The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail is Bryce Canyon’s signature hike and the most direct way to experience the amphitheater from the inside. This loop trail drops below the rim almost immediately, threading through tightly packed hoodoos, narrow corridors, and towering rock walls that make Bryce feel immersive and almost maze-like. Compared to Rim Trail or quieter routes like Tower Bridge, we found that the scenery here is denser, more vertical, and constantly changing.
In this Bryce Canyon hiking guide, we cover everything you need to know to hike the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail, including route options, trail conditions, access and parking, seasonal considerations, and tips for avoiding crowds while still getting the most out of the experience. This is THE hike most visitors picture when they think of Bryce Canyon, and for good reason. While it’s busier than other trails, it delivers some of the park’s most memorable scenery in a relatively compact distance.
Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail – At a Glance
Bryce’s most immersive hike – This loop takes you directly into the heart of the amphitheater, surrounding you with hoodoos on all sides rather than viewing them from above.
Dense hoodoo scenery throughout – The trail stays surrounded by rock formations for most of its length, with constantly shifting shapes and colors that keep the walk visually engaging from start to finish.
Short distance, concentrated effort – Despite modest mileage, the elevation change and switchback-heavy sections make this hike feel more demanding than it looks on paper.
Crowds are part of the experience – This is Bryce Canyon’s busiest hike, especially mid-day. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chance for a quieter hike.
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Typical Hike Duration: 1h30-2h
Disclosure: This page (Navajo Loop Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park Hiking Guide) may contain product affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. More details can be found on our disclosure and policies page.
Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail: Location, Map, and How to Get There
The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail is located in the heart of Bryce Canyon’s main amphitheater and is accessed directly from the rim near Sunset Point and Sunrise Point. These two viewpoints serve as the primary trailheads and are among the park’s most visited areas.
Both trailheads are well signed and easy to reach via the park road or the Bryce Canyon shuttle during shuttle season. Because this hike starts and ends at major viewpoints, access is straightforward, but parking can be limited during peak hours.
How to Get to Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is best reached by car, as there is no public transportation that provides direct access to the park.
Driving times to Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park: 135 km / 85 mi – about 2 hours
- St. George, UT: 240 km / 150 mi – about 3 hours
- Page, AZ: 240 km / 150 mi – about 3 hours
- Las Vegas, NV: 420 km / 260 mi – about 4.5 hours
- Salt Lake City, UT: 430 km / 270 mi – about 4.5 hours
These times assume clear weather and normal traffic conditions.
If you need to book a rental vehicle for your hiking excursion, we highly recommend using Discover Cars to get the best rates on your rental in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.
We also highly recommend Airalo (eSIM card) for your connectivity needs when travelling abroad. Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions worldwide.
About Bryce Canyon National Park
Utah’s Hoodoo Wonderland: Bryce Canyon National Park sits along the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah, where thousands of spire-shaped rock formations, known as hoodoos, rise from a series of natural amphitheaters. Rather than a single canyon, Bryce is defined by expansive bowl-shaped landscapes filled with tightly packed fins, pinnacles, and towers, creating one of the most surreal and instantly recognizable scenes in the American Southwest.
A Landscape Sculpted by Frost and Erosion: Unlike Zion’s river-carved canyons, Bryce’s formations are shaped primarily by freeze–thaw cycles and erosion. Rainwater seeps into cracks in the limestone and sandstone, freezes overnight, and expands, slowly prying the rock apart over thousands of years. This process has created Bryce’s delicate hoodoos, arches, and windows, with vivid red, orange, and pink hues that glow dramatically at sunrise and sunset.
Built for Viewpoints and Immersive Hikes: Bryce Canyon is uniquely suited to both casual sightseeing and more immersive hiking. A paved scenic drive connects a string of overlooks along the canyon rim, allowing visitors to experience breathtaking views with minimal effort. Below the rim, trails like the Navajo Loop, Queen’s Garden, and Tower Bridge descend directly into the hoodoos, offering a rare chance to walk among the formations rather than simply admire them from above.
Big Scenery in a Compact Park: Despite its relatively small size, Bryce Canyon delivers an outsized visual impact. Elevations range from about 8,000 to over 9,000 feet, providing cooler temperatures, expansive views, and some of the darkest night skies in the region. The park’s compact layout makes it easy to combine scenic overlooks, short hikes, and longer trail combinations in a single visit.
