Pros & cons
PROS
- Two trailheads and the Rim Trail make parking and logistics flexible
- Choose between Wall Street or Two Bridges for different finale vibes
- Shaded stretches offer real relief on hot summer days
CONS
- Wall Street is often seasonally closed for rockfall/ice
- Heavy crowds and parking pressure can cause slowdowns on switchbacks
Park at Sunrise Point or Sunset Point. If one lot is full, use the other and walk the Rim Trail between them. Lots fill early in peak seasons.
Expect a steep ascent with tight switchbacks; surfaces can be loose or icy. Wall Street may be seasonally closed. Carry ample water due to dry climate and elevation. Not accessible for wheelchairs/strollers; no pets.
Overview
If you only have time for one hike here, make it this one. The 2.9‑mile total loop links Queen’s Garden and the Navajo Loop between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point, dropping below the rim into the Bryce Amphitheater and climbing back out. You can start at either viewpoint; they’re connected by the Rim Trail, which makes parking and logistics easy. Expect tight switchbacks, dramatic rock textures, and constant photo stops.
Highlights & What You’ll See
You’ll weave among Bryce’s iconic hoodoos—those orange‑pink spires sculpted by frost‑wedging and erosion of the soft Claron Formation. On Queen’s Garden, look for windows and short rock arches en route to the Queen Victoria Hoodoo (a short spur). On the Navajo Loop, pass Thor’s Hammer near the rim and choose between Two Bridges or the famed Wall Street, a narrow slot‑like corridor lined with tall Douglas firs. Nearly every turn delivers a new angle on the amphitheater.
Direction & Flow
Most hikers prefer starting at Sunrise Point to descend Queen’s Garden (gentler, more gradual) and then climb out via the Navajo Loop for a dramatic finish through Wall Street. If you start at Sunset Point, you’ll drop quickly via tight switchbacks, reach a junction, and either stay on Navajo via Two Bridges or turn toward Queen’s Garden to complete the combo. Either way, you’ll be finishing with an uphill push back to the rim.
Difficulty & Trail Conditions
Call it moderate: the distance is short, but the climb back to the rim and the elevation make it feel punchy. Surfaces are unpaved and can be loose and dusty in dry weather or slick/icy in winter. Sturdy footwear helps. Portions—especially on the Queen’s Garden side and the connector—offer welcome shade.
Best Time to Hike
It’s hikeable year‑round, but conditions change. Spring and fall bring cooler temps and lighter crowds—ideal. Summer is gorgeous but busy and hot; start early or late for cooler air and softer light. Winter can be spectacular with snow‑dusted hoodoos, but expect icy sections and potential closures on parts of the Navajo Loop (notably Wall Street) for safety.
Tips
- Start early to beat crowds and snag parking; if one lot is full, use the other and connect via the Rim Trail.
- Bring plenty of water—dry climate and elevation can sneak up on you.
- Choose your flavor on the climb: Wall Street’s drama (when open) or the Two Bridges branch. Shaded nooks along the Queen’s Garden side make good snack spots.
Elevation
2.9 mi · 2.5 hrWhere it starts
37.6234, -112.1672Near Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Combination
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayFigure 8 CombinationHoodoos, Wall Street, and Peekaboo in one spectacular figure-eight loopChallenging · 6.4 mi · 4 hr
0 mi awaySunset Point to Sunrise PointBig hoodoo views on an easy, paved rim stroll between top overlooksEasy · 1.1 mi · 30 min
0.1 mi awayNavajo Loop TrailShort, steep dive into Bryce’s hoodoos with iconic switchbacksModerate · 1.3 mi · 1 hr
0.1 mi awaySunset PointPanoramas of hoodoos with trails dropping right from the rimTrailhead · Restroom
0.2 mi awayWall StreetSteep switchbacks into a slot of hoodoos and cool shade
0.2 mi awayThor's HammerSignature hoodoo with classic views from Sunset Point and Navajo LoopScenic Viewpoint
0.2 mi awaySilent CityA dense hoodoo maze viewed best from Sunset Point
0.4 mi awayQueen's Garden - Navajo LoopBryce’s signature hoodoo loop with tunnels and tight switchbacksModerate · 2.9 mi · 2.5 hr
