A guided, high-energy 6.2-mile loop that threads through Bryce Canyon’s hoodoo amphitheaters. Expect 1,479 ft of gain, narrow rock-stepped trails, and detailed local geology and cultural interpretation.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Should be in good cardiovascular shape and comfortable hiking sustained climbs and descents at high elevation.
Wildlife
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.
Reserve your spot on the Bryce Canyon Hiking Challenge today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimate to altitude
Spend a day in Tropic or Bryce Canyon City before hiking to reduce dizziness and breathlessness at ~8,000 ft.
Hydration and snacks
Carry 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 traction
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good tread for dusty switchbacks and occasional slickrock; trekking poles can help on descents.
Timing to avoid crowds
Start early or late-afternoon to avoid peak crowds at viewpoint pullouts and to capture best light on the hoodoos.
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.
summer
Light shell or windbreaker
Useful for cold mornings, wind, and sudden weather changes common on the high plateau.
spring