Bryce Canyon Conservancy · Reading & print guide

Places, paths & practical stops.

NPS sources checked October 2, 2026. No live conditions, availability or accessibility guarantee. Use your browser’s Print command for this complete guide.

Back to the interactive planner · Current NPS conditions · Trail comparison · Sources

Visitor Center

Start with current conditions, exhibits and ranger information. Ask about the access guide, film and Junior Ranger booklet.

Surface & route
Paved approaches; two moderately sloping ramps into the building. Approach distance not published.
Ascent · NPS figure
Not published
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Ramp grades and approach distance are not quantified here. Auditorium has a captioned 24-minute film; ask for audio description or assisted listening.

Facilities. Accessible restroom stalls and drinking water listed by NPS. Check current hours and holiday exceptions; a film can require extra waiting time.

BCC planning allowance: 30 minutes here; 160 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Sunset Point

A short paved approach to the Bryce Amphitheater. Look across the clustered pillars before deciding whether to add a rim walk.

Surface & route
Paved approach. 150 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
7.6 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
1.7% / 4.1%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
1.9% / 3.3%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Surface condition and maintenance are not verified live.

Facilities. NPS lists year-round restrooms and water in the restroom, plus seasonal exterior fill stations. The access guide says the restroom may require assistance; availability is not live.

BCC planning allowance: 25 minutes here; 350 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Sunrise Point · paved rim approach

A longer paved approach to the rim and the Queen’s Garden trailhead. This stop ends below the steep, unpaved upper viewpoint.

Surface & route
Paved approach. 482 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
50 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
3.9% / 10.4%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
2.3% / 9%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Paved approach only. The extra 24 m to the upper viewpoint is unpaved, with 20.7% maximum grade and 16.2% maximum cross-slope; excluded from this stop.

Facilities. Restrooms and water at the nearby General Store are seasonal. Do not depend on the store in winter.

BCC planning allowance: 40 minutes here; 1050 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Inspiration Point · lower overlook

An amphitheater view from the lower overlook. The middle and upper overlooks are separate, much steeper extensions.

Surface & route
Paved approach. 66 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
6 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
3.7% / 6.3%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
1.9% / 3.6%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Lower overlook only. The unpaved 373 m extension to middle/upper overlooks reaches a reported 26% maximum grade; excluded.

Facilities. NPS winter guidance says restrooms here close in winter; verify current facilities.

BCC planning allowance: 20 minutes here; 180 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Bryce Point · first overlook

A paved approach to the first overlook. This plan does not require continuing to the farther end of the point.

Surface & route
Paved approach. 82 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
11.8 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
5.5% / 11.3%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
1% / 2.8%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

First overlook only. The additional 78 m to the end is excluded. NPS reports route-wide grades; the first section was not separately measured. Ice can affect the path.

Facilities. Facilities at this stop are not confirmed in this record. Carry needed water; verify nearby services.

BCC planning allowance: 25 minutes here; 220 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Fairyland Point

A compacted-sediment overlook at the north end of the amphitheater. Viewpoint visit only; Fairyland Loop is a separate long hike.

Surface & route
Firm native sediment; unpaved. 27 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
3.3 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
3.7% / 4.7%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
1.6% / 2.6%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Surface condition and maintenance are not verified live.

Facilities. NPS lists no services or shuttle at Fairyland Point.

BCC planning allowance: 20 minutes here; 100 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Paria View · first overlook

A paved approach to the first overlook, with a longer sloping extension beyond. Its spur road is seasonally closed to vehicles.

Surface & route
Paved approach. 39 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
Not published
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

First overlook only. The extra 192 m sloping extension is excluded. Grades and cross-slopes are unknown in the consulted table.

Facilities. Facilities at this stop are not confirmed in this record. Carry needed water; verify nearby services.

BCC planning allowance: 20 minutes here; 120 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Swamp Canyon overlook

A roadside viewpoint along the southern drive. Seeing the overlook does not require taking the separate backcountry loop.

Surface & route
Paved approach. Approach distance not published.
Ascent · NPS figure
1.4 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
4.2% / 4.4%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
2.9% / 6.5%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Surface condition and maintenance are not verified live.

