We arrived after dark in Bryce Canyon on Oct 1, 2020 and settled in as we were planning on hiking in the morning. We were going to hike the Navajo and Peek-a-Boo trails. As a result of hiking the Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot canyon in Escalante earlier in the afternoon, we were ready for some rest.
After some breakfast we decided to get started on the trails. The morning was pleasant so we did not need much layering with our clothes. Although, because this is a canyon/desert area, we packed plenty of water, electrolytes, salt tablets and trail food.
Location
Bryce Canyon National Park is in Southern Utah.
Our Hiking Plan
The decision was made to hike the Navajo Loop Trail and the Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail. Our plan was to hike them in a figure eight. We would start by descending to the right on the Navajo Trail down the area called Wall Street. Once we connected to the Peek-A-Boo Trail we would go to the left and circle around clockwise to the Wall of Windows. After that, it was back to the Navajo Trail. Once at the Navajo Trail we would turn right and climb up the Twin Bridges side back to our starting point.
Navajo Loop Trail – Wall Street
The Navajo Loop Trail starts just off of Sunset Point which you will find on the Bryce Canyon Rim. You will follow a group of switchbacks down to the bottom of the canyon. Wall Street itself is a large slot canyon.
Once through Wall Street, you can follow the trail back up which makes the 1.3 mile Navajo Loop. If you prefer, you can follow the sign to Queen’s Garden. Consequently, this makes for a longer loop. Or you can follow the connecting trail to Peek-A-Boo Loop. Peek-A-Boo Loop is a 3 mile loop. When added with the connecting trail and the Navajo Loop it is about a 5.75 mile hike.
Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail
Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail is amazing. The start of this trail is a lot of hiking up hill, in addition it is fairly steep. Suddenly you will be exposed to amazing rock formations and hoodoos every where you look and turn. By definition, a hoodoo is a natural pillar or column of rock. This trail has a lot of ascends and descends but otherwise is an easy trail to hike as there are no technical areas on it. Additionally, the path is dirt/rock, easy to follow and easy to walk on. Although there are inclines. In my opinion the most amazing area is the Wall of Windows, which was created by dew and condensation repetitively freezing in the cracks of the rocks.
Navajo Loop Trail – Twin Bridges
Following the Navajo Loop Trail up involves several switchbacks. Although this side is not as steep or has as many switchbacks as on the other side. Two landmarks to see on this side are the Twin Bridges and Thor’s Hammer. When done, you will end up where you started!
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon which was inside the park and a perfect place to stay after hiking. The Cabin was very comfortable and cozy and just a short walk from the rim. Overall, it was perfect for us.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, we loved Bryce Canyon National Park and it is on our list to return to for more hiking. We loved that the area was not as busy as some National Parks and in addition, we loved the beauty of the canyon.
Resources
While planning for our trip to Bryce Canyon I referred to the Falcon Guide Book, Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. If you click on the link you can buy it through Amazon. Usually I also buy a map, but with being there only one day I just used the map I picked up from the lodge and it worked fine.
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Sunrise and Sunset at Bryce Canyon, Oct 2020
Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyon Escalante, Oct 2020
Mesa Arch at Canyonlands National Park, Sept 2020
Sunset at Arches National Park, Sept 2020
Ten Great Arches at Arches National Park, Aug 2016
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