Length:  5.5 Miles
Trailhead(s):  Bryce Point
Elevation Gain:  1,571’
Trail Type:  Loop
Dogs:  Not Allowed
Difficulty:  Strenuous
Permit Required?  Yes – National Park Entry Fee $35
Considerations:  Summer Heat / Winter Snow
Season:  Year Round

Overview

For an out of this world treat, hike the Bryce Canyon National Park Peekaboo Loop to see stunning multi-hued hoodoos and otherworldly rock formations.

BRYCE CANYON

Bryce Canyon is, surprisingly, not a canyon at all.  This national park is actually a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the side of a high plateau.  In the largest of them, the Bryce Amphitheater, hikers go below the rim for an up close and personal encounter with its uniquely spectacular and grand geology.  Alternatively, for those who choose to view its expanse from above, an 11 mile rim trail runs from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point.  With multiple access points, this trail is dog friendly and provides incredible birds eye views of the hoodoos below.

Although hikers going below the rim get up close and personal with the rock formations, they must also ascend back up to the rim.  Whereas some of these hikes are not too difficult, others like the Peekaboo Loop Trail are more difficult.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK – PEEKABOO LOOP TRAIL

Peekaboo Loop has Beautiful Scenery

Hikers get an eyeful on the Bryce Canyon National Park Peekaboo Loop.  The trail showcases an impressively stunning array of colorful rock formations and hoodoos in the eastern section of the Bryce Amphitheater.  Enjoy hiking though, around, above, and below the hoodoos to view them from multiple angles and vantage points.  All the while, incredible rock walls with stunning formations ring the rim overhead for a truly surreal hiking environment.  In all directions, from start to finish, this trail is breathtakingly gorgeous.  Thoroughly enthralled, we found ourselves stopping often to marvel and take pictures. Though incredibly beautiful, the Peekaboo Loop Trail is also definitely one of the more strenuous trails in the Bryce Amphitheater.

Peekaboo Loop is a Strenuous Hike

Starting at 8,300 feet of elevation the Peekaboo Loop Trail descends quickly, has numerous elevation changes throughout, and then quickly ascends again to the rim.  To be clear here:  “quickly” means the trail is steep.  Although switchbacks help to level out some of the elevation changes, the Peekaboo Loop Trail a not necessarily a great choice for everyone.

Because the trail’s lowest elevation is at 7,400 feet, hikers not acclimated to altitude may experience fatigue and shortness of breath.  This may continue throughout the hike, and in particular when ascending.  As such, be kind to yourself when hiking this trail and pay attention to your breathing.  It’s not a race, so stay fueled and hydrated, and take breaks as often as needed.  The views are stunning, so think of stopping to rest, hydrate and fuel as a way to linger a little longer to enjoy the wonders surrounding you on this hike.

Peekaboo Loop is a  Multi-User Trail

Finally, hikers need to know that the Bryce Canyon National Park Peekaboo Loop Trail is not just a hiking trail.  It is also used by equestrians.  Thus, for safety reasons, horses and mules have right of way at all times.  If you encounter them, exercise care to ensure safe, solid footing for yourself and your party, and then step aside to let them pass.  If you need to move either forward or back along the trail to an area which has the space needed, then by all means move there.  Lastly, be sure to watch out for what they leave on the trail!

Scroll down to learn about the GEAR WE USE and OTHER OUTVENTURES in this area.

Additional Information

• National Park Service:  Bryce Canyon Peekaboo Loop Information Link