Hiking Expedition on Peekaboo Loop Trail
In the heart of Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, lies the Peekaboo Loop Trail, a captivating hike that begins at Bryce Point. Accessible via Bryce Point Road, Tropic, UT 84776, this trail offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
The trailhead is located at Bryce Point, a picturesque spot with approximately 30 parking spots. During the summer months, shuttle buses run from Bryce Canyon City, making it easier for visitors to reach the trailhead.
The Peekaboo Loop Trail is approximately 5.2 to 5.5 miles long and is known for its winding journey through dramatic hoodoo formations in the Bryce Amphitheater. As you ascend and descend through the amphitheater, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views that are often away from the crowds.
The trail's starting elevation is 8,300 feet, and it's recommended to hike the loop clockwise. Although the Peekaboo Loop is a great summer hike, winter conditions can make the trail challenging. Snow can cover the trail with anywhere from 2 to 15 feet, and the road to Bryce Point might be closed.
Before embarking on this adventure, it's essential to prepare. Bring plenty of water with you, as there is no water fill station at Bryce Point. A National Geographic trail map for Bryce Canyon can also be helpful for better navigation.
The Peekaboo Loop Trail is a shared use trail, allowing for human, horse, and mule access. Visitors can bring their own horse or mule, or book a ride with the park's official concessioner. The trail passes the Wall of Windows and goes from Peekaboo Canyon into Bryce Canyon.
The trail can be connected to the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail at the bottom of a climb, making it possible to create a longer, more immersive hiking experience. It's important to note that there are other 'horse-only' trails in the area that are closed to humans.
One thing to keep in mind is that hoodoos can fall down, though it usually happens over a period of thousands of years. An iconic hoodoo called The Sentinel tumbled between 1980 and 2016.
For those venturing to Bryce Canyon National Park, it's worth noting that a $20+ park entry fee is required, or you can use the America the Beautiful pass. The approximate travel times from Bryce Canyon City are 15 minutes, St. George, UT - 2 hours 30 minutes, Las Vegas ✈ - 4 hours, and Salt Lake City ✈ - 4 hours.
Remember, micro-spikes are recommended for icy and slippery trail conditions in the winter, and trekking poles can be helpful for the ups and downs on the Peekaboo Loop Trail. With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, the Peekaboo Loop Trail at Bryce Point promises an unforgettable hiking experience.
• To effectively navigate the Peekaboo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park, it's advisable to bring along a National Geographic trail map for Bryce Canyon.
• Before setting off on this trekking adventure, it's crucial to prepare your gear, including micro-spikes for icy conditions and trekking poles for the ups and downs on the trail.
• Hikers can extend their experience by connecting the Peekaboo Loop Trail to the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail, creating a longer and more immersive hiking expedition.
