| Bryce Canyon, Utah |
 Trail Name:Peekaboo Loop Summary: |
| Highly Recommended One Day Hike |
| Trail Description |
| This figure-of-eight loop combines half of the Navajo Loop Trail, the Peekaboo Loop, and the Queens Garden Trail. Together, they give great close-up views of the sandstone hoodoos, yet allow you to escape into a less crowded part of the National Park. We recommend starting at Sunset Point, descending the Navajo Trail and returning via Queens Garden, which will give a less steep climb on the return.
From the trailhead, proceed down either side of the Navajo loop. The right path descends via a series of switchbacks through Wall Street, a narrow track with huge sandstone walls either side; the left passes the Twin Bridges. Both are good, giving close-up views of formations before passing into more open, forested areas, and are pretty much equal distance to the junction. From the four-way junction, take the 0.3 mile spur to Peekaboo. This 3 mile loop is a horse and hiking trail that travels through the Peekaboo box canyon and past magnificent formations with names such as the Cathedral, the Wall of Windows, the Alligator and Fairy Castle. Set off early and you will find peace and solitude, as well as wonderful views. On completing the loop, retrace your steps along the spur and take the track leading to the Queens Garden (from this point, it is a little under 2 miles to Sunrise Point on the rim). The trail is level at first but, after about 0.5 mile, the 500 ft climb out of the canyon begins. You pass many wonderfully colored formations and bristlecone pine. A short spur leading to the Queen Victoria formation marks the start of the 0.8 mile Queens Garden Trail to Sunrise Point. Although beautiful, beware – if you make an early start to enjoy Navajo and Peekaboo without too many others, by the time you reach Queens Garden Trail you will undoubtedly have to share it with a pretty hefty crowd. Queens Garden is the easiest trail for a close look of the hoodoos and lots of people walk down it, or combine it with Navajo to make a 3 mile loop. Consequently it is extremely busy, and quite a shock to the system after the peace and quiet of Peekaboo. From Sunrise Point, it is a 0.5 mile stroll along the Rim Trail, passing Thor’s Hammer as you go, to Sunset Point. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Bryce Canyon National Park, south-west Utah.
Directions: From Hwy 89, take SR 12 east for 14 miles, then 63 south for 4 miles. Trailhead: Continue beyond the Park entrance for just over a mile, then take the short spur road to Sunset Point. The Navajo Trail is a short walk from the parking lot. Length: 7 miles / 11.2 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: 800 ft / 244 m Duration: 4.5 hours Trail Condition: Well defined. Features: Sandstone formations, hoodoos, canyon views. Climate: Warm days April through October, with thunderstorms in summer. Cold in winter, with snow covering the sandstone formations and far fewer people. Accommodation: Inside the Park there are two campgrounds and cabins at Bryce Canyon Lodge. There is a motel just outside the Park entrance, but it is often full with tour groups. Plenty of other motels in nearby communities of Hatch, Panguitch and Tropic. Trail Notes: Be aware of altitude – trail is 7,000-8,000 feet above sea level. |
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