Big statement: this may just be the best day hike in Utah. Yep, in a state with so many incredible hikes through epic landscapes, the Navajo and Peek-a-boo Loop is a trail that left us in awe at every turn. Taking you away from the crowds and deep into Bryce Canyon, this trail is like walking through another world. After hiking the magical Fairyland Loop we thought we’d seen the best Bryce had to offer but the Navajo and Peek-a-boo Loop pipped it.
So with an introduction like that, here’s what to expect.
The Navajo and Peek-a-boo Loop
The best trail in Bryce is actually the combination of two: the Navajo Loop and the Peek-a-boo Loop. The Peek-a-boo Loop is only accessible from the canyon as it links to either the Navajo Loop or the Queens Garden Trail. You can actually link all three for a slightly longer walk, but you do miss one half of the Navajo Loop and that half is incredibly scenic.
The stats
Distance: 5 miles (8.7km)
Elevation: 1,400 feet (437m)
Difficulty: Moderate
The trail starts at Sunset Point and heads straight down into the canyon. We recommend starting the trail in the afternoon as you’ll be able to see this viewpoint both in the daylight and with the beautiful soft light of sunset when you finish.
Head from the lookout down to the canyon and take the sign marked “Wall Street” to start the Navajo Loop.
The trail states that it is slippery underfoot but we didn’t find it to be and I’m not a fan of slippery tracks! Having said that I would recommend proper shoes and not flip flops or sandals.
Wall Street
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Wall Street on the Navajo Loop
Whilst Wall Street is a stunning spot, it was sadly our least favourite part of the trail. Even in fall when the park was pretty quiet, Wall Street was a circus.
There seemed to be endless tour groups who were funnelled through this narrow space, with some climbing on fragile hoodoos to get the perfect selfie.
We were disappointed at first, but don’t worry because on this hike there are two more sections of track which are very similar to Wall Street and they didn’t have any crowds at all. Phew!
Crowds aside, the trail is a series of steep switchbacks which drop down into the deep orange canyon, narrowing along the way until you get to a stunning slot canyon. You can understand why there are crowds, the whole thing makes for some stunning photos.
The path is sandy, rather than scree, so it’s easy to walk on and not as narrow as it looks from above.
The short but spectacular slot canyon
The hilarious part about the whole obsessive photo taking fiasco is that most people go down a few switchbacks and turn back, missing the incredible slot canyon that leads to the valley floor. It is a staggering spot and although it’s small, it’s one of our favourite slots in Utah. We couldn’t believe it, but were pretty thrilled to find that after this initial section we only saw four people on the rest of the entire track!
Soon the canyon walls widen out and then you’ll be in the open on the valley floor.
Look out for the signs for the Peek-a-boo Loop which is a right turn from the Navajo Loop. If you’re weighing up whether to do the Peek-a-boo loop at this point, just do it. It’s magical. We’ve probably hiked close to 100 trails in the US so far and trust us when we say that this one is jaw dropping at every moment. We don’t think we’ve ever taken as many photos as we did on this short loop!
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Peek-a-boo Loop
The Peek-a-boo Loop starts with a bang - a steep uphill climb. The path is sandy but not so thick that it is difficult to walk on.
Our one criticism of the trail is that horses are also allowed to use it, and whilst there were none when we hiked it, evidence that they had been there was abundant if you know what we’re saying.
Once you’ve made it to the top of the first climb, it’s worth stopping to take in the view. It’s pretty spectacular looking back at the hoodoos and to the rim. You’ll see a series of small canyons and the hoodoos feel a lot more condensed and numerous than on any other hike in Bryce.
The trail will wind round many corners, each with a view that will take your breath away, before heading through an arch - which looked like a secret doorway - where the sun flare lit it up every single time we took photos!
The hike continues to undulate and when you think it can’t get any better, you see this view of the valley (pictured below). It’s one of my favourite parts of a stunning trail and the hoodoos fringing the multi-coloured cliffs are unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere in the world. It was simply breathtaking.