Facilities. NPS lists no services at the Swamp Canyon trailhead. Carry needed water and plan restroom stops elsewhere.

BCC planning allowance: 15 minutes here; 100 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Farview Point

A short paved overlook approach on the southern drive. Nearby Piracy Point uses an unpaved path and is listed separately.

Surface & route
Paved approach. 18 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
2.1 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
3.6% / 8.9%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
4.3% / 10.4%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Surface condition and maintenance are not verified live.

Facilities. NPS access guide lists accessible restroom stalls; winter guidance lists restrooms here. Current opening and water availability must be checked.

BCC planning allowance: 15 minutes here; 100 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Piracy Point

An unpaved walk from the Farview parking area. Compare the terrain detail with Farview before choosing the extension.

Surface & route
Firm native sediment; unpaved. 322 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
8 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
2.7% / 10.9%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
2.3% / 11.2%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Surface condition and maintenance are not verified live.

Facilities. Facilities at this stop are not confirmed in this record. Carry needed water; verify nearby services.

BCC planning allowance: 35 minutes here; 700 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Natural Bridge

A close-to-parking view of a natural rock opening. Use the overlook to study the opening; this is not a route to its base.

Surface & route
Paved approach. 16 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
3.7 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
7% / 8%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
0.1% / 2.9%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Surface condition and maintenance are not verified live.

Facilities. Facilities at this stop are not confirmed in this record. Carry needed water; verify nearby services.

BCC planning allowance: 20 minutes here; 100 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Agua Canyon

A short paved viewpoint on the southern drive. Leave time to look into the landscape rather than adding another hike.

Surface & route
Paved approach. 24 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
3.1 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
3.9% / 6.2%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
3.3% / 8.6%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Surface condition and maintenance are not verified live.

Facilities. Facilities at this stop are not confirmed in this record. Carry needed water; verify nearby services.

BCC planning allowance: 15 minutes here; 100 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Ponderosa Canyon

A compact roadside stop on the southern drive. The approach is short, but NPS still reports measurable slope.

Surface & route
Paved approach. 13 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
2.8 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
6.8% / 7.8%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
1.9% / 2.7%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Surface condition and maintenance are not verified live.

Facilities. Facilities at this stop are not confirmed in this record. Carry needed water; verify nearby services.

BCC planning allowance: 15 minutes here; 100 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Black Birch Canyon

A paved viewpoint with an incline. NPS does not quantify its approach distance in the consulted table.

Surface & route
Paved approach. Approach distance not published.
Ascent · NPS figure
6.1 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
4.9% / 7%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
2% / 3.2%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Surface condition and maintenance are not verified live.

Facilities. Facilities at this stop are not confirmed in this record. Carry needed water; verify nearby services.

BCC planning allowance: 15 minutes here; 100 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Rainbow Point

A paved sloping approach at the southern end of the road. The higher southern drive adds substantial travel time.

Surface & route
Paved approach. 107 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
1.6 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
2.4% / 5.6%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
1.1% / 1.4%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

NPS lists 359 ft alongside 107 m, which do not exactly convert. Retain its 107 m approach figure and use a rounded 270 m return allowance; not a survey.

Facilities. NPS access guide lists accessible restroom stalls; winter guidance lists restrooms here. Current opening and water availability must be checked.

BCC planning allowance: 25 minutes here; 270 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Yovimpa Point

A short paved approach at the road’s end. Pair with Rainbow Point using the same parking area when conditions permit.

Surface & route
Paved approach. 24 m one way from parking.
Ascent · NPS figure
5.1 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
1.3% / 7.1%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
2% / 3.8%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Surface condition and maintenance are not verified live.

Facilities. Facilities at this stop are not confirmed in this record. Carry needed water; verify nearby services.

BCC planning allowance: 20 minutes here; 100 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Sunset–Sunrise paved rim walk

An out-and-back paved rim walk: half a mile each way, plus the parking approach. Turn around earlier for a shorter view; the planner budgets the full return.

Surface & route
Concrete. 1 mi (1.6 km), full return / loop.
Ascent · NPS figure
40 ft
Minimum width
182.9 cm
Grade · typical / maximum
3.3% / 16.5%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
2.8% / 12.2%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Paved does not mean flat: NPS reports local maximum grade 16.5% and cross-slope 12.2%. Confirm conditions and suitability. This is a complete out-and-back, not a one-way route relying on a shuttle return.

