Sunset Point (year-round at restrooms, seasonally at station). Fill completely before descending—you are dry once you commit to the loop.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Steep grades (up to 30%), narrow sections (25-inch minimum width), loose native sediment surface, and significant elevation change make this unsuitable for mobility devices or those with limited mobility. NPS officially rates this trail as not accessible due to natural terrain.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep switchbacks (grades up to 30%)
Loose native sediment on descent
Drop-offs with no railings
Narrow trail sections (minimum 25 inches wide)
Exposure to full sun
High altitude environment
Significant elevation change over short distance
Hazard Details: Steep grades: Queen's Garden 11-25%, Navajo Loop 14-30% with maximum cross-slopes up to 24%. Minimum trail width 25 inches on tight switchback turns. Loose native sediment makes footing unstable on descent, especially in wet conditions. Real drop-offs on switchbacks with no guard rails—one misstep on a narrow turn could be fatal. High altitude (park elevation ~9,000 ft) reduces oxygen availability and impacts respiratory recovery on climbs.
Cell Service: Unreliable. Carry a fully charged phone for emergencies but don't rely on signal. Tell someone your itinerary.
Crowd Level: Conga line of hikers. This is the park's most popular hike—expect heavy traffic, especially mid-May through September.
Peak Crowd Times: Mid-morning through mid-afternoon, peak season May-September. Mid-May through Labor Day sees the heaviest traffic.
Best Season: May through October
Best Time To Visit: May through October for best weather and trail conditions. This is the park's most popular hike—arrive very early or very late to minimize crowding. Winter is hikeable but Wall Street section of Navajo Loop is closed (use Two Bridges alternative). Water strategy critical: 2-3 liters minimum, no sources on trail.
Tips Advice: Trekking poles are mandatory on descent—the loose native sediment shifts under load.
Clockwise route (descend Queen's Garden, ascend Navajo) is NPS-recommended for good reason: traffic flow and knee-friendly descent angles.
Winter hiking requires Two Bridges side—Wall Street closed; allow extra time for snow/ice.
Hydrate aggressively at the trailhead; you have zero water sources on this trail.
Start before the sun hits full strength or after 4 PM to avoid peak heat exposure.

More details

Park Area: Bryce Canyon National Park main amphitheater area
Trail Markers: Well-marked with clear signage and heavy use patterns. This is the most popular trail in the park—the path is obvious, but pay attention at switchback turns to avoid off-trail scrambles.
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals permitted.
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Variable. Queen's Garden section is mostly exposed to full sun. Navajo switchbacks offer some hoodoo-shade relief, particularly on descent and within switchback turns. Bring sun protection for the exposed sections.
Emergency Contacts: Contact Visitor Center (located at park entrance) or nearest ranger station in an emergency. Cell service unreliable—carry a charged phone as backup and always hike with a partner if possible.
Map Recommended: 1
Insider Tips: Hike clockwise as NPS recommends (descend Queen's Garden, ascend Navajo)—better traffic flow and the downhill section has easier joint stress.
Winter trips: Wall Street section of Navajo Loop is closed December-March (check exact dates)—use Two Bridges alternative instead.
The switchback turns on Navajo descent are where the views explode; don't rush through them.
Start before 7 AM mid-May through September to secure parking and beat crowds.
Trekking poles reduce knee trauma on descent by 25-30%—not optional on this route.
Recent Updates: Wall Street section of Navajo Loop closed seasonally in winter. Two Bridges side available as alternative route during winter months. Shuttle service available during peak season—check Visitor Center for current operation dates.
Family Friendly Notes: Moderate difficulty is suitable for families with hiking experience and children 8+. The 625-foot elevation gain and steep sections require parental supervision. Drop-offs on switchbacks demand hand-holding for younger children or those afraid of heights. Reverse the route if knees are a concern (descend Navajo, ascend Queen's Garden)—easier on joints going up than down.
Nearby Facilities: Restrooms available year-round at Sunset Point, seasonally at General Store near Sunrise. Water-fill stations at Sunset Point (seasonal) and General Store (seasonal). Visitor Center available for information and shuttle details. Nearest lodging and supplies in Bryce Canyon town (outside park boundary).
Review Summary: Hikers universally call this the must-do at Bryce Canyon—it's the park's most popular route for good reason. The loop packs iconic hoodoo views and switchback immersion into a 2-3 hour package, but the grit reality is steeper than the "moderate" difficulty rating suggests: relentless elevation, loose footing, and high altitude make this punishing on legs and lungs. Start early to beat crowds and bring trekking poles.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this actually doable for a first-timer?

Yes. NPS recommends it to first-time visitors. Moderate difficulty doesn't mean easy—expect 625 feet of elevation gain and real switchbacks—but most hikers with basic fitness complete it. Budget 3-4 hours if you stop for breaks and photos. Start early to avoid heat stress.

How bad are the switchbacks really?

Steep and relentless. Navajo grades hit 30% in sections. They're repetitive, test your knees hard on descent, and there's no escape route mid-loop—you must commit to finishing. Trekking poles are your best friend here. It's not technical scrambling, but it's brutally sustained.

Is this safe to hike alone?

Yes, if you're fit and cautious. It's heavily traveled with constant foot traffic, so you won't be truly alone. Stay on marked path, watch for drop-offs on switchback turns, and bring a whistle. Cell service is unreliable—carry a charged phone and tell someone your itinerary.

How much water do I need?

2-3 liters minimum for a 2-3 hour hike in full sun at altitude. There is zero water on the trail—fill completely at the trailhead. Dehydration at high altitude hits fast and hard. Don't gamble with water on this one.

What if I can't handle the full loop?

You can reverse the route: ascend Queen's Garden, descend Navajo. This puts the killer descent on fresh legs instead of exhausted ones. If you absolutely can't do both legs, the Queen's Garden descent alone is worth the trip, but the combination loop is the iconic experience.

Is winter hiking possible?

Yes. Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop closes in winter (exact dates from Visitor Center)—you'll use the Two Bridges alternative instead. Snow and ice add 1-2 hours to your time and increase hazard from loose footing. It's doable but requires caution and extra water in a colder environment.