But we’re not done yet! The trail heads to the cliff and you’ll reach a secret mini Wall Street! This one had no one else on it and is almost as good, if a little smaller. We couldn’t believe that a second set of such picturesque switchbacks were tucked away in the canyon and no one seemed to know about it!
Mini Wall Street
The trail then heads through a narrow gap in the cliff before showing off that stunning view back to the canyon rim. You can see why we took hours longer on this trail than we should have, the views will have you reaching for your camera every few minutes.
Sadly, this is the final part of the Peek-a-boo Trail as it heads downhill to re-join the Navajo Loop.
Heading back up the Navajo Loop
Hiking up the Navajo Trail is steep, and pretty tiring, but what a way to finish a hike! The trail winds uphill through a narrow canyon on yet more stunning switchbacks.
Make sure you look back down the canyon as you climb, it’s an incredible view - especially if you’re a photographer.
If you’ve timed it right, you’ll be close to sunset now, and the Navajo Loop ends at Thor’s Hammer - an iconic rock formation in Bryce. It’s a great spot for sunset and you’ll see the hoodoos change from orange to a deep pink as the sun sets.
From here it’s a short hike uphill back to Sunset Point and the end of the trail.
Essential information about the Navajo & Peek-a-boo Loop
Navajo & Peek-a-boo Loop Parking
The trail begins and ends at Sunset Point. There are a reasonable number of car parking spaces but this is the busiest area in Bryce and they can fill up quickly. If you’re visiting in peak season we’d recommend starting the hike early or late in the day to get a space, or use the parks free shuttle service.
Navajo & Peek-a-boo Loop Difficulty
This walk doesn’t have any difficult terrain but it does have quite a few uphill sections. There is no one long, sustained climb but there are lots of short climbs which can get tiring after a while.
We hiked in the fall when temperatures were very kind to us, in the height of summer this would be a more difficult walk due to the majority having little shade. The trail is mainly sandy but it’s not that thick sand which is hard to walk on.
If you have got to the junction with the Peek-a-boo Trail and are already dreading going up the other side of the Navajo Loop to the rim, skip the Peek-a-boo section.
The Navajo is well a worth the hike in its own right, without any additions, but if you do have the energy this combination hike may be the best you do all year.
Navajo & Peek-a-boo Loop Trail Time
We took three hours to complete this hike but don’t let that put you off. We took twice as long as we would normally have because the scenery was so completely bewitching.
You could hike this trail much quicker but we’d recommend allowing more time than you normally might for a hike of this length simply because of the scenery.
Best time to hike the Navajo & Peek-a-boo Loop
We loved starting this hike in the late afternoon and finishing just in time for sunset from Sunset Point. Alternatively it would also be a good one to do at sunrise. Earlier or later in the day will avoid the worst of the heat and crowds, as well as provide the best light for photography.
Packing suggestions for Bryce Canyon
Having the right gear can make a huge difference, whether it’s hiking during the hot summers, or the potential snow in the winter. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon, REI or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on REI or Amazon
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check then out on REI or Amazon
For winter
Where to stay near Bryce Canyon
Ruby’s Inn (Best Western Plus)
There’s no place closer to Bryce Canyon than Ruby’s. This hotel is an institution and is huge! It is a Best Western Plus, which means you know the quality and comfort will be good.
We stayed here in the winter when the temperatures were -12C, snow was everywhere and the room prices were incredibly low ($35 per night including breakfast!). In peak season it becomes very expensive. If you’re on a budget we’d recommend the option below.
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Dragonfly Motel - Panguitch
If you don’t mind a drive (25 minutes) and are looking for a comfortable, clean budget option, then head to the Dragonfly Motel. This place has recently been taken over and the renovation has began. The rooms are cosy and definitely need that update but if you don’t mind rustic then the price was great. Over time the standard will also get a lot better as they complete the renovations.
Panguitch is 25 minutes away from Bryce, which isn’t too far away. However, there aren’t many dining options!
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