Facilities. NPS lists year-round restrooms and water in the restroom, plus seasonal exterior fill stations. The access guide says the restroom may require assistance; availability is not live. General Store services at the other end are seasonal.

BCC planning allowance: 90 minutes here; 1950 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance: upper NPS walking time plus roughly 20% for pauses and an approach allowance. Transfers and a separate day rest reserve are additional.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Bristlecone Loop

A forest loop at the high southern end of the park. Its natural surface and steep sections matter even though NPS calls the overall hike easy.

Surface & route
Firm native sediment; unpaved. 1 mi (1.6 km), full return / loop.
Ascent · NPS figure
200 ft
Minimum width
129.5 cm
Grade · typical / maximum
7% / 20%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
5% / 24%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Published route metrics do not describe today’s surface or every obstacle. Parking approaches are additional.

Facilities. The trail page calls Rainbow-area restrooms seasonal, while winter guidance lists restrooms there. Verify current opening. No park shuttle or on-trail water refill is assumed.

BCC planning allowance: 90 minutes here; 1750 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance: upper NPS walking time plus roughly 20% for pauses and an approach allowance. Transfers and a separate day rest reserve are additional.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Mossy Cave Trail

A streamside walk reached from SR 12, outside the main park drive. It starts uphill and returns downhill; the grotto is not a promise of a flowing waterfall.

Surface & route
Firm native sediment; unpaved. 0.8 mi (1.3 km), full return / loop.
Ascent · NPS figure
150 ft
Minimum width
81 cm
Grade · typical / maximum
5% / 23%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
6% / 20%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Published route metrics do not describe today’s surface or every obstacle. Parking approaches are additional.

Facilities. NPS lists an accessible restroom at the trailhead. No park shuttle. If the lot is full, return later; roadside parking along SR 12 is not permitted. Check park admission guidance.

BCC planning allowance: 90 minutes here; 1450 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance: upper NPS walking time plus roughly 20% for pauses and an approach allowance. Transfers and a separate day rest reserve are additional.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Queen’s Garden Trail

An out-and-back descent among hoodoos from Sunrise Point. The climb back is part of the outing; the NPS rating is moderate.

Surface & route
Firm native sediment; unpaved. 1.8 mi (2.9 km), full return / loop.
Ascent · NPS figure
450 ft
Minimum width
84 cm
Grade · typical / maximum
11% / 25%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
5% / 17%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Published route metrics do not describe today’s surface or every obstacle. Parking approaches are additional.

Facilities. NPS lists seasonal restrooms and a water-fill station at the General Store near Sunrise Point. No refill is assumed on the trail.

BCC planning allowance: 165 minutes here; 3900 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance: upper NPS walking time plus roughly 20% for pauses and an approach allowance. Transfers and a separate day rest reserve are additional.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Navajo Loop · full summer loop

Steep switchbacks from Sunset Point, using both Two Bridges and Wall Street. This complete loop is not a winter plan.

Surface & route
Firm native sediment; unpaved. 1.3 mi (2.1 km), full return / loop.
Ascent · NPS figure
515 ft
Minimum width
64 cm
Grade · typical / maximum
14% / 30%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
7% / 24%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Published route metrics do not describe today’s surface or every obstacle. Parking approaches are additional.

Facilities. NPS lists year-round restrooms and water in the restroom, plus seasonal exterior fill stations. The access guide says the restroom may require assistance; availability is not live.

BCC planning allowance: 160 minutes here; 2450 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance: upper NPS walking time plus roughly 20% for pauses and an approach allowance. Transfers and a separate day rest reserve are additional.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Queen’s Garden / Navajo combination

A loop linking Queen’s Garden, Navajo and the rim. NPS suggests descending from Sunrise, returning up Navajo, then completing the rim section.

Surface & route
Firm native sediment; unpaved. 2.9 mi (4.7 km), full return / loop.
Ascent · NPS figure
625 ft
Minimum width
64 cm
Grade · typical / maximum
14% / 30%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
7% / 24%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Grade/cross-slope values shown are the larger published segment values. Queen’s Garden and Navajo have different widths and slopes; consult the source for each. No Wall Street opening is assumed.

