Which Bryce Canyon Trails Are Worth It? Best Hikes and When to Do Them in 2026

Bryce Canyon National Park might be small, but choosing the right trails can make or break your visit, especially if you only have a few hours. With so many overlooks and hikes packed into a short distance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to decide which of Bryce Canyon Trails are actually worth your time.

After visiting Bryce Canyon and hiking several of its most popular trails, I can confidently say you don’t need to do everything to have an incredible experience. Below are the Bryce Canyon trails that are truly worth it, plus the best time of day (and year) to hike each one so you can plan smarter.

Quick tip before you start

Most of Bryce Canyon’s best hikes start from the rim and descend into the amphitheater, which means you’ll be going downhill first and uphill on the way back. Start earlier than you think, bring water, and don’t underestimate the elevation.

The main focus of Bryce Canyon National Park is the amphitheater and the impressive Hoodoos. Let’s get into it:

Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden Combination (Best Overall Hike)

Distance: ~3.5 miles (Plan for 2 – 2.5 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to hike: Early morning

If you have the time and energy, combining Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden is hands-down the best hike in Bryce Canyon. You get the most variety, the most iconic views, and a true feel for the park—all in about 3.5 miles round trip.

The park ranger told us to start at the Sunrise Point, go down into the theatre and then connect from the Queen’s Garden Trail to the Navajo Loop Trail and head back. It’s challenging but manageable for most visitors in decent shape.

The switchbacks at the end are quite tough and you’ll need to stop a few times, but you’ll pull through. It’s a humbling experience but at least you’ll get to suffer with all the other fellow hikers.

Best season: Late spring through fall
Pro tip: Start before 9 a.m. to avoid crowds and heat

Navajo Loop Trail (Worth It for Iconic Views)

Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to hike: Early morning or late afternoon

If you only have time for one trail in Bryce Canyon, make it the Navajo Loop. This is where you’ll find the park’s most famous scenery, including Thor’s Hammer and the dramatic switchbacks between towering hoodoos.

The trail is short, but the elevation change is real. Going down is easy; coming back up can be tiring, especially at higher elevations. That said, the views are absolutely worth it.

Rim Trail (Best Easy Walk with Big Views)

Distance: Up to 11 miles (do a short section)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to hike: Sunrise or sunset

You don’t have to hike into the canyon or you don’t want to deal with the elevation, the Rim Trail offers some of the best views in the park with very little effort. This is the basically the outline trail of the park, you can stop and turn around whenever you want and it connects toa bunch of other trails as well

I recommend walking the section between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point (about 1 mile – one way) If you want to keep going you can go down to Inspiration Point(About another mile from Sunset Point to Inspiration Point) where there is another great lookout point there of the canyons and Hoodoos.

This is perfect if:

You’re short on time
You’re not planning to hike down into the canyon
You want stunning views without the elevation gain

Best season: Year-round
Winter bonus: Snow-covered hoodoos are incredible here

Peekaboo Loop (Worth It Only If You Have Time)

Distance: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best time to hike: Early morning

We didn’t do this trail as we had to leave Bryce Canyon that same day. But if you’re hardcore and want the challenge and have the time, go for it. I only recommend this trail if:

You have a full day in Bryce Canyon
You’ve already done Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden
You’re comfortable with elevation and longer hikes

The views are stunning, but for most visitors, the shorter trails deliver just as much payoff for less effort. This trail is not a necessity because as I said, the other trails provide just about the same payoff

Best Time of Day to Hike Bryce Canyon Trails

Early morning: Best for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures
Late afternoon: Beautiful lighting, but trails can be busier
Midday: Least ideal—crowded and warmer in summer

Best Time of Year for Hiking Bryce Canyon

Late May–September: Best overall conditions
October: Cooler temps, fewer crowds, great hiking
Winter: Stunning scenery, but trails may be icy or closed

If you’re visiting in winter, always check trail conditions before hiking.

Bryce Canyon Parking Areas

Sunrise Point Parking Lot – Access to Queen’s Garden Trail and Rim Trail
Sunset Point Parking Lot – Access to Navajo Loop and Rim Trail
Inspiration Point Parking Lot – Scenic overlook, short walks
Bryce Point Parking Lot – Viewpoint access, photography spot

So… Which Bryce Canyon Trails Are Actually Worth It?

If you’re short on time, here’s the simple answer:

Do this:

Queen’s Garden + Navajo Loop combo (MUST DO)
Rim Trail between Sunrise and Sunset Point (Go to Inspiration Point if you have the time)

Bryce Canyon is one of those parks where less really is more. To be the most efficient, choose a few great trails, time them well, and you’ll leave feeling like you truly experienced the park, without exhausting yourself.

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