High Elevation, High Reward: Bryce’s accessibility via Highway 63 and its well-maintained infrastructure make it easy to visit, but the park’s elevation and popularity mean conditions can change quickly. Snow can linger into spring, summer thunderstorms are common, and trails can feel more strenuous due to thinner air. That said, Bryce remains one of the most rewarding parks to explore at a relaxed pace, with unforgettable views around nearly every corner.
Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail – Trailhead, Parking & Fees
Trailhead Location
The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail is accessed from the rim at Sunset Point (Navajo Loop section) and Sunrise Point (Queen’s Garden section), which serve as the two primary trailheads. Most hikers begin at Sunset Point, where the Navajo Loop descends steeply into the canyon, and finish at Sunrise Point via the more gradual Queen’s Garden Trail. The two points are connected by a short, flat section of the Rim Trail, making it easy to form a loop without backtracking.
Reaching the Trailhead via Bryce Canyon’s Shuttle System
During shuttle season (typically April through mid-October), Bryce Canyon National Park operates a free shuttle that serves the most popular viewpoints and trailheads along the rim. Using the shuttle is not mandatory, but it is often the most predictable way to get around the park during busy periods, especially mid-day when parking lots can fill.
Visitors are still allowed to drive their own vehicles along the park road and park at designated lots, provided space is available. For those planning to use the shuttle, the National Park Service recommends parking in the additional lot across from the Visitor Center and boarding there.
Trailhead Parking
Paved parking lots are available at both Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, but these are among the busiest lots in the park and can fill quickly, particularly from mid-morning through early afternoon. Arriving early or relying on the shuttle significantly improves access and reduces waiting time.
Facilities
Toilets are available near the North campground general store, a 5-minute walk from Sunrise Point, and by the Sunset Point parking lot.
Trail Opening Hours
The trail is accessible year-round, 24/7, weather permitting. Snow and ice are common in winter and may affect trail conditions, notably the Wall Street section, which is often closed during winter (see further below for route alternatives when closed).
Entrance Fees for Bryce Canyon National Park
Anyone visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, whether to hike, take a scenic drive, or simply enjoy the views, must pay the applicable entrance fee to the National Park Service.
Entrance Fees (per vehicle, valid 7 days)
Private vehicle: $35
Motorcycle: $30
Individual (on foot, bicycle, etc.): $20
Annual Pass Options
Bryce Canyon Annual Pass: $70 – unlimited entry for one year from the month of purchase.
America the Beautiful Pass: $80 – valid for one year at all U.S. National Parks and more than 2,000 federal recreation sites nationwide. This is the best value if you plan to visit multiple national parks within a year.
Passes can be purchased at the park entrance station, at the Visitor Center, or online through the USGS website or via the REI store.
—> Most visitors exploring Utah’s “Mighty 5” parks (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion) should strongly consider the America the Beautiful Pass: it saves money and avoids the hassle of buying separate entry fees at each park.
Navajo Loop Route Options: Which Direction to Hike the Loop (and Why It Matters)
One thing that often surprises first-time hikers is that the Navajo Loop section of the trail actually offers two different descent routes: Wall Street and Two Bridges (though few actually do this, but in summer, you can hike down one and then up the other to complete the “Navajo Loop”). Both options drop steeply into the amphitheater, but they feel noticeably different and are not always open at the same time. Wall Street is the taller, narrower, more dramatic option, while Two Bridges is slightly more open and often used as an alternative when Wall Street is closed due to rockfall or ice during winter.
In addition to choosing which branch of the Navajo Loop to use, the direction you hike the loop (down Navajo and up Queen’s Garden, or the reverse) also affects effort, crowd flow, and overall comfort. Below is how the options typically play out.
Option 1: Navajo Loop Down, Queen’s Garden Up (Recommended)
This is the most common and, in our opinion, the most comfortable way to hike the loop. Starting at Sunset Point, you descend into the amphitheater via the Navajo Loop, tackling the steepest sections, whether that’s Wall Street or Two Bridges, on the way down rather than climbing them. If Wall Street is open, it’s generally the preferred descent due to its dramatic, enclosed scenery. If it’s closed, the Two Bridges section still provides a steep but scenic entry into the canyon.
From the canyon floor, you then follow the Queen’s Garden Trail back up toward Sunrise Point, which climbs gradually and feels far less taxing than the Navajo steep switchback sections. This direction also aligns with the main flow of foot traffic, making narrow sections easier to navigate.
