Hiking Project Logo

Queens Garden Navajo Loop Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.8 (224) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Bryce Canyon National Park
  5. Ampitheater
Previous Next

“At about 3 miles, this loop is a moderate challenge with tremendously rewarding views & hoodoos. ”

Megan W
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add to Favorites · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
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 224 votes

#2

in Ampitheater

#36

Overall
  4.8 from 224 votes
5 Star
81%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Ampitheater

#6

in Utah

#36

Overall
110 Views Last Month
14,981 Since Feb 28, 2016
Intermediate
2%
5%
75%
4%
14%
0%
Add a Photo

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
Nice view.
Jul 6, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Bryce Canyon overlook
Jan 14, 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

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Update Conditions
All Clear 7 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 17, 2022
Matthew Wong
May 9, 2022
Meaghan O.
3mi
Apr 29, 2022
Jose Avila
Liliana y Yo! ❤️
Apr 26, 2022
Cheryl Riddle
Apr 23, 2022
Stephanie MacArthur
Apr 11, 2022
Spencer Bardsley
Apr 11, 2022
Mikaela Lidgard
Apr 10, 2022
mark mckenney

Nearby Recommended Routes