Wall Street (seasonal)
Narrow slot canyon with towering walls and Douglas firs rooted in the rock. More dramatic but steeper switchbacks. Closes when ice or snow is present — typically December through March or April.
If you do one hike at Bryce Canyon, this is it. The Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop combination is the most popular trail in the park and the one the NPS recommends for first-time visitors. It drops you below the rim into the amphitheater, weaves through hoodoo corridors and narrow canyon walls, and climbs you back out with the whole amphitheater laid out behind you. The hike takes most people about two hours and gives you the Bryce experience that viewpoints alone cannot.
How the combo works
The loop connects two trails — Queen's Garden (starting from Sunrise Point) and Navajo Loop (ending at Sunset Point) — with a short connector below the rim. Hike it clockwise: descend from Sunrise Point on the Queen's Garden trail, walk the connecting trail at the bottom, then ascend the Navajo Loop switchbacks to Sunset Point. Walk the flat, paved Rim Trail half a mile back to your car at Sunrise Point.
The NPS recommends clockwise for three reasons: the Queen's Garden descent is gentler and puts the amphitheater views in front of you as you go down; ascending the steeper Navajo switchbacks is safer than descending them; and when everyone hikes the same direction, a busy trail feels less congested.
Trail details
- Distance
- 2.9 miles (loop including Rim Trail return)
- Elevation change
- 550 ft descent / ascent
- Time
- 1.5–2.5 hours depending on pace and photo stops
- Difficulty
- Moderate — well-graded trail with real elevation at 8,000+ feet
- Trailhead
- Sunrise Point (descend Queen's Garden) → Sunset Point (ascend Navajo Loop)
- Permit
- None needed — standard day hike with park entrance fee
What to expect below the rim
The Queen's Garden descent is the gentler half. You drop along a ridgeline with open views of the amphitheater, passing formations the early explorers named for their resemblance to Queen Victoria and her court. The hoodoos go from distant shapes to arm's-length structures as you descend.
At the bottom, a connector trail links you to the Navajo Loop. This section winds through hoodoo corridors with walls on either side. It is quieter here than at the top and the scale of the formations becomes real — you are walking among towers that are taller than most buildings.
The Navajo Loop ascent has two routes. The Wall Street side passes through a narrow slot with Douglas fir trees growing in the shadows between 200-foot walls — it is the more dramatic option but closes when icy (usually December through March or April). The Two Bridges side stays open year-round and passes Thor's Hammer, the park's most-photographed hoodoo. Either way, the switchbacks are steep and the last stretch to the rim is the part where altitude makes itself felt.
Wall Street vs. Two Bridges
Two Bridges (year-round)
Wider trail with views of Thor's Hammer and two natural rock bridges. Open all year. Slightly less steep than Wall Street and better for anyone uneasy with tight spaces or heights.
Tips from Duck Creek
- Arrive early. Parking at Sunrise and Sunset Points fills by mid-morning in summer. Leave Duck Creek by 8 AM, or take the free shuttle from the shuttle station to skip the parking stress.
- Park at Sunrise Point. If you are hiking clockwise (recommended), park at Sunrise Point so you end the loop with a short Rim Trail walk back to your car instead of an uphill return.
- Morning light is best. The amphitheater faces east, so morning light hits the hoodoos directly and makes the colors pop. By afternoon the amphitheater is in shadow.
- Wear hiking boots. The switchbacks are sandy and the rock steps are uneven. The NPS says inappropriate footwear is the number one cause of rescues at Bryce. Lug soles and ankle support make the climb out much easier.
- Bring water and a layer. At 8,000 feet, you dehydrate faster than expected. Carry at least a liter per person. Mornings can be cool even in summer — a light jacket is worth having.
- Check Wall Street status. If you want the Wall Street route, confirm it is open on the NPS conditions page before you go. The Two Bridges side is always a good alternative.
Seasonal notes
Summer (June–August) gives you the most reliable conditions — all routes open, long days, shuttle running. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually pass quickly. Start in the morning to beat heat and crowds.
Spring and fall offer smaller crowds and beautiful light. Wall Street may still have ice into May; fall colors in the surrounding forest add to the drive from Duck Creek. These are our favorite seasons for this hike.
Winter turns the hoodoos into a different landscape. Snow on the red rock is spectacular for photography. Wall Street closes, but Two Bridges stays open. Traction devices (microspikes or similar) are strongly recommended. Shorter days mean earlier starts.
Pairing with other activities
After the combo, walk the Rim Trail to Inspiration Point and Bryce Point for additional viewpoints without dropping below the rim again. If you still have energy, the scenic drive south to Rainbow Point adds quieter overlooks and the short Bristlecone Loop at the end of the road.
Back at Duck Creek, pair a Bryce day with something easier the next day — a morning at Aspen Mirror Lake, a drive to Cedar Breaks, or a rest day with village dining and a walk on the property. Check our rooms and cabins to build the stay around the trip.