Peekaboo, Tropic, Queen's Garden, and Rim Trail (Bryce Traverse)
Peekaboo, Tropic, Queen's Garden, and Rim Trail (Bryce Traverse)
4.8
(4546)
19,433
hikers
Peekaboo, Tropic, Queen's Garden, and Rim Trail (Bryce Traverse)
02:30
8.23km
260m
Hiking
Hike the Peekaboo, Tropic, Queen's Garden, and Rim Trail (Bryce Traverse) for a moderate 5.1-mile journey through Bryce Canyon's hoodoos.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Crocodile Rock Formation, Bryce Canyon National Park
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
87 m
Bryce Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
103 m
Rim Trail Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
184 m
Trailhead Peekaboo Loop
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
189 m
Under-The-Rim Trail (North) Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
1.10 km
Peek-a-boo Spot
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
1.39 km
Little Chapel Hoodoo, Bryce Canyon National Park
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
1.47 km
Peek-A-Boo-Tunnel
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
1.77 km
Hoodoo Rock Formations in Bryce Canyon National Park
Highlight • Canyon
2.19 km
Restroom
Highlight • Other
If you can, however, you should avoid this really bad smelling …
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.23 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.89 km
1.09 km
239 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
6.49 km
948 m
487 m
264 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,520 m)
Lowest point (2,260 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 8 May
24°C
4°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall difficulty of the Bryce Traverse?
This combined traverse is generally considered moderate to strenuous due to significant elevation changes. While sections of the Rim Trail are easier, descending into and climbing out of the amphitheater on trails like the Peekaboo Loop and Queen's Garden involves considerable effort. The high elevation of Bryce Canyon (around 8,000 feet) can also make climbs feel more challenging.
Where can I park to access this trail, and is there a shuttle?
Parking is available at various points along the Rim Trail, such as near Bryce Point or Sunrise Point. Bryce Canyon National Park operates a free shuttle system that can help you access different trailheads and viewpoints, reducing the need to move your car. Check the official NPS website for current shuttle schedules and routes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on this hike?
The terrain varies significantly. The Rim Trail offers paved or well-worn, relatively flat sections with panoramic views. As you descend into the canyon via trails like Queen's Garden or Peekaboo Loop, the terrain becomes unpaved, with firm native sediment, switchbacks, and uneven surfaces, putting you directly among the hoodoos. The Peekaboo Loop is also an equestrian trail, so you might encounter horses.
What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints along the route?
You'll encounter many of Bryce Canyon's famous geological structures. Highlights include the intricate Wall of Windows and The Cathedral on the Peekaboo Loop, and formations resembling Queen Victoria and her castle in Queen's Garden. You'll also pass by the Crocodile Rock Formation, Little Chapel Hoodoo, and the Peek-A-Boo-Tunnel. Don't miss the expansive views from Bryce Point and Peek-a-boo Spot.
What is the best time of year to hike this traverse?
Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant hiking conditions with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, with limited shade in the inner canyon, making the strenuous sections more challenging. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear for snow and ice, and some sections may be closed.
Does this trail intersect with other well-known paths?
Yes, this route combines several popular trails. It includes significant portions of the Rim Trail and the Queen's Garden Trail. It also incorporates sections of the Navajo Loop Trail and the Under-the-Rim Trail, which are part of the larger network within Bryce Canyon National Park.
Are dogs allowed on the Peekaboo, Tropic, Queen's Garden, and Rim Trail (Bryce Traverse)?
No, dogs are generally not allowed on the unpaved trails below the rim in Bryce Canyon National Park, which includes the Peekaboo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail. They are permitted on paved sections of the Rim Trail (with a leash) and on the Shared-Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point. Always check current park regulations before bringing your pet.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this hike?
Yes, this hike is located within Bryce Canyon National Park, so you will need to pay the park entrance fee. This fee covers entry for a set number of days. Individual hiking permits are not typically required for day hikes on established trails like this traverse, but always check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information on fees and regulations.
How long does it typically take to complete this traverse?
While the Komoot tour data suggests approximately 2.5 hours for this specific route, combining the Peekaboo Loop and Queen's Garden (often called the 'Bryce Amphitheater Traverse') is described by the National Park Service as taking 3-4 hours for a similar distance (4.7 miles / 7.6 km) with significant elevation changes. Your actual time will depend on your fitness level, pace, and how often you stop for photos.
Is there a less-traveled way to start this hike?