Facilities. NPS lists year-round restrooms and water in the restroom, plus seasonal exterior fill stations. The access guide says the restroom may require assistance; availability is not live. General Store facilities near Sunrise Point are seasonal.

BCC planning allowance: 240 minutes here; 5750 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance: upper NPS walking time plus roughly 20% for pauses and an approach allowance. Transfers and a separate day rest reserve are additional.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Tower Bridge walk

An out-and-back descent north of Sunrise Point to a formation reached by a spur. Keep time and energy for the return climb.

Surface & route
Firm native sediment; unpaved. 3 mi (4.8 km), full return / loop.
Ascent · NPS figure
760 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Published route metrics do not describe today’s surface or every obstacle. Parking approaches are additional.

Facilities. NPS lists seasonal restrooms and a water-fill station at the General Store near Sunrise Point. No refill is assumed on the trail.

BCC planning allowance: 240 minutes here; 5900 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance: upper NPS walking time plus roughly 20% for pauses and an approach allowance. Transfers and a separate day rest reserve are additional.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Peekaboo Loop

A long, steep loop reached from Bryce Point. NPS advises clockwise travel and yielding to horses and mules.

Surface & route
Firm native sediment; unpaved. 5.5 mi (8.9 km), full return / loop.
Ascent · NPS figure
1560 ft
Minimum width
122 cm
Grade · typical / maximum
6% / 27%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
4% / 21%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Published route metrics do not describe today’s surface or every obstacle. Parking approaches are additional.

Facilities. NPS lists seasonal pit toilets along the loop. No drinking-water refill is assumed on trail.

BCC planning allowance: 310 minutes here; 9150 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance: upper NPS walking time plus roughly 20% for pauses and an approach allowance. Transfers and a separate day rest reserve are additional.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Fairyland Loop · from Fairyland Point

A substantial hoodoo and rim circuit. This record starts and ends at Fairyland Point; no shuttle pickup is assumed there.

Surface & route
Firm native sediment; unpaved. 8 mi (12.9 km), full return / loop.
Ascent · NPS figure
1900 ft
Minimum width
41 cm
Grade · typical / maximum
9% / 25%
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
5% / 39%
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

NPS main description says 8.0 miles; its access block says 7.8. Use the longer 8.0-mile distance for planning. Winter road closure changes access to this specific start.

Facilities. No services or shuttle at Fairyland Point. This plan returns to its starting point.

BCC planning allowance: 375 minutes here; 13100 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance: upper NPS walking time plus roughly 20% for pauses and an approach allowance. Transfers and a separate day rest reserve are additional.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Swamp Canyon Loop

A more rugged, less-signed backcountry loop. NPS recommends carrying a map. It is available for deliberate comparison, not added by a preset.

Surface & route
Firm native sediment; unpaved. 4 mi (6.4 km), full return / loop.
Ascent · NPS figure
800 ft
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Published route metrics do not describe today’s surface or every obstacle. Parking approaches are additional.

Facilities. NPS lists no services or shuttle at this trailhead. Carry a map and all needed water.

BCC planning allowance: 305 minutes here; 6600 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance: upper NPS walking time plus roughly 20% for pauses and an approach allowance. Transfers and a separate day rest reserve are additional.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

General Store · seasonal facilities

A practical facilities stop near Sunrise Point. Check the current opening before depending on its restrooms or supplies.

Surface & route
NPS lists a wheelchair-accessible facility; approach dimensions and grades are not specified. Approach distance not published.
Ascent · NPS figure
Not published
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

NPS pages describe winter closure differently. Treat exact dates as unconfirmed.

Facilities. Accessible restroom listed. Nearby trail pages list seasonal water fill. No booking, product, price or open-now claim.

BCC planning allowance: 20 minutes here; 200 m on foot, including return approach. BCC allowance, not a measured travel time. Includes approach, viewing and photo pauses.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Shared-use path

A paved transport and recreation connection near the amphitheater. Route sections, construction status and grades need a current NPS check.

