By far the most hiked trails in Bryce Canyon, Queens Garden and Navajo Loop trails offer stunning views of the famous Bryce Canyon HOODOOS, Thor’s Hammer and make for a great hike.
Living and traveling in my RV has been an adventure as an older hiker! I’m so excited to have been able to camp and hike in the world famous Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.
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I Write with the Older Hiker in Mind
I tailor my hiking reviews to over 50 hikers. This is not to say the hike will be easy or short, older hikers are very capable, I’ve seen 70 year old hikers that can out hike most people. But what I am putting out there is special considerations for our older bodies.
You might notice I have a trail difficulty rating number listed below, please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.
Basic Trail Information for Queens Garden and Navajo Loop
- Trail Names: Queens Garden and Navajo Loop
- Location: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, United States
- Length: 3 miles
- Difficulty: score of 62 which is moderate
- Duration: 2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 646 feet
- Type of Trail: loop
- Who I Recommend this to: most hikers that can walk the canyon up and down
- What season did I go: summer
- Gear Recommendations: sturdy shoes, hat, sunblock, water
- Special Requirements: there’s an entrance fee to enter Bryce Canyon NP
- Must see feature: Hoodoo rock formations
Location of Queens Garden and Navajo Loop Trails
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, United States
Hiking Queens Garden and Navajo Loop as an Older Hiker
I’ve lived in my RV for 2 years now and this trip is certainly a treat! I was able to snag a campsite in the park and ride my bike to the trailhead. What an amazing experience!
Being the excited person I tend to be in nature, I woke up super early. I made my usual pressed coffee, and while I ate breakfast I opened the park’s map to see which hike I was headed out to do. Then I got dressed in my usual hiker gear, packed water, snacks, a hat and sun screen and headed out the door.
Pointing towards the canyon I rode my bike to Sunrise Point to start the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop trails I’d hike down into the canyon and back up again.
Arriving at the trailhead, I hopped off my bike, locked her up and began my descent.
Despite the early start and the fact there is quite the descent and accent on this hike, there were already many people trekking down.
Seeing Bryce Canyon from above is a treat but being surrounded my the red rock, slot canyons and the famous hoodoos one can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at what nature can create.
As I always do I meandered along the trail much longer than the expected 2 hours it takes most people but I can’t help but feel this is meditative to me. The striking green colors of trees again the red rock and sheer walls heading up the canyon made this one of my favorite hikes ever viually.
The hardest section of the hike was the switchbacks up Navajo Loop Trail. Boy they are a real butt-builder! (Or killer, depending on your point of view). I took it slow so I wouldn’t get sore enough to hike the next day.
To see more about my trip to Bryce Canyon on my Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjEPaKUPtNC/
Helpful Takeaways
Suggested gear and information for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- Bring trekking trekking Poles – these will save your feet and knees on the switchbacks and/or descent and from hard packed ground
- Go early, these trails get very crowded.
- Parking fills quick here
Online Resources for this Trail
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- These trails on the Bryce Canyon NP official website
- Sunset Campground. This is where I stayed in the park in my RV.
FAQs for Queens Garden and Navajo Loop Trails for Older Hikers
There are parking lots available at both trailheads but they fill up quickly. To avoid full parking lots it’s recommended to park somewhere less crowded or larger lot and take the free park shuttle (April to October). Or bike from camp like I did. 🙂
No. Dogs or any other pets are not allowed on the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop Trails.
Yes! There are many options for lodging in the park from primitive camping, RV spots and a lodge. There are also many spots just outside the park.
Bears are extremely rare in the park, it’s not necessary to carry bear spray.
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.
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