Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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37.60757°N / 112.1569°W |
Route Type:
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Hiking |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall |
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Time Required:
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Half a day |
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Difficulty:
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Hike |
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Overview
Peekaboo Loop is in my opinion, the most scenic trail in Bryce Canyon National Park. The loop sits near the bottom of Bryce Canyon and is usually accessed via a connecting trail that goes into Bryce Canyon from Bryce Point on the rim of the canyon. Peekaboo Loop is also accessible/can be combined with Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trails. Famous landmarks in the area include Wall of Windows and The Cathedral.Peekaboo Loop is a hiking and horse riding trail. Be prepared to deal with horse droppings on the trail.
 Map |
Getting There
From Bryce Canyon Visitor Center drive 1.5 miles south until you see the sign for Bryce Point. Turn east and follow the road to Bryce Point parking area. Parking is limited. Come early or take the park shuttle.Route Description
Hike Statistics:Bryce Point to Peekaboo Loop and back to Bryce Point = 5.2 miles (see map above)
Highest elevation (Bryce Point) = 8300 ft
Lowest elevation (Connection to Navajo Loop) = 7450 ft
From Bryce Point Parking lot, follow the signed trail below the rim of the canyon. The trail soon splits. Right is “Under the Rim Trail”. Make a left onto the connector trail to Peekaboo Loop. You will have great views of Bryce Canyon. Boat Mesa will be visible to the north.
 Bryce Canyon, Boat Mesa seen |
The view of the nearby hoodoos is incredible.
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The trail then goes through a man made tunnel.
 Tunnel |
And continues to descend into the canyon.
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If you pay attention, you will be able to see the formation known as the “Wall of Windows”. From this view point, however, the sky will not be seen through the windows and the formation does not appear as spectacular as it will later on the trail.
 Wall of Windows |
After 1.1 miles (and roughly 550 vertical feet down), you will reach the junction with Peekaboo Loop. You could go in either direction around the loop. This description takes you in a clockwise manner.
Take a left turn onto Peekaboo Loop and go around a horse corral to a high point.
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You will now be at the base of Wall of Windows.
 Wall of Windows |
To the northeast of Wall of Windows, a sea of hoodoos create a structure known as The Cathedral.
 The Cathedral |
 The Cathedral |
Another look at Wall of Windows.
 Wall of Windows |
The trail then makes a series of switchbacks and over the next mile, goes up and down among the hoodoos quite a few times.
 Looking up the switchbacks |  Looking down the switchbacks |
In one place, the trail goes through a man made tunnel.
 Tunnel |
More hoodoos in every direction.
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The trail then goes through a narrow gap.
 The Gap |
And then makes a few switchbacks and goes down to the bottom of Bryce Canyon where it reaches the junction with a short connecting trail to Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trails.
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Turn right to continue on Peekaboo Loop. The trail starts to go uphill again.
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It then reaches a high point where part of Bryce Canyon Amphitheater will be visible to the north and Bryce Point to the south.
 Looking north |
 Bryce Point, looking south |
The trail then starts a slow downhill among the hoodoos.
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Once the trail crosses a dry streambed, a final uphill begins again. You will soon have another great view of the Wall of Windows and The Cathedral.
 Wall of Windows |
 The Cathedral |
The trail then reaches the junction with the connecting trail to Bryce Point. You will have to hike 550 vertical feet back up the trail to reach Bryce Point.
Red Tape
You must pay park entrance fee.No permits required for day hikes. For all rules and regulations see the official park site:
http://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm