Trail Run Project Logo

Perhaps the most popular trail in the park, you'll marvel at the enormous colorful pinnacles.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.2

KM

69%

Runnable

7,993' 2,436 m

High

7,498' 2,285 m

Low

495' 151 m

Up

496' 151 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (8°)

54%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Geological Significance · Views

The western half of this loop is usually closed during winter because of falling rocks in the Wall Street section. The eastern half of the loop is usually open year-round, but can be covered with very deep snow. Yaktrax, poles, or other traction devices are recommended for winter travel.

Overview

This short and very steep loop trail packs a lot of amazing scenery into a very small package. Although you'll be sharing this amazing trail with the masses, the scenery and rock formations are well worth it. Alternatively, arrive very early or late for more solitude and to catch the sunlight on the spires for some truly great pictures.

Description

Most people prefer tackling the Navajo Loop Trail in the counter-clockwise direction as described here. That way, the climb up and out of the canyon utilizes the more gradual eastern half of the loop.

From the Sunset Point parking area, head southeast towards the main overlook. Pick up the righthand (west) half of the Navajo Loop Trail and start switchbacking downhill. The trail is wide and easy to follow here. Descend through narrow colorful cliffs, stopping for a peek into the next canyon via a short spur and tunnel. The route narrows almost to a slot through the impressive "Wall Street" section. Towards the bottom, the terrain opens dramatically allowing sunlight to penetrate and fir trees to grow in the valley bottom. Follow the trail along a stream bed to the junction of the Navajo Loop with the Queens Garden Trail and the Peekaboo - Navajo Connector.

To complete the Navajo Loop, take the eastern half of the Navajo Loop Trail northwest (back toward the rim). This eastern half of the Navajo Loop is also called "Two Bridges" for the double arch visible nearby. Climb up a wooded slope as the cliff walls get taller and closer as you ascend. After a very steep section of switchbacks, the Thor's Hammer formation appears (big block on a skinny pinnacle).

Continue up through open terrain until reaching the canyon rim back at Sunset Point.

Flora & Fauna

Ancient Ponderosa pines exist in this area, as well as other pine and fur trees.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W with improvements by Marley Nelson

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 99 votes

#4

in Ampitheater

#53

Overall
  4.7 from 99 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Ampitheater

#10

in Utah

#53

Overall
14 Views Last Month
10,219 Since Feb 28, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

2%
5%
66%
9%
18%
0%

Photos

Nice view.
Jul 6, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Orange pinnacles in mid-morning light
Sep 3, 2015 near Panguitch, UT
Bryce Canyon Navajo Loop.
Jan 14, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Hoodoos from Sunset Point with Bristlecone Point in the background
Oct 16, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
Thor's Hammer on Navajo Trail
Feb 13, 2024 near Panguitch, UT
Navajo Loop Trail.
Sep 3, 2015 near Panguitch, UT

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 12 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Dec 27, 2018
Matt Stoub
Switchbacks were fun... crowded 1.4mi
Mar 10, 2018
Christian Carter
0.7mi
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.