We had one day to spend in Bryce Canyon National Park and we wanted to do as much as possible! We decided to hike:

Queens Garden and Navajo Combination loop.

This is a moderate loop hike that showed us various parts of the park and got us away from the crowds in the middle section.

Park at Sunrise Point to begin your hike

We followed the recommendations of the National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/qgnavajocombo.htm and went in a clockwise direction. This really did make a lot of sense as we finished the hike, it felt like a good flow to move with.

We started at SunRISE point, which is where we left our car. We walked out to an incredible viewpoint–it was otherworldly! It took our breath away it was so stunning. From there, we headed to our left, and started a descent. You walk along the rim here, which is amazing but may be disorienting for some. You’re really right on the edge!

Once you descend a bit more, just after the viewpoint platform, you turn slightly to your right and begin the real downward stretch. The trail is rock and dirt, and you should definitely wear shoes with good traction! We saw many people coming up this trail, having a hard time catching their breath. It made me a bit nervous for our eventual ascent but again, I think the clockwise direction was the way to go!

As we descended, more hoodoos started popping up. This one was one of our favorites!

We also loved how there were little doors carved into the rock–it felt so unique and whimsical. Everyone was enchanted by these magical passageways through ancient rock.

We loved hiking through these little passageways!

Soon we reached a trail bifurcation, which led to the Queen Victoria Hoodoo. We took a right and walked a very short way to a little area which makes you feel like you’re in an outdoor cathedral. The formations have tall spires and towers, and make you feel tiny. Then we headed back to the main trail.

We followed the trail sign towards Navajo, and the foot traffic really dropped off here. It seems like a lot of folks hike to this junction and then turn back. We were making a loop though so we kept heading down!

Hardly any hikers on this section of the trail!

The hoodoos faded away some here, being replaced by bigger and more numerous trees. The contrast between the pink and white rocks and the green trees was something else. The air smelled like pine, the weather was perfect, and it was such a treat to be walking through this majestic nature.

Red rock, blue sky, green trees=incredible!

We eventually came to another trail juncture where we headed towards Navajo (Two Bridges) and our ascent out of the canyon.

Wall Street was closed for construction, so it wasn’t an option, but it looks like it is really awesome too! As we started up towards Navajo, the trail began gaining elevation. Here is where you need to catch your breath and hike with intention—the ascent is a long and steep one.

The trees began to thin out here and the wild rock formations started popping back up. Towers, spires, steep switchbacks cut into the rock. It was SO COOL! Every few feet I would have to turn back and just take it in, admiring the views. The trail gets tighter and the rocks close in around you. You just keep climbing up, being very mindful of your step and where the edge is.

After you get through the tighter part of the canyon, you come to the switchbacks. They are wide and sandy, and make a pretty impressive last part of the hike.

We got to the top, clocking in at just under 2 hours. There we admired the views once again, then headed to our right and took a paved trail back to our car at the parking lot. It was an excellent hike that gave us a taste of Bryce, let us stretch our legs and provided innumerable moments of awe. Highly recommend doing this hike if you just have a few hours to spend here!

One Great Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park!

Queens Garden and Navajo Combination loop.

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