Option 2: Queen’s Garden Down, Navajo Loop Up
Starting at Sunrise Point and descending via Queen’s Garden offers a gentler introduction to the amphitheatre, but the tradeoff comes at the end. The climb back up the Navajo Loop—via either Wall Street or Two Bridges—is steep, stair-heavy, and physically demanding. You’ll also likely be hiking against the main flow of traffic, which can slow progress on narrow staircases and switchbacks.
This option can still be rewarding, but it tends to feel more strenuous and anticlimactic.
Alternative Variations
- Out-and-back via Queen’s Garden: A good option in winter or when conditions make the Navajo Loop unsafe due to ice or closures.
- Navajo Loop: This is typically only possible in summer, when hikers can combine the Wall Street section with the Two Bridges section of the Navajo Loop. That said, although both sections are impressive, few ever do this, as you’ll essentially be going down a series of steep switchbacks only to immediately return to your starting point by ascending another series of switchbacks, without experiencing the spectacular hoodoos of the Queen’s Garden trail.
- Partial loops: Depending on trail conditions or crowd levels, it’s easy to shorten the hike by turning around early.
Bottom line: If trail conditions allow, hiking down the Navajo Loop section and up Queen’s Garden section offers the best balance of scenery, effort, and overall enjoyment.
Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail Stats, Difficulty, and Map
If using the Two Bridges section of the Navajo Loop to descend:
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Route Type: Loop
Elevation change: 590 ft / 180 m (difference between trail high and low point)
Elevation gain: 655 ft / 200 m (cumulative elevation gain)
AllTrails rating (2026): 4.9, 31,458 ratings
Duration: Most people complete the full trail in 1h30-2h
Trail difficulty level assessment:
Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
At first glance, the trail may seem fairly easy, but it’s best classified as moderate (or easy-to-moderate). The mileage is reasonable, and the path is easy to follow, yet the steady climb back to the rim can catch hikers off guard, making the return leg feel noticeably tougher, even if less steep than the descent via Two Bridges or Wall Street, where footing can also present a slight challenge.
If using the Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop to descend:
Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3 km)
Route Type: Loop
Elevation change: 540 ft / 165 m (difference between trail high and low point)
Elevation gain: 840 ft / 256 m (cumulative elevation gain)
AllTrails rating (2026): 4.9, 11,946 ratings
Duration: Most people complete the full trail in 2h-2h30
Trail difficulty level assessment:
Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
This version of the trail is very similar in overall difficulty and in terms of cumulative elevation gain. The main difference is that you’ll have to walk an additional quarter mile or so.
Not an AllTrails member yet? We highly recommend signing up for either their free or paid membership plans. The free plan allows you to find new trails and plan routes but it can only be used while hiking if you have access to mobile data. The paid membership plan (AllTrails+) allows you to download trail maps for offline use and provides live progress updates and off-route notifications.
If you are still uncertain – you should know that the All Trails mobile application was voted the 2023 iPhone App of the Year by Apple.
We find that AllTrails is a great tool to have when hiking, particularly for assisting with navigation when the trail is hard to locate and to help monitor your progress along the trail, which helps estimate how much time you’ll need to complete the trail.
Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden – Trail Description and What to Expect
The hike typically begins at Sunset Point. A short distance in, the trail reaches a junction where the Navajo Loop splits into two branches: Wall Street and Two Bridges. Wall Street is the taller, narrower, and more dramatic option, famous for its sheer rock walls and tight switchbacks, but it is often closed seasonally due to ice or rockfall.
When Wall Street is closed (as it was during our last visit in late March), the route follows the Two Bridges section instead. While slightly more open, Two Bridges still features a steep, switchback-heavy descent and delivers classic Navajo Loop scenery.
When following the Two Bridges section, the trail first slowly drops into the amphitheater through a short series of gentle switchbacks. Early on, the views are wide open, with Thor’s Hammer rising prominently below the rim.
This opening section eases you into the hike before the terrain quickly becomes steeper and more enclosed, into a series of tight switchbacks much like those in the Wall Street section.
After the main staircase descent, the trail passes next to the two natural bridges that give this section its name before transitioning into a quieter, forested stretch. Here, the trail briefly follows Bryce Creek, and the atmosphere changes noticeably. The canyon opens up, trees provide partial shade, and the setting feels calmer and cooler compared to the enclosed hoodoo corridors above.
Although this section may appear flatter, the trail continues to descend gradually until it reaches a four-way junction near the lowest point of the hike. This intersection is an important decision point:
- Turning right climbs steeply back up Wall Street to complete the Navajo Loop (a route very few hikers choose, even when Wall Street is open).
