For first-time visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park, this practical guide to the Navajo Loop Trail explains how to locate the trailhead, the current seasonal closures, typical entrance fees, available parking options, accessibility, and recommended trail combinations from Sunset Point.
A brief overview of the Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon
The Navajo Loop Trail is one of the most recognized and popular short hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park. It begins and ends at Sunset Point and quickly descends into the main amphitheater. The trail is noted for its distinctive switchbacks and passage through narrow canyons and hoodoo formations, offering close perspectives of the geology.
The 1.3-mile loop is split into two sides: Wall Street and Two Bridges. The trail passes by the notable hoodoo formation known as Thor’s Hammer.
Navajo Loop Trail route details and seasonal closures
The Navajo Loop Trail is rated as moderate due to its steep grades. The hike involves a round-trip distance of 1.3 miles (2.1 km) and features an elevation change of approximately 550 feet (168 metres). It typically takes between one and two hours to complete.
Wall Street side closure: The Wall Street section of the loop, famous for its narrow passage between towering canyon walls, is prone to rock fall and heavy ice accumulation. This side is closed during the winter months and often remains closed into spring. Hikers should confirm current conditions at the Visitor Center.
Two Bridges side: The Two Bridges side remains open year-round and can be hiked as an out-and-back route during the winter closure period.
Why book the Bryce Canyon daily tour?
- See Bryce Canyon’s best viewpoints: Visit key overlooks such as Sunrise Point, Sunset Point and Inspiration Point.
- Expert local guide: Learn how Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos formed, along with practical insight into the park’s geology and history.
- Easy transport between stops: Travel comfortably without worrying about driving, parking or navigating park roads.
- Plenty of time for photos: Stops are planned to allow unhurried views and clear photo opportunities.
- Ideal for first-time visitors: A straightforward way to understand the layout and highlights of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Hikes combined with the Navajo Loop Trail
The Navajo Loop Trail is often combined with other trails to create longer, more comprehensive day hikes:
- Queen’s/Navajo combination loop: This is the most popular combination, linking the Navajo Loop Trail with the Queen’s Garden Trail. It is a moderate, 2.9-mile (4.7 km) loop that descends at one viewpoint and ascends at another, using the flat Rim Trail section to connect the starting and ending points.
- Figure-8 combination: A strenuous hike that links the Navajo Loop Trail, Queen’s Garden Trail, and the Peekaboo Loop Trail. This demanding route is 6.4 miles (10.3 km) and involves significant elevation change.
When the full Navajo Loop Trail is open, park rangers generally recommend hiking in a counter-clockwise direction, descending via Wall Street and ascending via Two Bridges.
Getting to the Navajo Loop Trail: Parking and shuttle
The trailhead is located directly at Sunset Point.
- Park shuttle service: The Navajo Loop Trail is directly served by the free Bryce Canyon park shuttle system. This is the recommended mode of transport during peak season when parking is limited.
- Parking availability: Parking is available at Sunset Point, but the lot is small and fills quickly between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. During shuttle operating hours, oversized vehicles are not permitted in the main parking area.
Accessibility and facilities near the Navajo Loop Trail
- Accessibility: Due to its steep, unpaved nature and frequent switchbacks, the Navajo Loop Trail is not considered wheelchair accessible. The adjacent Rim Trail connecting Sunset Point and Sunrise Point is paved and flat, offering accessible views from above the canyon.
- Restrooms and water: Accessible restrooms are available year-round at the Sunset Point trailhead. Water-fill stations are available seasonally at Sunset Point.
Bryce Canyon national park entrance fees
To access the Navajo Loop Trail, visitors must pay the park entrance fee. These fees are current as of December 2025.
| Pass type | Price (checked December 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle pass | $35.00 | Valid for 7 days; covers everyone in the car. |
| Motorcycle pass | $30.00 | Valid for 7 days. |
| Per person (walk-in/bike) | $20.00 | Valid for 7 days; for those entering without a car. |
| America the beautiful annual pass | $80.00 | Valid for all US National Parks and federal recreation lands for one year. |
Important notice for international visitors (non-US residents): Effective January 1, 2026, an additional per-person surcharge of $100 will apply to non-residents aged 16 and older at certain parks, including Bryce Canyon. This is charged in addition to the standard entrance fee. Non-residents planning multiple park visits may benefit from the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which is slated to increase to $250.
Nearby attractions for the Navajo Loop Trail area
Since the Navajo Loop Trail begins at Sunset Point, several other viewpoints and trails are immediately accessible:
- Sunset Point: This viewpoint offers a commanding view of the Bryce Amphitheater and is the starting point for the Navajo Loop Trail. It is a prime location for observing afternoon light on the hoodoos.
- Sunrise Point: Located 0.5 miles (0.8 km) north along the paved Rim Trail, this viewpoint is the trailhead for the Queen’s Garden Trail.
- Rim Trail: This paved, relatively flat path connects Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, allowing for easy movement between the two primary trailheads in the area.
- Inspiration Point: A short shuttle ride or hike south of Sunset Point, this location offers a broader perspective of the hoodoos in the Silent City area.
FAQ: Practical visitor questions about the Navajo Loop Trail
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop open? | The Wall Street section is typically closed in winter and early spring due to rock fall hazards and ice. The Two Bridges side remains open for out-and-back use. |
| Can I take the shuttle to the Navajo Loop trailhead? | Yes. The Navajo Loop Trail is accessed at Sunset Point, which is a major stop on the free park shuttle system. |
| How strenuous is the Navajo Loop Trail? | The trail is rated moderate, primarily because of the steep switchbacks required for the ascent back to the rim. It is not recommended for those with knee or heart conditions. |
| Can I do the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden together? | Yes. The Queen’s/Navajo combination loop is 2.9 miles long and is the most popular hike in the park. |
More Utah travel
Other Utah travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Driving Utah Highway 12 – one of America’s most spectacular drives.
- A taste of cowboy country at the Bryce Canyon City Rodeo.
- What to expect at Rainbow Point in Bryce Canyon National Park.
- Tracing Utah’s Mormon Heritage at This Is The Place and Temple Square.
- Antelope Island – the wildlife refuge of the Great Salt Lake.
