Hiking Queens Garden and Navajo Loop at Bryce Canyon National Park

Sunrise at Bryce Canyon Amphitheater

We started our day by watching the sun come up at the amphitheater. This area of Bryce Canyon is, of course, spectacular. And, our hike through the hoodoos continues to be one of my all time favorites. But… the sunrise did nothing for me. As a matter of fact, I didn’t really like it because it just made the amphitheater dark as opposed to accentuate it. I remember wondering at the time, why in the world did I get up at 4:30am for this?  Maybe we visited on a less than stellar morning.

That being said, would I arrive that early again? Absolutely!

We showed up before the crowds.

There were a few people around, but there was plenty of room along the rim for everyone that it felt like we were alone watching the sunrise. And even better was that very few people were on the trail when we started. By the time we finished our hike many people were heading down into the canyon and the parking lot was so full people were circling hoping to find a spot.

 

Beginning the Hike

This loop is accessible from both Sunset and Sunrise Points and can be hiked in either direction. We opted for a counter-clockwise route starting at Sunset Point, which put the Navajo Loop at the beginning of our adventure.

 

Wall Street

When combining the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail, you must choose which half of the Navajo Loop to tackle. Your options are the Two Bridges section or Wall Street. While Wall Street is subject to seasonal closures, I highly recommend taking it if it is open. The experience was just so incredibly awesome.

The switchbacks were reminiscent of Walter’s Wiggles at Angels Landing. This section was the trickiest, as far as footing. It wasn’t bad, but you do have to watch your step. The remainder of the trail is less steep, so easier to maneuver.

 

 

Queens Garden Trail

Once at the bottom of wall street or the two bridges section, follow the signs toward Queens Garden Trail and Sunrise Point.

 

 

 

Head towards Sunrise Point

After descending about a mile into the canyon, the trail begins a gradual climb back toward the rim. At one point, the path veers off the main Queen’s Garden trail to a viewpoint of the Queen Victoria hoodoo. It’s worth the short detour before returning to the main route. Less than a quarter mile after that junction, the trail forks again—stay to the left to continue toward Sunrise Point.

 

 

 

 

Sunrise Point to Sunset Point

Upon reaching Sunrise Point, follow the flat rim trail about half a mile back to the trailhead at Sunset Point.

 

Final Thoughts

I was in absolute shock at how beautiful this hike was, and my kid was just as impressed. It has gone down as one of our favorite hikes ever. In fact, I loved it so much that I wanted to start over and do it again the moment we finished, but we decided to move on and explore two other trails in the park instead. The hoodoos provided such a cool backdrop, and the trees throughout the canyon added a touch of magic to the entire experience.