Bryce Canyon: Hiking the Navajo Loop Trail to Queen’s Garden Trail in Winter

Last Updated on December 7, 2025 by Charlotte

Imagine walking through rosy sandstone slot canyons, past towering hoodoos, and under snow-dusted ponderosa pines—this is what awaits you on the Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park. This 2.9-mile route, which can be started from either Sunrise or Sunset Point, connects two of the park’s most iconic trails, offering breathtaking views from both the rim and the canyon floor. Located in Southern Utah, Bryce Canyon is famous for its unique geology, shaped by eons of erosion from water, ice, and wind. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to confidently hike this stunning winter trail, from essential gear recommendations to safety tips for navigating the snow-covered canyon.

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Explore a Winter Wonderland: Bryce Canyon in the Snow

Sunset Point and the Navajo Loop Trail

After parking at Sunset Point, we followed the signs pointing toward the Two Bridges section of the Navajo Loop Trail. The Two Bridges section of the Navajo Loop Trail is typically open year-round, while the popular Wall Street section of the Navajo Loop Trail is closed because it is too dangerous in winter. The switchbacks in this section of the Two Bridges trail were well-trodden despite the recent snowfall, and I loved the contrast of the orange trail zig-zagging down the canyon against the snow. Microspikes were necessary for this part of the trail as it was extremely icy in some spots where the snow had melted in the sun and refrozen.

As we descended to the canyon floor, the trail mellowed out among the pines. It was just under a mile of walking along the canyon floor to connect with the Queen’s Garden Trail. During our hike, it seemed like most other visitors chose to turn back at the end of the Navajo Loop rather than connect to the Queen’s Garden Trail. The snow became a bit deeper in the valley, but we had the whole place to ourselves. Despite living in the tropics, I crave winter hikes. I love the sound of snow crunching underfoot, and the nip of cold air against my cheek.

Queen’s Garden Trail

Soon we connected to the Queen’s Garden Trail, and the path began to climb. Although it may seem counterintuitive, I find it easier to hike uphill in snowy conditions. The ascent was slow going but gave us time to admire the scenery around us. Little footprints made by chipmunks left impressions in the snow, and in the distance, a bird of prey kept watch over us from a tree.

Although this landscape may appear inhospitable to life, Bryce Canyon is actually home to fifty-nine mammal species, over one hundred bird species, and numerous species of reptiles. It is not entirely uncommon to see deer, antelope, elk, and mountain lions in the forests and canyon, and Peregrine Falcons, ospreys, jays, and California Condors in the skies. Some of these species are migratory and only live in the park during part of the year.

The Queen’s Garden is rumored to have received its name due to the unique rock formations, or hoodoos, that resemble a queen and her court having a garden party. In Bryce Canyon, the hoodoos were gradually formed over many years by uneven weathering and erosion, eventually making the sandstone pillars we see today. Way back in geologic history, what is now Southern Utah was once covered by ancient oceans and inland seas.

Bryce Canyon is almost entirely composed of sedimentary rocks, which were formed by the deposition of small pieces of rocks, biological material, or particles that were cemented together over time. The spectrum of colors that we see in the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon is due to the different minerals and environmental factors during the composition of the rock. For example, iron oxide can give sandstone a red, orange, or yellow hue, whereas other minerals might produce shades of white or pink.

Sunrise Point

Back up on the rim, we had an easy yet scenic walk from Sunrise Point back to Sunset Point where we had parked our rental car. Each lookout was considerably more busy than the trail from which we’d come, and I felt lucky to have had wide open vistas and secluded nooks of the canyon all to myself.

The hoodoos were just spectacular: pink ones, tall ones, spiky ones, ombre ones! Before this visit to Southern Utah, I had never considered myself to be the type of person to get excited about seeing rocks.

Hike Details: Navajo Loop Trail to Queen’s Garden Trail

Total Length

~2.9 miles (4.6 km)

• Navajo Loop Trail – 0.7 miles along the Twin Bridges Trails
• Navajo Loop to Queen’s Garden Trail – 0.7 miles along the valley floor
• Queen’s Garden Trail – 0.9 miles one-way 
• Sunrise Point to Sunset Point:  0.5 miles via the Rim Trail

Time Required

~3-4 hours. In wintery conditions, give yourself plenty of time and extra hours of daylight to complete this trail. 

Elevation Gain

625 feet (191 meters)

Hike Difficulty

In snowy conditions, I would rate this as a moderately difficult hike. 

Parking

Parking is available at both Sunrise and Sunset Point.

Suggested Loop Trail Direction

In winter, the NPS suggests doing this hike in a clockwise direction starting at Sunrise Point. Most of the injuries on this trail happen while descending the Navajo Loop portion of the trail. Descending on the less steep Queen’s Garden side of the trail can help prevent injury. 

