Hiking in Bryce CanyonBryce Canyon is best known for its hoodoos--intricately-carved rock spires left standing by erosion. Hoodoos are best experienced along our day hiking trails, which offer an up-close and intimate look at these unique rock formations. Most day hikes and their trailheads are found in the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater area.By comparison, Bryce Canyon's backcountry trails offer forests and meadows, stunning views of distant cliffs, solitude, but fewer hoodoos. Which trail is right for you? If it's your first visit, we recommend focusing on the main Amphitheater area, located along the first three miles of the main road. All trails offer a unique view of the beauty of this park, so we encourage you to plan your hikes based on the amount of time you have and your personal hiking abilities. Keep in mind Bryce Canyon is a high altitude park ranging from 8,000 feet (2438 m) to over 9,000 feet (2743 m) in elevation. Even mild exertion in the park can lead to altitude-sickness if you're not prepared. Visit our Hiking at High Altitudes page to learn more.
Easy Hikes
Hikes with elevation gains of 200 feet or less and shorter in length.
Moderate Hikes
Hikes with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain and moderate lengths.
Strenuous Hikes
Hikes with rapid elevation gains and longer lengths.
1 - 3 Hour Hikes
Only have a limited time to hike? Start here.
4+ Hour Hikes
An overhead photo of a red rock filled canyon with clouds in the background
Queen's Garden/Navajo Combination Loop
The most popular trail in the park...for good reason!
Hikes in the Bryce Amphitheater
Most of the park's day hikes can be found here.
Hikes outside the Bryce Amphitheater
Explore hikes outside the Bryce Amphitheater
Hiking with Children
Easy and moderate family-friendly hikes.
Hiking in Winter
Hikes for the winter season. Know Before You Go
Pets are only allowed on paved trails and viewpoints, roads, campsites, and picnic areas. The 0.5 mi (0.8 km) section of Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points and the Shared-Use Bike Path are the only paved trails within this park.
Be a Good B.A.R.K. Ranger!
Emotional Support AnimalsEmotional Support Animals must follow the same regulations as pets. Only Service Animals recognized by the ADA are permitted to accompany hikers off pavement.Dog owners looking for hoodoos and dog-friendly trails should consider visiting nearby Red Canyon, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Many people visit National Parks each year and hiking is one of the most popular ways visitors choose to immerse themselves in nature. Proper hiking etiquette helps instill respect for other trail users, and it promotes stewardship of the land. The best thing you can do when hiking is to remember the “golden rule”: treat others the way you would want to be treated.
Nothing will ruin your trip faster than illness or injury. Be sure to stay safe by following these guidelines:
Easy Hikes
Moderate Hikes
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Learn to plan like a park ranger for your visit to Bryce Canyon. |
Last updated: October 11, 2024