4.2K The Best Bryce Canyon Hikes by tasiawhicker
first prev 1 next lastPlanning a trip to a National Park can be overwhelming. Bryce Canyon National Park is no exception. There are so many trails to explore that it can be difficult to decide which ones to explore and which ones to miss. Is it better to explore the most popular places? Or are there some spots off the beaten path that would be cooler?
If you are planning a trip to Bryce, these are some hikes you won't want to miss. This unique mixture of hikes allows you to explore the variety of the many sights available in Bryce Canyon. From the popular Navajo Loop Trail, that gives you up-close interaction with the most famous rock formations in the park, to Mossy Cave Trail, that gives you a unique view of the canyon's only waterfall. The trails on this list combined help you make sure you don't miss any of the most amazing spots Bryce has to offer.
The colorful, unique experience of hiking down a red rock staircase, in a bubbling spring, or through a green forest with pink cliffs will be one you never forget. Bryce Canyon is a rainbow of experiences under a vast blue sky. This list is my recommendation for making sure you don’t miss a single color.
Bristlecone Loop
Kanab, Utah
33.5 miles NE of Kanab, UtahBristlecone Loop is a one-mile trail from Rainbow Point. Rainbow Point is located at the southern end of Bryce Canyon National Park and is the highest point in the park. The spectacular views overlooking the park can be enjoyed as hikers meander this easy trail.
Bristlecone Loop is named for the Bristlecone Trees that can be found along the pathway. These trees are unique in their age and beauty. The oldest Bristlecone Trees on this path are estimated to be 1,800 years old. Be sure to take in the view of their uniquely spiky pinecones.
The beginning portion of this trail is forested with Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir and White Fir Trees. These trees provide a great habitat for many forms of wildlife. Hikers commonly see woodpeckers, blue jays, chipmunks, owls and squirrels on Bristlecone Loop.
The middle of the loop provides a wonderful view off the top of the highest cliff in Bryce Canyon. This unique perspective of the park is definitely worth the hike.
Hikers wanting to explore Bristlecone Loop can park at Rainbow Point and easily find the well-marked trailhead on the east side of the parking lot.
Bristlecone Trail is a wonderful way for hikers of all skill levels to experience the views and wildlife available in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Fairyland Loop Trail
Bryce, Utah
1.8 miles S of Bryce, UtahFairyland Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hikes available in Bryce Canyon. Hiking this loop allows you to see many of Bryce Canyon’s well-known sights from several perspectives.
Fairyland Loop Trail begins at Fairyland Point where hikers descend about 900 feet into the canyon. For five miles hikers follow Fairyland Loop Trail through the red and white hoodoos and pink cliffs. The trail then ascends to Sunrise Point. At Sunrise Point hikers get an aerial view of the canyon as they walk along Rim Trail to connect back to Fairyland Point.
Because of its length and steep stretches, Fairyland Loop Trail is considered one of the more difficult trails in Bryce Canyon. The loop is 8 miles in its entirety, with short stretches where the trail is very steep.
A worthwhile detour to take while hiking Fairyland Loop Trail is the short stint to Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge looks like a naturally made, red rock version of London Bridge and is only 200 yards away from Fairyland Loop Trail. The trailhead to Tower Bridge can be found just before Fairyland Loop Trail ascends to Sunrise Point.
Fairyland Loop Trail is a wonderful trail for hikers looking to explore Bryce Canyon and experience the variety of sights that can be seen there.
Tower Bridge
Bryce, Utah
3.3 miles S of Bryce, UtahTower Bridge is a unique and uncrowded trail in Bryce Canyon. Tower Bridge gets its name from the prominent rock formation the trail leads to. The rock formation resembles London Bridge and is a sight worth visiting.
Along the trail to Tower Bridge hikers can get close views of the rock formations that make Bryce Canyon famous. The trail becomes progressively less crowded the further you hike from Sunrise Point.
The trail to Tower Bridge begins at Sunrise Point and goes North East along Fairyland Loop. On Fairyland Loop a detour trail is marked off to Tower Bridge.
The trail from Sunrise Point to Tower Bridge is 3 miles out and back and is considered moderately difficult. The beginning of the trail from Sunrise Point descends rapidly and is the most difficult part of the trail.
Hikers wishing to see Tower Bridge can also hike the entirety of Fairyland Loop. This method of access is longer. The loop is 8 miles long and more difficult than the out and back trail.
The hike to Tower Bridge is perfect for hikers wanting to experience the beautiful red rocks Bryce Canyon is famous for as well as some less explored sights. The impressive natural bridge that is Tower Bridge is a unique sight in Bryce Canyon and adds variety to any trip to the park.
Navajo Trail
Bryce, Utah
3.6 miles S of Bryce, UtahNavajo Trail explores the main amphitheater of Bryce Canyon National park in a short but winding hike. The hike begins at Sunset Point and splits off into a loop. The loop can be taken in either direction and is about one and a half miles in length. This trail is moderate in difficulty, with some steeper rocky parts.
Hiking Navajo Trail will take you down to experience up close the rock formations that make Bryce Canyon famous, the Hoodoos. These red formations will begin to tower over you as you descend into the amphitheater.
Navajo Trail provides hikers with access to three of the parks most famous formations. The Thor’s Hammer, Twin Bridges and Wall Street formations can be seen from the trail.
Along the trail you will be able to see huge Douglas Firs growing out from the rock. The green, life-filled trees provide an incredible contrast to the dry red rocks around them. The trees have been growing here for more than 750 years.
The winding loop created by Navajo Trail can be completed in one to two hours. For hikers looking to experience Navajo Trail while also wanting a longer hike can combine Navajo Trail with Queens Garden Trail for a 3 mile adventure.
Mossy Cave
Tropic, Utah
3.2 miles NW of Tropic, UtahMossy Cave Trail is perfect for Bryce Canyon Visitors who want to experience the wonderful rock formations, like the Hoodoos, without steep and strenuous climbing. This trail is just over a mile and is an easy hike that can be taken with very little time. Children and senior citizen can take this trail without strain.
This hike is not only easy, but it is also beautiful. Hikers can see the red rock formations that Bryce Canyon is famous for, as well as some more unique water features. Mossy Cave Trail neighbors a charming stream. Hikers wishing to cool off can wade in the water and follow the trail. Be sure to bring water shoes.
The path leads right to the famous Mossy Cave. During the warmer months of the year Mossy Cave has a waterfall descending from the cave’s top rim. This waterfall is stunning against the backdrop of the green moss-covered cave and the red rocks. During the winter the waterfall turns into a cascade of icicles that cover the entrance to the cave.
The Mossy Cave Trail is a wonderful trail to hike and see a different side of Bryce Canyon. The unique water features and leisurely trail make this a wonderful addition to any Bryce Canyon visit.