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Queens Garden Navajo Loop Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.8 (241) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Bryce Canyon National Park
  5. Ampitheater
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“At about 3 miles, this loop is a moderate challenge with tremendously rewarding views & hoodoos. ”

Megan W
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Map Key

3.0

Miles

4.8

KM

Loop

7,983' 2,433 m

High

7,421' 2,262 m

Low

615' 187 m

Up

615' 187 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

45%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly There are some steep grades and edges where you have to keep an eye on this kids, but this loop is a great option for a family due to its easy access, relatively moderate grades, and great views

Because of its exposed slopes, the Queen's Garden portion of this trail becomes snow-free earlier than many other area trails, often fully accessible from April to November.

Overview

This is a very popular way to get off the rim and down into Bryce Canyon. The ease of access, relatively moderate grades, and spectacular views make the loop an all time favorite. Don't be lulled by the short mileage of this trail, be prepared for a steep climb out whether completing the loop in the clockwise or counter clockwise direction.

Need to Know

Bring yaktrax or other foot traction for winter travel. Some people with a fear of heights have reported feeling nervous in some parts. Keep kids away from the edges. For other traction may I suggest Kahtoola Microspikes depending on the exposure for snow/icy conditions as found here: hikingdaily.com/microspikes….

Description

Prepare to be amazed by this magical trip through otherworldly rock formations. This popular trail can be crowded especially near the rim, but the throngs often thin out in the lower canyon reaches. From Sunrise Point, drop into the canyon along a steep but wide trail along a ridgeline. Weave down through towering multicolored spires and past sparsely wooded areas. The most sweeping views occur at the top, but as you descend, the cliffs and hoodoos encroach. After a series of switchbacks and a few man-made tunnels, the descent eases considerably. Proceed through a ravine with multicolored hoodoos galore. Take the short spur to see the Queen Victoria rock formation - she's in the center viewing the spired garden around her.

Back on the main trail, cross washes and pass through forest over mostly level ground. Contour around the base of a large cliff formation before reaching a trail junction with the Navajo Loop and Peekaboo - Navajo Connector. Take the eastern half of the Navajo Loop Trail northwest (back toward the rim). This eastern half of the Navajo Loop is also called "Two Bridges" for the double arch visible in the distance. Climb up a wooded slope as the cliff walls get taller and closer as you ascend. After a very steep section of switchbacks, the Thor's Hammer formation appears (big block on a skinny pinnacle). Continue up through open terrain until reaching the junction with the Rim Trail at Sunset Point.

To complete the Queens Garden Navajo Loop Trail, turn right on the Rim Trail heading north. After nearly a mile on this flat paved path, your journey ends back at Sunset Point.

Flora & Fauna

Pine and fir trees.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Bryce Canyon National Park

Shared By:

Megan W with improvements by Surf1div1
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 241 votes

#2

in Ampitheater

#36

Overall
  4.8 from 241 votes
5 Star
81%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Ampitheater

#5

in Utah

#36

Overall
87 Views Last Month
15,436 Since Feb 28, 2016
Intermediate
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4%
74%
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13%
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Photos

Park visitors get up close and personal with the surrounding canyons.
Mar 8, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Bryce Canyon National Park!
Oct 29, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Bryce Canyon overlook
Jan 14, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Nice view.
Jul 6, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Hoodoos from Sunset Point with Bristlecone Point in the background
Oct 16, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
Bryce Canyon National Park.
Oct 29, 2016 near Panguitch, UT

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Weather

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All Clear 15 days ago See History
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Check-Ins

Oct 7, 2022
Roger Swaim
Sep 27, 2022
Jeff Giesler
Great views on both legs
Sep 8, 2022
Holly Huston
Did it!
Aug 30, 2022
David Scott
Aug 16, 2022
Tom and Donna Thomey
Morning
Aug 8, 2022
Alexis Lee
Aug 1, 2022
Adam Rodriguez
Jul 22, 2022
Kelvin Li
Kids did great 3.1mi — 1h 46m

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