There is no place like Bryce Canyon. And this year the National Park System is celebrating its 100th birthday. So it seemed like a good idea to head there for Kevin’s birthday, too (and make him feel a lot younger!). Today we got up early (yes, again!) to make the most of Bryce Canyon National Park. If you’re short on time and just have one day, we have the perfect recommendations. You can actually fit them all in within just a few hours. Each will give you a up close look at the park’s iconic hoodoo formations (skinny spires of rock that look like they belong in outer space). Happy trails!
1. Queens Garden and Outer Navajo Loop Combination
We drove straight to the trail head located at the Sunrise Point overlook. During busy seasons, the parking lot fills up completely by 10 AM. Another good reason to wake up early — even though it’s so painful! This 3-mile hike takes in the best of Bryce Canyon if you’re short on time. Start first with Queens Garden and connect back via the outer Navajo Trail. It is a steep decline on the way down, so just remember, if you go down, you equally will have to come back up! The view from the top of the trailhead is hard to capture with photos.
At the top of the trail of Bryce Canyon’s Queens Garden Loop
We are at the top – ready to head down!
As you descend into the canyon, several of the rocks are cut out for you to walk through and reveal even more striking scenery on the other side.
Kevin takes a break on the Queens Garden Trail
But my favorite of all, the trail ends with a hoodoo rock formation of Queen Elizabeth herself, standing backwards and facing a camel (so they say!), calling out orders to ships in the garden. Kevin thought it looked like the Queen was standing on top of a whale!
Hey, it’s Queen Elizabeth… Okay you’ll have to use your imagination
You’ll then connect on the outer loop of the Navajo trail where you’ll want to pass through the tight corridor of “Wall Street” (which is a narrow walled passageway to reach the top of the canyon). Watch out for falling rocks!
Kevin is a little concerned by this sign along the Navajo Trail
You’re almost there – just a few flights of steps and switchbacks climbing 550 feet. Recommended for those in good shape only. It’s a hike! But we made it – and in just over 2 hours!
The Navajo Trail climbs up 550 feet to the top of the canyon making it a full loop
2. Mossy Cave
The Mossy Cave trail is an excellent hike for children, senior citizens, or others wishing to see hoodoos up close but without having to hike long trails up and down steep slopes. It is rated as an easy trail with a round trip distance of .9 miles. It’s also best to hit this up first if you’re staying in the town of Tropic (which has the best accommodations). The trail is along the way to the park and virtually empty at 8 AM.
The Mossy Cave trail gives you a look at the canyon from below. Cool perspective before going into the park
And the trail also has a pretty tiny waterfall and of course a cave at the end.
The Mossy Cave in Bryce Canyon
3. Rim Trail
The Rim Trail offers hikers the opportunity to see Bryce from above. The entire Rim Trail extending from Fairyland to Bryce Point has several steep elevation changes and is 5.5 miles one way. But you can turnaround at any point, allowing you to make it as long of a walk as you’d like. Check with the visitors center about guided rim walks with a ranger. These 1 1/2 hour guided walks will give you background on the wildlife, geology and history of the land.
Standing high above Bryce Canyon on the Rim Trail
WHERE TO STAY?
There aren’t many options inside the park (expensive, run down lodging or tents. No thanks!). And right outside the entrance are some generic chains. So we stayed in Tropic, Utah, which is just a 10-minute drive from the park and significantly cheaper (and in my opinion nicer) accommodations. We’d recommend Bryce Country Cabins. It was a little rustic, but much cheaper than the lodge in the park.
Kevin loves the creaky swing out front of the cabin
Inside the cabin with the heater kicking
ENTRANCE FEE:
Car passes are $20 and good for 7 days
VISITOR CENTER:
This appears right as you pull into the park. But I’d recommend going straight to the hikes/view points first if you know where you’re going – especially on a busy weekend. The visitors center is open year round (except New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas day) from 8 am – 8 pm.
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