Queens Garden & Navajo Combination

Hikers descend the switchbacks on the Two Bridges side of Navajo Loop which remains open year-round.

NPS Photo

 

By far the most popular hike in the park and for good reason! This is the hike we most recommend to first-time visitors who are looking for a moderate hike to descend into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater and walk amongst the hoodoos. The Queen's/Navajo Combination Loop combines the open views and unique hoodoos of the Queen's Garden Trail with the iconic switchbacks and towering canyon walls of the Navajo Loop Trail.

 

The Details

• Trailhead: Sunrise or Sunset Point
• Parking: Available at both Sunrise and Sunset Points; oversized vehicles are not permitted in these parking areas when the shuttle is in operation.
• Distance: 2.9 miles (4.6 km)
• Approximate Time: 2-3 hours
• Elevation Gain: 625 feet (191 meters)
• Difficulty: Moderate (less than 1000 feet elevation gain, moderate length)
• Services: Accessible restrooms available at Sunset Point (year-round) and available at the General Store near Sunrise Point (seasonally). Water-fill stations available at Sunset Point (seasonally), the Sunset Point restroom (year-round), and the General Store (seasonally).
• Shuttle Service: Yes.
• Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

 

Thor's Hammer can be seen from Sunset Point or hikers can descend Two Bridges for a closer look.

How to Get There

The Queen's/Navajo Combination Loop can be accessed from either the Sunrise or Sunset viewpoints.

There are parking lots available at both viewpoints but being some of the busiest viewpoints in the park, these tend to fill up quickly. To avoid full parking lots we recommend taking the free park shuttle (April to October).

During shuttle hours, vehicles over 20 feet (6 meters) are restricted from parking in the Bryce Amphitheater area. Instead, park at the shuttle station and use the free shuttle.

How to Hike the Queen's/Navajo Combination

This loop starts at either Sunrise Point or Sunset point and we recommend hiking it in a clockwise direction, regardless of which point you start the trail from. The most recommended route descends from Sunrise Point on the Queen's Garden trail and ascends either side of Navajo Loop (Two Bridges or Wall Street) to Sunset Point. Complete the loop by walking the easy 0.5 mile (0.8 km) portion of the Rim Trail back to where you started the hike.

Why do we Recommend Hiking Clockwise?

• The views into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater from the Queen's Garden trail are in front of you when you descend the trail in this direction. Enjoy these views instead of losing them over your shoulder while hiking up.
• While it seems counterintuitive to descend the less steep Queen's Garden, most injuries happen while walking down the steeper Navajo side of the loop. Help prevent injuries by ascending Navajo!
• When visitors are hiking a trail in the same direction it can help a busy trail like this one feel less crowded.

Wall Street Winter Closures

The Two Bridges side of the Navajo Loop is open year-round, however the Wall Street side is closed in months when precipitation combines with freezing overnight temperatures.

Where is Thor's Hammer?

Thor's Hammer can be seen from the Rim Trail near Sunset Point so you don't need to hike the Navajo Loop to experience it. If you want to get a closer look, hike down the Two Bridges side of Navajo Loop. You don't need to hike down too far to see it, just a few switchbacks will do!

Safety

Bryce Canyon is a high altitude park ranging from 8,000 feet (2438 m) to over 9,000 feet (2743 m) in elevation. Even mild exertion in the park can lead to altitude-sickness if you're not prepared. Visit our Hiking at High Altitudes page to learn more.

Wear hiking boots with good ankle support and "lug" traction. In winter, traction devices are strongly recommended. Wearing shoes or boots not designed for hiking is the number one cause of rescues and injuries that require hospital visits at Bryce Canyon National Park.

 

Elevation Profile for the Queen's / Navajo Combination Loop depicting a clockwise hike (down the Queen's Garden Trail and up the Navajo Loop's Two Bridges side).