While we did this hike in the counterclockwise direction and survived, we saw a good number of shaken up tourists sliding down the Navajo Loop Trail on their butts. This clogged up the trail and created a dangerous environment for everybody.

Planning Your Visit To Bryce Canyon National Park In Winter

Bryce Canyon National Park Entrance Fee

A standard entrance pass to Bryce Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle (nps.gov). If you plan to visit more than one National Park within the year, I recommend getting the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80.

Fee Changes for International Visitors (2026)

If you’re visiting from outside the US, be aware that significant fee changes take effect in 2026. The America the Beautiful Pass increases from $80 to $250 for non-residents. Additionally, this park now charges an extra $100 per person for international visitors without a pass, on top of the standard entrance fee.

For a full breakdown of the changes, see my complete guide to the 2026 National Parks fee structure.

Free Entrance Days (2026)

Starting in 2026, NPS Free Entrance Days are only available to US residents. International visitors will need to pay standard entrance fees on these dates. The 2026 free entrance days are:

• January 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
• February 16 (President’s Day)
• May 25 (Memorial Day)
• June 14 (Flag Day)
• July 3–5 (Independence Day weekend)
• August 25 (110th Birthday of the National Park Service)
• September 17 (Constitution Day)
• October 27 (Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)

Winter Park Access

In winter, some areas of the park are closed to vehicle access. In addition, some trails are closed to all visitors throughout the whole winter season. It is best to check with the visitor center on the day of your visit to see what areas of the park are accessible.

Winter Temperature and Precipitation

From October to May temperatures fall below freezing most nights. While October still has some bluebird days, there are still occasional snowstorms. Typically, Bryce Canyon experiences its coldest and snowiest periods from December through February. In March and April, Bryce can still experience spring storms that produce heavy snowfall and may impact travel in the region.

You can check the current weather conditions at Bryce Cayon on the official NPS site.

Essential Tips for Winter Hiking at Bryce Canyon

• Be Aware of the Sunset Time: The sun sets deceptively early in the winter months and you do not want to be stuck on the trail in the dark
• No Cell Service: Many areas of the park do not have cell service. Always let someone know where you are hiking and when you expect to be back so they can send for help if the worst-case scenario happens.
• Obey Marked Signs: Do not venture onto closed trails. The park rangers take safety very seriously, and wandering into closed off areas could be detrimental.

Gear and Supplies

• Good Hiking Boots (preferably waterproof): This hike involved walking through quite a bit of snow on uneven terrain. Good boots were necessary on this trail.
  • I recommend checking out the Merrell Moab Line of Waterproof Boots. They’re comfortable, affordable, and available in a variety of styles for both men and women.
• Microspikes: Many areas of the trail were icy and quite slippery. Microspikes help to keep your grip.
  • I recommend the Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System: they’re easy to slip on, provide excellent traction on icy trails, and are compact enough to stash in your pack when you don’t need them.
• Layers: Even though it was below freezing when we started the hike, we warmed up quickly. Fleece layers that can be added and removed as needed are great for preventing sweating and getting chilled. I also tend to bring extra thermal layers in my backpack in case of an emergency.
  • I love Smartwool base layers for hiking in cold weather. They’re breathable and warm and don’t get clammy when you sweat. Great as a next-to-skin layer or an emergency backup.
• Quick Dry Hiking Pants or Snow Shell:  While getting wet can be inevitable, staying wet can be deadly. 
  • These hiking pants and snow shells are great for winter trails, quick-drying, weather-resistant, and built for movement.
• Waterproof Layers: Waterproof shell and waterproof pants.
  • I recommend investing in a good rain jacket and waterproof pants for hiking in winter conditions. Staying dry is key to staying safe. My personal favorite brand is Mammut, their rain shells are durable, lightweight, and super well-designed for active movement
• Water: We each carried 2 liters of water on this hike. It is easy to become dehydrated even when it is cold outside.
  • I usually bring a hydration bladder so I can sip without stopping, and it’s super convenient on the move. In freezing conditions, an insulated water bottle is also a great option to help keep your water from turning to ice.
• Headlamp: While you should aim to be off the trail by 4 PM, a headlamp can prove vital if something happens and the sun sets while you are still on the trail. 

Was it Worth the Trip?

Totally! I deeply hope to return to Bryce Canyon to hike more of the trails. Experiencing this place with my family in winter was such a special thing, and we hold the memories we made here close to our hearts. Plus, hoodoos are just so fun. Living my everyday life in Honolulu, playing and hiking in snow is such a treat.

Did you have an unforgettable moment while hiking in Bryce Canyon? Share your memorable experiences below—I’m eager to read your stories!

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