Nobody denies the stunning beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, and Bindlestiff Tours patrons continually vote the Bryce Tour as one of their favorites, but many avid hikers are overwhelmed with the choices of hiking trails at Bryce Canyon. With a plethora of multi-colored rocks known as hoodoos, the hiking between these spires creates many choices of unique experience. To make things easier, we present the 5 best hikes at Bryce. Keep in mind that hiking at Bryce is very much like hiking in the Grand Canyon in that the majority start with a decent and finish climbing uphill. The descents and ascents are not quite as steep as the Grand Canyon, but they can be challenging for some. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, and also keep in mind that the park’s elevation of about 8,000 feet means that the day is going to be slightly cooler than other National Parks in Utah.
Peekaboo-Queens Garden Loop
In a survey of readers in 2013, the Tribune found that most readers preferred this hike as their favorite. The hike is a 5.5 miler, and is actually a combination of three trails. There are ample hoodoos and arches, and a narrow canyon that is quite spectacular. You will begin at the Navajo Loop Trailhead and descend through switchbacks for nearly a mile. As the trail winds through the area known as “Wall Street” you will be amazed by the amount of colors to behold. Continue on to Peekaboo Loop toward the left, and after hiking for about 2.5 miles you will come to the “Windows” which is an area named for strange holes in the rocks on the rock walls. As you continue to Queens Garden you will begin the upward climb back to the end. Many consider this the hardest part of the hike so be prepared for a 582 foot climb back to the beginning.
The Hat Shop
The Hot Shop is named for the unique shapes of the hoodoos in this area. The hoodoos themselves are the reason many come to Bryce Park, and if the unique nature of the spires isn’t enough then within this hike you can actually find uniquely shaped hoodoos that appear to have hats sitting on top of the spires. This 3.7 mile hike is part of the trail system known as Under The Rim Trail. You will not find signs marking the Hat Shop, but instead you will know you are there by looking for the unique shapes of the hoodoos themselves!
Swamp Canyon Loop
If you prefer lesser-known trails with less traffic, Swamp Canyon Loop is for you! A far greener area of the park due to dense vegetation of firs and pines, this 4.3 mile loop follows the Under The Rim Trail. In addition to the mixture of hoodoos and vegetation, you will also find unique geology at the Paunsaugunt Plateau. You will climb almost 800 feet to end the hike.
Tower Bridge
If you would like to complete the total package of natural formations at Bryce Canyon, make sure you hike Tower Bridge in order to add a natural bridge to the hoodoos and spires. Tower Bridge itself is named for the connecting rick between two spires. The entire hike is a 3 miler roundtrip which will end with a 950 foot climb. The trail follows the Fairyland Loop section of the park, and is jaw dropping in it’s beauty.
Bindlestiff Tours specializes in allowing our guests to enjoy the natural beauty of our National Parks tours as they want to. As you spend your time exploring Bryce National Park, you are encouraged to allow the beauty of the area to take you to another time.