Top Bryce Canyon Secret Spots

Our Local Expert Says:

Classic Bryce views are even better on this hike because it's less crowded

Description:

The Fairyland Loop takes hikers through striking natural rock formations; don't forget your camera! The trail begins at Fairyland Point, winds through the Bryce Amphitheatre and returns near Sunrise Point. It loses 950 feet in elevation--then gains it. You'll get a workout! Penny-pincher? This trail head starts before the fee station in the Park, so you can experience all of its beauty for free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Due to it strenuousness, this trail arguably showcases some of Bryce Canyon's best features and is also appreciably less crowded.

Description:

Starting at Bryce Point, head down below the rim. When you reach the choice of going either left or right at the fork, choose left so you do the trail clockwise. Look up to your left for the Fairy Castle! And if you can, peer off straight ahead in the distance to see folks looking down from Bryce Point, now a mile away and 900 feet above you. Then you'll come to the Wall of Windows, which is more impressive if seen coming up in this direction, from the south. Watch for horses on this trail, and give way if you see them. Or sign up for a horseback ride yourself, which is a really fun and different way to experience Peekaboo Loop.

Description:

How do those rocks just balance like that, seeming so precarious? The Hat Shop hike offers close-ups of balancing little rocks capping the hoodoos. Don't worry, you can huff and puff but you won't be able to blow them down. But it sure is fun to check out all the wild shapes and pretend the hoodoos are ladies dressed up in their millinery finest to go to the races. Note: this is a down and back up trail-way, way up. You gain about 1,000 feet as you ascend, making the Hat Shop a thigh-burner in the extreme. It's also very exposed, so not a good mid-July, midday hike. Awesome views, though, and also less traveled than other hikes in Bryce Canyon.

Description:

Somewhat short yet definitely good, this well-worn trail starts from Sunrise Point and leads you into the heart of those crazy hoodoo rock formations. When you land (safely!) at the bottom, 950 feet below the trailhead, you'll be rewarded by Tower Bridge, situated right beside Keyhole Window in a stunning display of typical Bryce topography. Tower Bridge does indeed look like a natural version of, say, London Tower, albeit far more light and beautiful. Look for bristlecone pines and China Wall off in the distance.

Description:

It can be done in a day, since it's only 8.5 miles, but lots of folks take advantage of the nice back country campsites and the spring itself to make this one an overnight. There are plenty of forested parts of the trail, making this a pleasant spring through fall hike. Lots of quaking aspen (quakies) groves are along the way as well. Note: treat the water, of course! The Riggs Spring Loop can also be hooked up the Under-the-Rim Trail to make it a truly extended, vigorous back country experience.

Description:

Got snow? Strap on the Park-provided snowshoes and get thee out there on a ranger-led Snowshoe Hike! Every winter week, if there's enough of the white stuff, you can see Bryce in a way few will while learning more about it from a ranger. For example, they'll teach you how snow shapes the hoodoos. A Snowshoe Hike is an awesome activity to get everyone in your party out and about, especially if there was any whining about the cold. Note: snowshoeing is more physically active than you might expect, so be prepared to huff a little. Snowball fight optional.

Description:

Hoodoos, ancient lakes and something called frost-wedging? Geologists have spent years studying the unique story of Bryce Canyon. Spend a half hour with a ranger as we discuss the current scientific explanation behind Bryce Canyon's unique geologic history. Check at the visitor center for current information.