Surface & route
Paved shared path. Approach distance not published.
Ascent · NPS figure
Not published
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Some sections may require assistance for manual wheelchair use. No segment length or complete-route availability is assumed.

Facilities. Not scheduled as an itinerary stop. Check the visitor center for the current path and construction information.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Bryce Canyon City · shuttle boarding

The shuttle station outside the park is an NPS-recommended boarding and parking location. The planner itself starts at the park Visitor Center.

Surface & route
Not established in this record. Approach distance not published.
Ascent · NPS figure
Not published
Minimum width
Not published
Grade · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Cross-slope · typical / maximum
Not published / Not published
Steps
Step count not published in the consulted NPS description; confirm the route on arrival.

Buses have powered wheelchair lifts and space for two wheelchairs according to NPS. Boarding capacity and wait are not guaranteed.

Facilities. 2026 published shuttle season: April 3–October 18. Check exact dates, last bus, proof of admission and parking before travel.

Dated description; current surface, access and availability are unknown.

Compare the whole walk

Published NPS route figures · checked October 2, 2026. Use each linked record for limitations and source.
WalkDistanceAscentNPS time / ratingSurfaceMax. gradeMin. width
Sunset–Sunrise paved rim walk1 mi40 ft1 h
Easy
Concrete16.5%182.9 cm
Bristlecone Loop1 mi200 ft1 h
Easy
Native sediment20%129.5 cm
Mossy Cave Trail0.8 mi150 ft1 h
Easy
Native sediment23%81 cm
Queen’s Garden Trail1.8 mi450 ft1–2 h
Moderate
Native sediment25%84 cm
Navajo Loop · full summer loop1.3 mi515 ft1–2 h
Moderate
Native sediment30%64 cm
Queen’s Garden / Navajo combination2.9 mi625 ft2–3 h
Moderate
Native sediment30%64 cm
Tower Bridge walk3 mi760 ft2–3 h
Moderate
Native sedimentNot publishedNot published
Peekaboo Loop5.5 mi1560 ft3–4 h
Strenuous
Native sediment27%122 cm
Fairyland Loop · from Fairyland Point8 mi1900 ft4–5 h
Strenuous
Native sediment25%41 cm
Swamp Canyon Loop4 mi800 ft3–4 h
Moderate
Native sedimentNot publishedNot published

Before you go

Check before leaving

Read current NPS alerts, road and trail information, facility hours and the linked weather forecast. Ask at the Visitor Center about trail surfaces. This catalogue is dated, with no live closure or weather feed.

Winter and uncertain seasons

Fairyland and Paria spur roads close to vehicles in winter; Wall Street closes seasonally. The southern road can close temporarily after snow. Paved paths can be icy. The planner keeps winter and unknown-season suggestions near the amphitheater and leaves unpaved hikes for a fresh conditions check.

Shuttle, waiting and the last bus

The shuttle serves the amphitheater, not the southern drive or Mossy Cave. NPS describes roughly 15-minute arrivals and a 50-minute loop. Check the dedicated 2026 schedule (April 3–October 18), service hours and last departure; a season choice is not proof of service on your date. No Rainbow bus tour is assumed.

Bring time, water and layers

Pack drinking water, food, sun protection, layers and footwear suited to the surface. Carry a trail map. NPS emphasizes high elevation, the return climb on amphitheater hikes and traction needs in winter. Choose distances for your group; this planner does not assess fitness or medical needs.

Let the weather change the plan

NPS advises going inside a substantial building or hard-top vehicle when you hear thunder, and waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outside. A viewpoint or shuttle shelter is not a storm shelter. Use current forecasts and NPS guidance.

A good view is enough

Stay on established trails and behind barriers. Leave rocks and plants in place, give wildlife space and carry out waste. Compare hoodoo shapes from a viewpoint or make a sketch; no closer approach is needed for an observation.

Sources & limits

NPS facts are paraphrased; no source imagery is reproduced. No claim to original U.S. Government works. BCC time and walking reserves are estimates, not measurements or medical recommendations.

  1. Bryce Canyon accessibilityNational Park Service · page updated 2026-09-22 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    Viewpoint approach lengths, grade and cross-slope; visitor center ramps, film access and restroom limitations; shuttle lifts.

