Wall of Windows Hoodoo Hunt - 3mi+ Benchmark

Wayside showing a wall of redrock limestone being shaped by ice also describes Hike the Hoodoos

Wall of Windows is a benchmark medallion on Bryce Canyon's western rim—one of nine stations in the official 'I Hiked the Hoodoos' program. To qualify for rewards, hike minimum 3 miles or find 3+ benchmarks and grab proof (selfie or pencil rubbing) at each. You're at 9,000+ feet elevation with intense sun, rocky terrain, and hoodoo cliffs throughout. This is serious alpine hiking: pack triple water, start at dawn, and acclimatize to altitude.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 3
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 3
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Trail Surface: Rocky dirt, loose scree, uneven hoodoo terrain
Trail Features: Hoodoo formations
Benchmark medallion
Panoramic rim views
Orange and red rock formations
Trail Highlights: Part of the official 'I Hiked the Hoodoos!' benchmark program with rewards available at the Visitor Center for collecting medallion proof from three or more stations throughout the park.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Peekaboo Loop Trail entrance, western side of Bryce Amphitheater
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Fees: $35 per private vehicle entrance fee
Trail Status: Open

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0

Safety & strategy

Hazards: High altitude exposure at 9,000+ feet
Intense sun exposure with minimal shade
Rocky uneven terrain
Cliff edges near hoodoo formations
Rapid dehydration risk
Hazard Details: High elevation causes altitude sickness symptoms—headache, shortness of breath, fatigue. Intense sun at 9,000+ feet burns fast; dehydration is rapid without constant water intake. Rocky, loose soil and uneven footing create ankle injury risk. Exposed cliff edges and drop-offs are present near hoodoo formations; falls are serious. Weather changes rapidly at elevation.
Best Time To Visit: Start by 6:30 AM before heat and crowds hit. Afternoon temperatures spike at elevation and you'll overheat fast even in spring. Go during the park's snow-free season when trails are fully passable. Avoid midday sun—your body at 9,000+ feet cannot recover from dehydration that quickly.
Tips Advice: Carry 3 liters of water minimum; dehydration sneaks up at altitude even in cool months.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are non-negotiable—UV intensity is extreme at elevation.
Wear solid hiking boots with ankle support; terrain is rocky and uneven throughout.
Bring a camera for benchmark selfies (proof for Visitor Center reward) or pencil and paper for rubbings.
Start early to avoid afternoon heat and crowds.
Move slow and breathe deep; let your body acclimatize to thin air.
Confirm benchmark location with rangers before hiking—don't waste energy searching.

More details

Park Area: Bryce Amphitheater
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 or alert a ranger immediately. Nearest ranger station is at the Visitor Center.
Map Recommended: 1
Insider Tips: Ask the ranger at the trailhead which benchmarks are easiest to spot—don't waste energy on a wild goose chase.
The Wall of Windows medallion is on the western side of Peekaboo Loop; confirm exact location before you hike.
Collect benchmark selfies or rubbings early in your hike while you still have energy.
Download a map to your phone even if the trail seems obvious; cell service is unreliable.
Late afternoon light hits the hoodoos golden, but you'll be exhausted by then—your best shots come mid-morning with fresh legs.
Family Friendly Notes: Altitude and physical demands make this challenging for young children. Some sections of Peekaboo Loop have steep, exposed areas requiring close supervision. Families with school-age kids who are hiking-fit may attempt shorter segments, but the full 3-mile benchmark hunt is not recommended for young children.
Review Summary: Hikers report the hoodoo views are striking and the benchmark reward program is a real incentive, though most underestimate the altitude challenge and sun exposure. Those who prepare with water and start early give it high marks; those who arrive late or underprepared regret it.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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

You can walk 3 miles at a slow pace, but 9,000+ feet elevation slows everyone down. Expect 3-5 hours if you're fit; 5-7+ hours if you're not. Start early, rest frequently, and be honest about your fitness level. Quitting halfway is better than a rescue call.

Is it safe to hike alone?

The trail is popular and marked, but it's remote. Carry a phone, tell someone your plan, and consider a partner. Cell service is spotty—don't rely on it. Stay on marked trails and don't wander off searching for benchmarks.

How much water do I really need?

Minimum 3 liters for a 3-5 hour hike at this elevation in the sun. Dehydration sneaks up fast at 9,000+ feet—the dry air masks how much you're sweating. There are no water sources on the trail; carry what you need from the start.

What exactly is the reward for collecting benchmarks?

Collect 3+ benchmark medallions with proof (selfie or pencil rubbing of each). Bring your proof to the Visitor Center and claim your reward. The 'I Hiked the Hoodoos' program is official; rewards vary by year.

Do I need a map to find these benchmarks?

The main trail is obvious, but finding specific benchmarks can be tricky. A map is cheap insurance. Ask a ranger exactly where Wall of Windows is before you start—it's marked as one of nine medallions on the western side of Peekaboo Loop.

What should I look for to spot the benchmark?

It's one of nine metal medallions mounted on rocks. Look for a circular marker. Wall of Windows is on the western side of Peekaboo Loop. If you can't find it after 10 minutes of searching, ask a ranger or another hiker.