Peekaboo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon

Embarking on an adventure into the heart of Bryce Canyon National Park, the Peekaboo Loop Trail promises a journey through some of nature’s most extraordinary sculptures.

Getting Started:

Beginning at Bryce Point, where ample parking awaits, hikers are greeted with panoramic views over the amphitheater—a stunning prelude to the 5.5-mile loop ahead. This trail, renowned for its dramatic hoodoos and rugged terrain, offers a challenging yet exhilarating experience for outdoor enthusiasts, I would suggest Trail Buddy Trekking Poles for this hike. As you descend among the towering rock formations, the trail reveals a tapestry of colors and shapes that seem almost surreal against the expansive Utah sky. Get ready to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Bryce Canyon, where every step offers a new perspective and a deeper connection to the natural world.

The trail winds through a series of switchbacks that lead hikers beneath the majestic Bryce Point and along the east side of Peekaboo Canyon. Along the way, the Wall of Windows—a striking formation eroded into hoodoos with natural windows—commands attention across the canyon to the west, offering a glimpse into the park’s geological history. The journey continues as the trail meanders through a corrugated landscape, weaving past minor ridges and gullies that carry meltwater from the canyon rim. At 1.4 miles, the trail passes directly beneath the towering Wall of Windows, a testament to the park’s geological marvels.

As hikers proceed clockwise around the loop, they encounter a landscape dotted with unique rock formations and breathtaking vistas. The trail climbs through a maze of formations, passing through tunnels and ascending to the ridge that separates Peekaboo and Bryce Canyons at 2.1 miles. From this vantage point, panoramic views unfold, showcasing the dramatic formations around Inspiration Point and the Cathedral—an aptly named rock formation that rises majestically above the trail.

The trail’s path now descends steeply along the east side of Bryce Canyon, offering expansive views of Silent City to the north. As the trail continues, it descends through switchbacks to the low point of the Peekaboo Loop at 2.7 miles, where the junction with the Horse Trail and Navajo Trail provides options for further exploration. Continuing southward, the trail ascends steeply up a ridge, offering glimpses of Boat Mesa and the surrounding hoodoos before cresting the ridge and revealing a spectacular panorama of hoodoos, pinnacles, and fins beneath Bryce Point and along Peekaboo Canyon.

Throughout the hike, the trail is marked by constant ascents and descents, crossing minor ridges and canyons that add to the adventure’s exhilaration. As hikers traverse the loop, they are immersed in an exposed environment that can become quite warm during summer months. It’s essential to carry an ample supply of water and embark on the hike early in the day to avoid the midday heat.

The Peekaboo Loop Trail is also frequented by horses, so hikers should be prepared to yield the trail when encountering these magnificent animals. With its challenging terrain and stunning vistas, this trail epitomizes the raw beauty and geological diversity that make Bryce Canyon National Park a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or exploring with friends and family, the Peekaboo Loop promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of America’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Plan your visit wisely, respect park regulations, and prepare for a hike that will leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur. Bryce Canyon awaits—let the adventure begin!