Hiking the Navajo Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park

Hiking the Navajo Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park

The Indescribable Beauty of Bryce Canyon

There’s no way I could ever put this place into words. When we first arrived we tried to take so many pictures, but learned quickly they simply don’t do this place justice. You really have to see it for yourself. Bryce Canyon National Park is home to many beautiful hiking trails, but we picked Navajo Trail because it was the shortest. Typically I wouldn’t choose the shortest trail, but we were trying to see 4 parks in 5 days and that doesn’t leave you with much time. If I were to go back again I’d love to spend at least a few days in this national park.navajo trail bryce canyon national parkThe Navajo Trail provides so many different colors, patterns and rock formations that it’s tough to decide where to look and where to spend your time when you’re hiking here.navajo trail bryce canyon national park

Navajo trail starting point

It gets a little confusing when trying to find where this trail starts. Navajo Trail connects with a few other trails so you may hear others mention Queens Garden, Sunrise Point and Sunset Point when talking about Navajo Trail.navajo trail bryce canyon national parkSo let’s clear that up. That Navajo Trail starts at Sunset Point. From Sunset Point it loops down into the canyon to the main amphitheater. It then makes a mile and a half loop back to Sunset Point. If you’re looking for a bit longer of a hike you can start at Sunrise Point, walk to Sunset Point, down the loop and it will total a little over 2 miles.navajo trail bryce canyon national park

Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon

So what the hell are those little rock formations anyway?! They are called hoodoos. The hoodoo rock formations form by weathering and erosional patterns. Also some fun facts, hoodoo means bewitched and these little guys are sometimes called fairy chimneys and goblins.navajo trail bryce canyon national parkOnce you walk down into the canyon there are some super cool arches you’ll walk through. At this part, I put my phone away. At the moment I was so glad I did, but now I’m regretting it because I don’t have more pictures. I guess you’ll just have to head there yourself to see how awesome they are! Apparently I got my phone back out for my favorite part. I love how much the lighting changed and loved the towering Douglas firs as you’re walking in.navajo trail bryce canyon national park

Navajo Trail RAting

I would say this hike is easy until the last part which lasts about 20 minutes. This is where the switch-backs start and it’s pretty steep on the way up. navajo trail bryce canyon national parkWe were here in November and hiked right after sunrise so it wasn’t too crowded and we didn’t feel rushed. But, this hike is VERY popular. I definitely recommend going before the crowds come in, were heard it gets quite congested!navajo trail bryce canyon national parkOnce again so obsessed with the lighting on this sunny day, it made the red rock look like it was on fire💥.navajo trail bryce canyon national parkI have no idea what I’m doing here, but I love the sun behind the white birch in this picture.navajo trail bryce canyon national parkLike I said every way you turn offers a new view…navajo trail bryce canyon national parkI love that this trail is a loop because it brings you back to the beginning and although you’ve been here before, you look in different directions and it feels like a whole new place!navajo trail bryce canyon national parkThe Navajo Trail is short and sweet but it takes you through so many different landscapes, you feel like you had a whole weeks worth of stunning views. If I could go back I’d love to spend a full day here on the Navajo Trail. I will never get over how beautiful the views are. So when you’re here, don’t rush!

I’m currently working on more blog posts on the SW in the United States-including Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah! Until then check out my last post about hiking the Lathrop Trail in Canyonlands National Park HERE.