  2. Hiking at Bryce CanyonNational Park Service · page updated 2024-10-11 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    Trail comparison, altitude context, carrying water, sun/weather preparation and staying on established trails.

  3. Visiting in WinterNational Park Service · page updated 2024-03-05 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    Seasonal Fairyland/Paria road and Wall Street closures, southern road uncertainty, winter surfaces and seasonal facilities.

  4. Current ConditionsNational Park Service · page updated 2026-08-31 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    Where to verify alerts, roads and weather; latest trail conditions at the visitor center. Dynamic alerts were not captured as an all-clear.

  5. Park ShuttleNational Park Service · page updated 2026-05-14 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    2026 season April 3–October 18, service area, boarding and parking, about 15-minute frequency and 50-minute loop; no Rainbow bus tour.

  6. Drive the Southern Scenic DriveNational Park Service · page updated 2025-08-06 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    About 40 minutes from visitor center to road end, 2–3 hours for drive/viewpoints, south-first recommendation, winter gate, viewpoint context.

  7. Visitor CenterNational Park Service · page updated 2026-08-15 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    Exhibits, ranger information, film, Junior Ranger booklets, drinking water, restrooms and current program information.

  8. Operating Hours & SeasonsNational Park Service · page updated 2026-08-14 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    Link to current facility hours and seasonal operations; generic shuttle date conflicts with the dedicated 2026 schedule, which takes precedence here.

  9. Bryce Canyon General StoreNational Park Service · page updated 2024-10-02 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    Location near Sunrise Point, restrooms, wheelchair-accessibility amenity, seasonal closure; exact operating dates require confirmation.

  10. Ride Your Bike in the ParkNational Park Service · page updated 2024-04-16 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    Paved shared-use path; a facility reference, not an assumed complete or currently open walking route.

  11. Lightning SafetyNational Park Service · page updated 2022-12-19 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    Move inside a substantial building or hard-top vehicle when thunder is heard; shuttle shelters and overlooks are not safe storm shelters.

  12. Sunset Point to Sunrise Point HikeNational Park Service · page updated 2026-08-15 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    1 mile round trip, 40 ft ascent, concrete surface, grade/cross-slope/width, seasonal water and restroom details.

  13. Bristlecone Loop TrailNational Park Service · page updated 2024-10-10 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    1 mile loop, 200 ft ascent, 1 hour, firm native sediment, grades/width, no shuttle, winter snow limitations.

  14. Mossy Cave TrailNational Park Service · page updated 2024-10-10 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    0.8 mile round trip, 150 ft ascent, 1 hour, terrain metrics, SR 12 access, no shuttle, restroom, no roadside parking.

  15. Queen’s Garden TrailNational Park Service · page updated 2026-08-15 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    1.8 mile round trip, 450 ft ascent, 1–2 hours, terrain metrics and Sunrise trailhead.

  16. Navajo Loop TrailNational Park Service · page updated 2026-08-15 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    1.3 mile loop, 515 ft ascent, 1–2 hours, terrain metrics, winter Wall Street closure and full-loop limitation.

  17. Queen’s/Navajo Combination LoopNational Park Service · page updated 2026-08-15 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    2.9 mile loop, 625 ft ascent, 2–3 hours; clockwise suggestion, Two Bridges winter alternative, terrain metrics.

  18. Tower BridgeNational Park Service · page updated 2024-10-10 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    3 mile round trip, 760 ft ascent, 2–3 hours; north of Sunrise trailhead, natural surface, seasonal nearby services.

  19. Fairyland LoopNational Park Service · page updated 2026-08-15 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    8 mile planning distance, 1900 ft ascent, 4–5 hours, grades/width; no shuttle/services at Fairyland Point; winter snow limitation.

  20. Peekaboo LoopNational Park Service · page updated 2024-10-10 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    5.5 mile loop, 1560 ft ascent, 3–4 hours, grades/width; horse/mule right-of-way and seasonal toilets.

  21. Swamp Canyon LoopNational Park Service · page updated 2026-08-15 · retrieved 2026-10-02

    4 mile loop, 800 ft ascent, 3–4 hours, natural surface, no services/shuttle, fewer signs and winter snow limitation.