- Continuing straight leads onto the Tropic Trail, commonly used as a connector to the Peekaboo Loop.
- Turning left brings you onto the Queen’s Garden Trail, which is the most popular and practical continuation.
The Queen’s Garden Trail provides a gentler climb out of the amphitheater and offers some of the most engaging scenery of the hike. The trail weaves closely among hoodoos, allowing you to appreciate their shapes, textures, and scale up close.
Highlights include the Queen Victoria formation, as well as several natural openings in the rock that act as short tunnels along the route. Compared to the Navajo Loop descent, this section feels more open and relaxed, with a steady, manageable incline.
As the trail climbs out of the amphitheater, the landscape opens up as you climb out of the hoodoos, providing a more desolate desert-like scenery before it eventually reaches Sunrise Point.
From Sunrise Point, the final half mile (0.8 km) follows a flat, easy section of the Rim Trail back to Sunset Point, completing the loop. This last stretch offers a chance to reflect on the hike from above, with sweeping views back across the terrain you just walked through below.
Overall, the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail delivers a dynamic and varied experience: steep, dramatic descents, quiet forested sections, and an engaging progressive climb among surreal-looking hoodoos.
Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail – Additional Details and Hiking Tips
Canine companions: Dogs are not permitted on the Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden Trail. Pets are only allowed on paved surfaces in Bryce Canyon National Park, including limited sections of the Rim Trail, and must be leashed at all times.
Trail environment: This hike descends directly into Bryce Canyon’s main amphitheater, where hoodoos are tightly packed and rise steeply on all sides. Much of the trail feels enclosed, especially along the Navajo Loop section, before opening up slightly near Bryce Creek and along the Queen’s Garden section. Shade varies as a function of the time of day, with sample shade in the morning, but few places to hide from the midday sun.
Route signage: The trail is well signed throughout, with clear markers at all major junctions, including the split between Wall Street and Two Bridges and the four-way intersection near the canyon floor. Despite the number of intersecting trails, navigation is straightforward.
Trail surface / Technical aspects: The surface consists of packed dirt, gravel, and extensive stair sections, particularly along the Navajo Loop. There are no ladders or chains, but footing can feel uneven, and steps may be slick after rain or snowmelt. Good traction is important.
Slope and effort: This hike packs a lot of elevation change into a relatively short distance. The Navajo Loop descent is steep and stair-heavy, while the Queen’s Garden climb is longer and more gradual. Even though the mileage is modest, the effort feels concentrated, especially at Bryce’s high elevation.
Previous Hiking Experience: Best suited for hikers with a moderate fitness level. While many first-time visitors complete the loop successfully, the switchbacks and elevation can be challenging for younger children or those unaccustomed to sustained climbs.
Cell Service: Cell reception is limited and unreliable once below the rim. Do not rely on mobile service for navigation or emergencies. Download maps offline before starting the hike.
Leave No Trace: Stay on designated trails to protect fragile soils and hoodoo formations. Avoid climbing on rock structures, pack out all trash, and be mindful of others, especially in narrow sections of the trail.
Bugs: Insects are generally minimal. Occasional flies may be present in warmer months, particularly near Bryce Creek, but mosquitoes are uncommon. Bug spray is optional.
Equipment: No technical gear is required, but sturdy hiking shoes with good traction are strongly recommended due to the steep grade and loose gravel during the descent. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and layered clothing. Trekking poles can be helpful, especially on the Queen’s Garden ascent.
Weather and Exposure: Bryce Canyon sits at a high elevation, and conditions can change quickly.
- Sun exposure: Strong sun is common, even in cooler temperatures. Sun protection is essential year-round.
- Wind: Breezes are frequent, especially near the rim and open sections of the trail.
- Rain: After storms, sections of the trail can become muddy or slick; allow extra time and watch your footing.
Wildlife: You may see birds, ground squirrels, or mule deer in quieter areas of the trail. Wildlife sightings are usually brief; observe from a distance and do not feed animals.
Current Trail Conditions: Check the Bryce Canyon National Park alerts page before your visit for updates on road closures, tunnel traffic controls, weather impacts, or temporary trail restrictions.
Best Time to Hike the Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail
The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail is open for much of the year, but Bryce Canyon’s high elevation and steep, switchback-heavy terrain mean that conditions can vary significantly by season. Because this hike descends below the rim and includes narrow sections and switchbacks, timing your visit plays a big role in both safety and enjoyment.
