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13 Bryce Canyon Hikes That Will Absolutely Take Your Breath Away (In More Ways Than One)
Tired of hikes that promise “breathtaking views” but only leave you breathless? Enter Bryce Canyon, a place so ruggedly stunning that it feels like nature turned the drama dial up to eleven. But don’t expect a casual stroll; most of these trails pack a serious punch.
Think of them as the sassier, moodier cousins of your average scenic walk (tough love included). You’ll find yourself navigating terrain that’s equal parts mesmerizing and humbling, wondering if your legs might revolt halfway through. But hey, the reward? Jaw-dropping landscapes that look like they belong in a fantasy movie.
So let’s take a look at the hikes so gorgeous you won’t stop talking about them long after you are home and back to the daily grind.
Navajo Loop And Queens Garden Trail
Think of this trail as Bryce Canyon’s greatest hits album. It’s all here: those surreal hoodoo rock formations, narrow switchbacks that will make your thighs cry, and views so absurdly beautiful you’ll wonder if you’ve stepped into a painting.
The Navajo Loop intersects with Queens Garden, forming a lovely little loop-de-loop of natural wonders. Legend has it (okay, not really) that Queen Victoria herself would’ve approved of the regal rock formation bearing her name. Just don’t forget to bring water; hydration makes grumbling about the uphill sections way more tolerable.
Peekaboo Loop Trail
Peekaboo Loop is the trail for you if you’re into earning your bragging rights. It’s a moderate-to-strenuous rollercoaster of ups and downs, offering views that could make an Oscar winner jealous.
Initially designed for horses, you might catch your boots whispering, “This wasn’t meant for us.” Along the way, the vibrant oranges and reds of the hoodoos are so vivid they’ll haunt your dreams (pleasantly, of course). Oh, and it’s called “Peekaboo” for a reason; every turn reveals some new, jaw-dropping wonder.
Wall Street, Queens Garden, And Peekaboo Loop (Figure Eight Trail)
Feeling ambitious or slightly unhinged? Tackle the Figure Eight Trail, an epic combo that merges Wall Street’s towering sandstone slot canyons, Queens Garden’s gentler slopes, and Peekaboo’s rugged climbs.
If trails were graduation ceremonies, this one would end with a standing ovation (for you, naturally). Expect panoramic views that shift with every bend and shadows that dance like they’re auditioning for a Broadway show. Bring your sense of adventure (and maybe your chiropractor for afterward).
Fairyland Loop Trail
Fairyland Loop isn’t just a trail; it’s escapism in its purest form. The name might sound whimsical, but don’t be fooled; you’ll work for those dreamlike views.
Spanning eight miles of harsh beauty, this trail meanders past hoodoos, juniper trees, and landscapes so weirdly wonderful you’ll half expect Tinker Bell to pop out and hand you a granola bar. And the uphill climb is no joke, but the rewards? Freakishly magical. Just be ready to feel like you’ve been transported to another planet.
Under The Rim Trail
Looking for a hike that turns your legs to jelly and your spirit to steel? The Under The Rim Trail is your answer. Snaking through Bryce Canyon’s lesser-visited corners, this 23-mile trek isn’t for the faint-hearted (or faint-footed).
Established in the 1930s, back when people thought “hard work builds character” was an actual recreational motto, this trail delivers jaw-dropping hoodoos, layers of pink and orange rock, and a quiet so profound you could hear a pin drop… if anyone still carried pins.
Bryce Canyon Rim Trail
The Rim Trail is for those who love to have their cake and eat it, too. It’s got dramatic scenery, but without quite as much sweat equity (a big win). Following Bryce Canyon’s upper edge, this trail serves up unbeatable views at every turn.
Think of it as window shopping for nature’s finest. You’ll pass Sunrise and Sunset Points, cleverly named to remind you when not to miss the stunning displays of light. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife giving you the ultimate side-eye.
Mossy Cave
Looking for something short, sweet, and a little less exhausting? Enter the Mossy Cave Trail. Located on the northeastern corner of Bryce Canyon, this one’s a quick out-and-back peppered with charm.
The highlight is the dripping moss-draped overhang with a tiny cascading waterfall that’s equal parts picturesque and Instagram comment-worthy. And this trail isn’t just for adventurers; it’s for people who just want a nice, easy nature walk without completely ruining their footwear.
Rainbow Point, Yovimpa Point, And Bristlecone Loop
Rainbow Point isn’t just a point; it’s the point. Sitting pretty at the highest elevation in Bryce Canyon National Park (a humble 9,115 feet), it offers a throat-catching, postcard-prompting view that stretches forever. Or at least until your squinting skills run out.
Nearby Yovimpa Point gives Rainbow a run for its money with panoramic views of layered cliffs that could double as a geological birthday cake. But the real gem? Bristlecone Loop. It’s an easy stroll, but those ancient bristlecone pines, looking like arthritic guardians of time, whisper stories of a thousand-year-old endurance.
Bryce Amphitheater Traverse
Bryce Amphitheater isn’t just any amphitheater; it’s a diva in desert couture. Spanning over 12 square miles of orange, red, and creamy white rock formations, it’ll have you wondering if a giant forgot to put their sculpting toys away.
The traverse takes you up close and personal with nature’s magnum opus. Ever heard the wind whistle between a thousand hoodoos? It’s weirdly soothing. And the sunrise? Pure art-house cinema in the sky. Move over, professionals with paint, nature is the OG artist here.
Riggs Spring Loop
Consider Riggs Spring Loop the underdog champion of Bryce trails. No crowds, just you, some hardy mule deer, and switchbacks determined to strengthen your calves or break your spirit. It’s a 9-mile loop of solitude, peace, and the occasional thought of, “What if I just sit here forever?”
But the reward? Lush greenery at Riggs Spring itself, a secret oasis amidst Bryce’s rocky chaos. Plus, the temperature dips here feel like air conditioning, which is crucial when the rest of the park feels intent on baking you medium rare.
Hat Shop (Via Under The Rim Trail)
The Hat Shop Trail? Oh, it’s not a place to browse fedoras; these hats are rock-solid (literally). Balanced rock formations that look like someone played Tetris with nature’s leftovers line this 4-mile jaunt.
Each “hat” perches precariously on a slender pedestal, daring gravity to take a shot at them. But don’t worry, it won’t. This trail is a bit rugged, and by “rugged,” I mean you’ll earn your sweat equity, but the prize is nature’s most hilarious hat-themed fashion show.
Paria View Trail
Paria View Trail is the introvert of Bryce; it shuns the spotlight, preferring sunset cameos and the occasional “Wait, where are we?” moments from lost hikers. This easy, half-mile stroll leads to dramatic viewpoints that scream “postcard-worthy” without breaking too much of a sweat.
Paria, named after the Paria River’s nearby erosive handiwork, delivers crimson cliffs and sweeping panoramas that look straight out of an artist’s dreams (or perhaps nightmares, given the dizzying drop-offs). And as the sun dips lower, the rocks glow a fiery orange, like nature’s version of mood lighting.
Bryce Canyon National Park Scenic Drive
Ok, this is a cheat, but we make the rules here. This drive delivers in terms of scenery and the wow factor, and we couldn’t leave it off the list. It’s sixteen miles of jaw-dropping road that dares you to keep your eyes on the drive instead of the drool-worthy views. Every curve teases you with glimpses of hoodoos that seem to be plotting some wild stone rebellion.
Roll down the windows to inhale clean pine-scented air and exhale your stress into oblivion. But pro tip: Don’t miss pulling over for those viewpoints. Distracted driving here? Not a risk you want to rock.
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