Bryce Canyon Hiking Challenge: 6.2-Mile Figure-8 Hike Through Hoodoo Amphitheaters

THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel

Read the full experience

You drop from a rim trail into a bowl of pink light—hoodoos jut like crowded columns, the wind whispering through narrow fins as you begin the figure-8 loop. The air is thin at roughly 8,000 feet; your breath keeps pace with the rhythm of switchbacks and the crunch of packed dirt and slickrock underfoot.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

challenging.

Duration

4 hours.

Fitness level

Should be in good cardiovascular shape and comfortable hiking sustained climbs and descents at high elevation.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the hike and what is the elevation gain?

The guided route covers about 6.2 miles with approximately 1,479 feet of elevation gain across the figure-8 loop.

Is this hike appropriate for beginners?

Because of elevation and sustained climbs, it’s best for hikers with good fitness; beginners with recent high-elevation experience may manage with frequent breaks.

Do guides provide water and snacks?

Guides typically supply bottled water and light snacks like granola or fruit bars, but personal water and preferred snacks are recommended.

Where do I meet and is the company inside the park?

Meet at the company office on the same property as Bryce Wildlife Adventure outside the park—check-in is required at their desk; do not rely on Waze directions to find them.

Local insights

Wildlife

Mule deer
Pinyon jay

History

Paiute people traversed these plateaus seasonally; the park was later named for early settler Ebenezer Bryce and established to protect its unique hoodoos.

Conservation

Hoodoos are fragile—stay strictly on designated trails, pack out all trash, and avoid disturbing cryptobiotic soil which is slow to recover.

About Bryce Canyon Scenic Tours

Bryce Canyon Scenic Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.

Base locationBryce Canyon City, Utah

Tours offered4+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace

Adventure tips

Acclimate to altitudeSpend a day in Tropic or Bryce Canyon City before hiking to reduce dizziness and breathlessness at ~8,000 ft.

Hydration and snacksCarry at least 1–2 liters of water and energy bars—guide supplies bottled water but personal carry is recommended for the uphill sections.

Footwear and tractionWear sturdy hiking boots with good tread for dusty switchbacks and occasional slickrock; trekking poles can help on descents.

Timing to avoid crowdsStart early or late-afternoon to avoid peak crowds at viewpoint pullouts and to capture best light on the hoodoos.

Recommended gear

Sturdy hiking boots: Provide ankle support and traction on dusty, rocky, and occasionally icy sections.
Hydration pack or water bottles: Keeps you hydrated through 6.2 miles and ~1,479 ft of elevation gain—carry more in summer.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+, sunglasses): Open exposures and reflection from light-colored rock increase UV exposure at high elevation.
Light shell or windbreaker: Useful for cold mornings, wind, and sudden weather changes common on the high plateau.