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Navajo Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.7 (99)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Bryce Canyon National Park
  5. Ampitheater
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“Perhaps the most popular trail in the park, you'll marvel at the enormous colorful pinnacles. ”

Megan W
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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.2

KM

Loop

7,993' 2,436 m

High

7,498' 2,285 m

Low

495' 151 m

Up

496' 151 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (8°)

54%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Geological Significance · Views

Family Friendly Steep, but very fun for active families

The western half of this loop is usually closed during winter because of falling rocks in the Wall Street section. The eastern half of the loop is usually open year-round, but can be covered with very deep snow. Yaktrax, poles, or other traction devices are recommended for winter travel.

Overview

This short and very steep loop trail packs a lot of amazing scenery into a very small package. Although you'll be sharing this amazing trail with the masses, the scenery and rock formations are well worth it. Alternatively, arrive very early or late for more solitude and to catch the sunlight on the spires for some truly great pictures.

Description

Most people prefer tackling the Navajo Loop Trail in the counter-clockwise direction as described here. That way, the climb up and out of the canyon utilizes the more gradual eastern half of the loop.

From the Sunset Point parking area, head southeast towards the main overlook. Pick up the righthand (west) half of the Navajo Loop Trail and start switchbacking downhill. The trail is wide and easy to follow here. Descend through narrow colorful cliffs, stopping for a peek into the next canyon via a short spur and tunnel. The route narrows almost to a slot through the impressive "Wall Street" section. Towards the bottom, the terrain opens dramatically allowing sunlight to penetrate and fir trees to grow in the valley bottom. Follow the trail along a stream bed to the junction of the Navajo Loop with the Queens Garden Trail and the Peekaboo - Navajo Connector.

To complete the Navajo Loop, 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 nearby. 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 canyon rim back at Sunset Point.

Flora & Fauna

Ancient Ponderosa pines exist in this area, as well as other pine and fur trees.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Bryce Canyon National Park

Shared By:

Megan W with improvements by Marley Nelson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 99 votes

#4

in Ampitheater

#53

Overall
  4.7 from 99 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Ampitheater

#10

in Utah

#53

Overall
14 Views Last Month
10,219 Since Feb 28, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
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Add a Photo

Photos

Park visitors get up close and personal with the surrounding canyons.
Mar 8, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Orange pinnacles in mid-morning light
Sep 3, 2015 near Panguitch, UT
Nice view.
Jul 6, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Bryce Canyon Navajo Loop.
Jan 14, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Bryce Canyon National Park.
Oct 29, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Hoodoos from Sunset Point with Bristlecone Point in the background
Oct 16, 2017 near Panguitch, UT

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 15 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 4, 2024
Peder Bisbjerg
With Queeen & Peekaboo 6mi — 4h 00m
Jul 27, 2024
Bruno Dutour
Jun 11, 2024
Lee Anne Batal
Nov 11, 2023
Claire Finley
The Wall St. side of the loop was closed - took Queens Garden down and then back up the 'The Bridge' side of the loop. Must do Wall St. someday.
Sep 10, 2023
Alexis Utley
Sep 9, 2023
Brenda Byarski
Aug 31, 2023
Kim K
Aug 19, 2023
Sabrina Park
Correct date: 7/29/23

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