Yes, the Tropic Trail offers a unique and less-traveled starting point. It begins outside the main amphitheater in a juniper and pine forest, providing a quieter, more gradual introduction to the park's distinct scenery before connecting with the more popular trails within the amphitheater.
What should I wear and bring for this hike?
Given the varied terrain and elevation, wear sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change, especially between the rim and the canyon floor. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and a map. There is a restroom marked on the route, but water sources are limited.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Incredibly worth seeing - at the beginning it goes down into the canyon. The trails are easy to walk with sturdy shoes. Today it was quite busy so you have to keep moving around but there are enough wide places where it is possible with a little mutual consideration. We took a lot of time to enjoy the view and the many impressions. You can also walk the trail much faster. The climb at the end is strenuous but doable. In the shade it was always really cold.
For me the top tour in Bryce Canyon, which combines and includes all the top highlights. You take the shuttle bus to Bryce Point. It is the southernmost and also the highest point with a fantastic view of the amphitheater. First of all you let your eyes wander from above over the natural wonder of the world from Bryce Point and, if you have walked in the depths like we have before, you can see part of the tour lying below you. Then you descend from Bryce Point via the connecting path to the Peekaboo Trail. Arrive at about the highest point of the Peekaboo and turn left there, following the western portion of the trail. This includes about 90% of the highlights. The "Wall of windows" is particularly impressive It is impossible to describe how your heart beats anew after every curve. Here, too, pictures and videos cannot reflect personal impressions. If you have completed the Peekaboo down in the valley, you can walk left to Wall Street and turn back before the switchbacks that lead up to Sunset Point. Our access to Wall Street was blocked due to major damage caused by a storm. That's why I chose the ascent directly via the Queens Garden Trail to Sunrise Point. From there it was only a short walk to the campground This trail, along with the Navajo Loop Trail, is rightly one of the most beautiful and most popular trails in Bryce Canyon. If you don't have much time, I recommend descending the Navajo Loop through Wall Street at least from Sunset point and hiking back up to Sunrise point via Queens Garden. A relatively short hike, but with a few meters of altitude that you will never forget. As already written above, my farewell tour was the top highlight of this tour of the USA. Every US traveler should have hiked up and down Bryce Canyon at least once in their life. He will succumb to the fascination of this place!!!!1
Hike on 10/05/2022 A notice: This is a gpx re-import of my tour from 10/06/2022 through Bryce Canyon, so that this tour appears as just completed in the Komoot. (Tip from Rita with Ronnie 😉 ) https://www.komoot.de/user/577376397954/tours?type=recorded is the page of my tours, where even if you are interested in the Southwest of the USA, my other tours will appear little by little /due to time constraints). For me, this was the top tour of my USA farewell tour, namely the Peekaboo Loop and Queens Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon, which connects and includes all the top highlights. You take the shuttle bus to Bryce Point. It is the southernmost and also the highest point with a fantastic view of the amphitheater. First of all you let your eyes wander from above over the natural wonder of the world from Bryce Point and, if you have walked in the depths like we have before, you can see part of the tour lying below you. Then you descend from Bryce Point via the connecting path to the Peekaboo Trail. Arrive at about the highest point of the Peekaboo and turn left there, following the western portion of the trail. This includes about 90% of the highlights. The "Wall of windows" is particularly impressive It is impossible to describe how your heart beats anew after every curve. Here, too, pictures and videos cannot reflect personal impressions. Once you have completed the Peekaboo down in the valley, you can walk left through Wall Street and then turn back before the switchbacks that lead up to Sunset Point. My access to Wall Street was blocked due to major damage caused by a storm. That's why I chose the ascent directly via the Queens Garden Trail to Sunrise Point. From there it was only a short walk to the campground This trail, along with the Navajo Loop Trail, is rightly one of the most beautiful and most popular trails in Bryce Canyon. If you don't have much time, I recommend descending the Navajo Loop through Wall Street at least from Sunset point and hiking back up to Sunrise point via Queens Garden. A relatively short hike, but with a few meters of altitude that you will never forget. As already written above, this was the top highlight of my USA farewell tour. Every US traveler should have hiked up and down Bryce Canyon at least once in their life. He will succumb to the fascination of this place!!!! 😍🤩😍
A great hike where you can explore Bryce extensively
Wow how beautiful Bryce Canyon is! Komoot is upset, because it took us 4.5 hours and not 2 😂.
The Big 8 Loop combines the Navajo Loop with the Peekaboo Loop. So you hike a big 8 in this beautiful scenary. You can explore all the great views on this loop. Have fun, stay safe.