Bryce Canyon National Park is unlike any National Park I've ever been to. The rock formations, which are called "hoodoos," are just truly UNREAL. There are a ton of great lookout points at the very top as well, so if you aren't much of a hiker - you are still able to see SO many beautiful views at Bryce Canyon! But if you are planning to hike, I would HIGHLY recommend doing the Figure 8 Loop. It will take you to multiple iconic spots, and it is the perfect day hike to see so much of what Bryce Canyon has to offer!
The Figure 8 Loop
The Figure 8 Loop in Bryce Canyon is a 6.3 mile loop that includes the Navajo Loop, Peek-a-boo Loop, and the Queens Garden. I would say it is moderate difficulty. There are definitely some inclines - but it's a good variety of going up and down; so you are able to catch your breath! Plus you will want to stop a good bit anyways to soak in the stunning views & maybe take a photo or two ;)
Where to Start
You will want to park at Sunset Point, which is a stunning viewpoint in itself! We just plugged "Sunset Point" in our GPS, but there are also plenty of signs once you're in the park directing you to this iconic lookout point!
Part 1: Navajo Loop
Once you are at Sunset Point, you're ready to begin the Figure 8 Loop. WOOHOO! Look for signs to Navajo Loop, which is where you will begin.
Once you start hiking, you will quickly get to an intersection - and you will turn right to head to the infamous Wall Street switchbacks! You will already be so blown away by the beauty of Bryce Canyon, and let me tell you.. you are JUST getting started!! You will hike down the switchbacks and into the canyon for about .7 miles.
Part 2: Peek-A-Boo Loop
Once you have completed the Navajo Loop, you should see signs for Peek-a-boo Loop. You will follow the signs and cross over what appeared to us as a previous / dried up river? We thought we were in the wrong spot, but just keep walking for a few minutes and you will eventually get to the loop! You can go either left or right, but you are encouraged to go left (since horses often walk the trail as well). You are officially on Peek-A-Boo loop which offers INSANE views of the hoodoos!!
You will continue along the Peek-a-boo loop for about 3 miles; going up and down and up and down ;) But the views are WORTH IT. You will also get to see the Wall of Windows, some more switchbacks, & a super cool tunnel with a PHENOMENAL view!
Once you finish Peek-a-boo and get back to where you started, you will head back over the dried up river area that you crossed from Navajo, and you will now follow the signs to the Queens Garden! We decided to stop here and eat our lunch. It was a good half way point to recharge and refuel!
Part 3: Queens Garden
Congrats! You're over half way through the Figure 8 loop! This final section offers more really cool tunnels, some landscape views that are actually quite different than what you've seen before, and the Queens Garden itself.. hence the name ;)
The Queens Garden is located about .8 miles into this part of the hike. You will see a sign for it, and you are able to take a short side trail to get up close and personal to the Queen Victoria hoodoo (pictured on the left below). Once you've done this, you will then go back down the side trail and continue along the main trail! You will continue for about another mile, soaking in the last little bit of your hike! It does get a bit steeper towards the end, as you are getting closer to the exit.. but the views are incredible, per usual.
Once you have reached the top & you are out of the canyon, you are now at SUNRISE point. You will need to walk back to your car which is at SUNSET point, so you will walk .5 miles along the rim trail. Soak in your final views, drink some WATER, and pat yourself on the back. You just completed the FIGURE 8 LOOP!
Where we stayed near Bryce Canyon
• East Zion Resort ($$): East Zion Resort is located about 1 hour from Bryce Canyon, and about 20 minutes from the East entrance of Zion / 1 hour from the South entrance of Zion! We did both Bryce and Zion during our stay, so this was a great option for one night! We stayed in one of their Hillside Treehouses and it was SO awesome! If you decide to stay at East Zion I would definitely recommend grilling out for dinner, watching the sunset, building a fire, and just soaking up the amazing views.
I hope you have so much fun exploring Bryce Canyon National Park and seeing all the amazing voodoos! While you're in the area, be sure to check out Zion National Park as well! I have a blog post on our favorite hikes there, and all the wonderful things to do in the area. As always, feel free to DM or email me any questions, and tag me in your pics if you do anything from our itinerary!
Xo,
Blaire
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