Spring (March–May):
Spring can be a beautiful but unpredictable time to hike this loop. Daytime temperatures are often cool, typically ranging from 40–65°F (4–18°C), and lingering snow adds contrast to the hoodoos. However, icy steps and muddy sections are common, especially in March and early April. Wall Street is frequently closed in spring due to ice or rockfall, meaning the loop may be limited to the Two Bridges route. Traction devices are often helpful, and checking current trail conditions is a good idea.
Summer (June–September):
Summer offers the most consistent access, with all sections of the loop typically open. Daytime highs usually range from 65–80°F (18–27°C), cooler than lower-elevation parks but still demanding due to sun exposure and elevation. The Navajo Loop is one of Bryce’s busiest trails in summer, particularly mid-day. Early morning hikes are strongly recommended to avoid crowds, heat, and afternoon thunderstorms common during the monsoon season (July–August).
Fall (October–November):
Fall is one of the best times to hike the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail. Cooler temperatures, generally between 45–65°F (7–18°C), make the stairs and climb out more comfortable, and crowds thin noticeably after September. Trail conditions are often stable, though early snow or ice can appear later in the month, potentially affecting Wall Street.
Winter (December–February):
Snow and ice are common, and steep sections can become hazardous. Wall Street is often closed, and even the Two Bridges route may be difficult without traction. While winter scenery is striking, this loop is best attempted only by well-prepared hikers with proper gear and experience. For many visitors, winter is better suited to rim walks rather than steep descents like the Navajo Loop.
Quick Summary – When to Visit
Late spring through early fall offers the best balance of accessibility, scenery, and trail conditions along the Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail. Summer provides the most reliable footing but comes with crowds and a stronger sun, making early starts ideal. Spring and fall deliver cooler temperatures and fewer people, but require flexibility due to changing weather. Winter hiking is possible but best reserved for experienced, well-prepared hikers.
Hiking Packing List
All Trails subscription – This comes in really handy for areas with little or no cell reception, as the annual subscription allows you to download trail maps for offline use.
External Battery – If you are using your phone to track your progress along the trail or to help with navigation, you certainly don’t want your phone to die on you. That’s especially true in the unlikely event that you might get hurt or need assistance.
Hiking poles – These can be particularly useful in steep trails or muddy/boggy trail conditions.
Water Filter Bottle – The Life Straw bottle is an advanced water bottle with a filter that not only improves water taste but more importantly filters out bacteria and parasites, chemicals and microplastics.
Headlamp – very practical and a smart choice if you plan to start your hike before sunrise or finish it after sunset.
Is the Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail Worth It?
We definitely think so! It’s easily one of our favorite hikes in Bryce, as it delivers the most direct access to the park’s hoodoo-filled interior, packing dramatic scenery and varied terrain into a relatively short loop.
Why You Might Enjoy It:
– The most immersive way to experience Bryce Canyon from inside the amphitheater
– Dense hoodoo scenery throughout, with constantly changing shapes and perspectives
– A well-balanced loop that pairs a dramatic descent with a more gradual climb
– Close-up features like Thor’s Hammer, the Two Bridges, and the Queen Victoria formation
Why It Might Not Be for You:
– Very popular and often crowded, especially late morning through early afternoon
– Steep, stair-heavy sections that can feel strenuous despite modest mileage
– Seasonal closures can change the route and experience
– Not ideal in icy or snowy conditions unless you’re properly equipped
Bottom line: If you’re only doing one below-the-rim hike in Bryce Canyon, this is the one most people should choose. While it’s busier and more demanding than it looks on paper, we find that the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail offer the most complete and memorable introduction to Bryce’s unique landscape.
Want to Know More About Bryce National Park?
We’ve put together a dedicated Bryce Canyon National Park Guide that covers the park’s most iconic viewpoints, the scenic drive along the rim, and the best ways to experience the hoodoos both from above and below. It’s designed to help you plan a balanced visit, whether you’re stopping for a day or building Bryce into a longer southern Utah road trip. We’ve also created detailed hiking guides for two of Bryce’s most classic trails:
Rim Trail
The Rim Trail follows the edge of Bryce Canyon’s main amphitheatre, linking many of the park’s most famous viewpoints with minimal elevation change. Portions of the trail are paved and largely flat, making it one of the most accessible ways to take in Bryce’s hoodoo-filled scenery. Whether you walk a short section between viewpoints or tackle a longer stretch, the Rim Trail delivers continuous views and works well year-round, including winter when descending trails may be icy. For more details and hiking tips, see our Rim Trail Hiking Guide.
