Trails: Peekaboo Loop Track
Exploring the Peekaboo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, Utah
Nestled in the heart of Bryce Canyon National Park, the Peekaboo Loop Trail offers a unique and immersive experience for hikers seeking a moderate-to-strenuous loop hike with breathtaking views.
Location and Directions
The trailhead for the Peekaboo Loop Trail is located at Bryce Point, a scenic overlook with parking and shuttle options. From Bryce Canyon City, it's just a 15-minute drive. For those coming from larger cities, the drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from St. George, UT, and 4 hours from both Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.
Hiking the Peekaboo Loop Trail
The trail descends from Bryce Point into Bryce Amphitheater, providing an up-and-down "roller coaster" experience through hoodoo formations and iconic scenery. The park service advises hiking the trail clockwise, starting downhill, circling through the amphitheater, and returning uphill to Bryce Point.
The trail is approximately 5.2 to 5.5 miles long and has about 1,500+ feet of elevation gain. It typically takes 3–4 hours to complete. Horses and mules use the trail in warmer months, so hikers should yield. The trail can be quiet and less crowded than some others, offering a more peaceful experience.
Important Notes
Visitors are advised to bring water before arriving at Bryce Point, as no water fill stations are on site. The trail is strenuous and requires appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy footwear and sun protection. It's recommended to bring at least 1L of water (a water bottle) for the loop, 2L if it's really hot.
Snow may cover the trail in the winter, with 2-15 feet of snow possible, and the road to Bryce Point might be closed. However, the Peekaboo Loop is a great summer hike.
Exploring Further
The Peekaboo Loop Trail connects to the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail at the bottom of the climb. A National Geographic trail map for Bryce Canyon is recommended for navigating the trail.
Visitors can bring their own horses or mules, or book a ride with the park's official concessioner. There is a parking lot at Bryce Point with approximately 30 parking spots. A $20+ park entry fee applies for visiting Bryce Canyon. The America the Beautiful pass can be used here.
For a less crowded, yet unforgettable experience of Bryce Canyon's famous hoodoos, the Peekaboo Loop Trail is an ideal choice.