Tower Bridge Trail
The Tower Bridge Trail offers a quieter way to experience Bryce Canyon from below the rim, descending into a more open, less crowded section of the amphitheater. The trail leads to the striking Tower Bridge formation, a natural arch framed by tall hoodoos, and provides a different perspective than the park’s rim viewpoints. While it requires more effort than a rim walk, it rewards hikers with immersive scenery and fewer crowds than trails like Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden. For route details, access information, and hiking tips, see our Tower Bridge Trail Hiking Guide.
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park
If your goal is to maximize time in Bryce Canyon and keep logistics simple, staying just outside the park entrance is the most practical option. Lodging in this area allows for early starts, easy access to sunrise viewpoints, and minimal driving once you’re in the park—especially useful during busy months or when weather conditions change quickly.
Rather than spreading options across multiple towns, we recommend basing yourself as close to the entrance as possible.
Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn
Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn is located directly outside Bryce Canyon National Park’s main entrance, making it one of the most convenient places to stay. Rooms are comfortable and well-maintained, and the property includes a restaurant, general store, outdoor pool, and laundry facilities.
Its location makes early morning and late evening visits to the rim especially easy, whether you’re catching sunrise, returning after sunset, or timing hikes around changing weather. Ruby’s Inn also serves as a hub for Bryce Canyon’s shuttle system during the operating season, further simplifying access to viewpoints and trailheads.
Booking tip: Bryce Canyon accommodations are limited, and Ruby’s Inn fills quickly during peak season (late spring through fall). Reserving well in advance is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to visit during the summer or on weekends.
Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Tower Bridge Trail difficult?
How difficult is the Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail?
The hike is generally rated moderate. While the distance is relatively short, the steep sections on the Navajo Loop and the sustained climb out via Queen’s Garden make it more physically demanding than it may appear.
How long does the hike take?
Most hikers complete the loop in 1h30 to 2 hours, depending on pace, crowd levels, and how often you stop for photos.
Which direction should you hike the loop?
Most people hike down the Navajo Loop and up Queen’s Garden, which places the steepest sections on the descent and makes the climb out more gradual. This direction also aligns with the main flow of foot traffic.
What is Wall Street, and is it always open?
Wall Street is the narrower, more dramatic branch of the Navajo Loop. It is frequently closed in winter and early spring due to ice or rockfall. When closed, hikers use the Two Bridges section instead.
Is the Two Bridges route easier than Wall Street?
Not significantly. Two Bridges is slightly more open, but it still includes steep stairs and switchbacks and requires similar effort.
Is this trail suitable for children?
It can be, particularly for older children who are comfortable with stairs and elevation gain. Younger children may find the climb tiring, especially in warm weather or crowded conditions.
Can you hike this trail in winter?
Winter hiking is possible but challenging. Snow and ice are common, stair sections can be slippery, and traction devices are often necessary. Many visitors choose rim walks instead during the winter months.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden Trail. Pets are only allowed on paved sections of the Rim Trail and must be leashed.
Do you need a permit to hike the Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail?
No permit is required. A valid Bryce Canyon National Park entrance fee or pass is sufficient.
Are drones allowed?
No. Drones are not permitted anywhere in Bryce Canyon National Park, including along this trail.
What’s the best time of day to hike this loop?
Early morning is best for cooler temperatures, better lighting, and fewer crowds. Mid-day tends to be the busiest.
Explore More Utah National & State Park Guides
Continue exploring Utah with these detailed guides:
Zion National Park Guide
Capitol Reef National Park Guide
Snow Canyon State Park Guide
Goblin Valley State Park Guide
Monument Valley Guide
Canyonlands National Park
Photography Gear
If you like our photography, you might be interested in some of the gear we use to shoot our travel and hiking destinations.
Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
Other Travel Essentials
Travel Insurance
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e-Sim cards
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Car Rentals
Discover Cars is our go-to website for car rentals. We almost always find our preferred rate there.
Transfer from Airport
Welcome Pickups is our favourite private transfer service, which you can pre-book at a fixed price. Currently available in 220 cities all over the world (mostly in Europe, but with several major cities in Asia, the Middle East and the US).
Kiwitaxi is another private transfer service – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s currently available in a few more countries (102 as of 2024).
Hotels and Accommodations (coming soon)
Photography Prints
If you found this blog useful, you can help support our blog by purchasing low-cost digital prints. Printed physical prints are also available for purchase.
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Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Bryce Canyon National Park Hiking Guide for the Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail and that it will prove useful for planning your trip.
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