Figure 8 Loop (Bryce Canyon N.P.)

Trail: Figure 8 Loop

Miles: 6.5

Type: Loop

My Time: 3-5 Hours

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1500 ft.

Difficulty: Moderate

Parking Permit: Yes (National Park Pass or Entrance Fee)

Location: Bryce Canyon National Park

As our first time visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, we decided to hike the "figure 8 loop". This loop consist of; Queens Garden, Peek-A-Boo loop and Navajo loop trails. After doing research before arriving at the park, this seemed like it would give us the best views of all the popular spots. Also allow us to travel through the majority of the park. What I’ve learned about National Parks is...a lot of people tend to go to the main drive up viewpoints. But don’t actually hike down into the park. So...this was another reason why we opted for this loop. As it takes you down inside the park and lets you really get a feel for how deep the canyon is AND how tall some of these hoodoos are!

The trail is around 6 1/2 miles with about 1500 feet of elevation gain. The elevation is not all at one time. It is fairly spread out as you go up and down throughout the loop. And especially with the "million" things to see throughout this hike, you don’t really feel like it’s too strenuous. I also didn't feel like many of the sections were very steep. We completed the loop in less than four hours. This does take in consideration we stopped a TON to take pictures. Clearly we were not in a rush at all. I highly recommend you take in all of the views and check out all of the rock formations. The whole park is phenomenal and worth the time to slow down. Wall Street was amazing. Queen Victoria was a pretty cool site. We even added Thors hammer at the end by just walking back down over near it for some pictures.

Based on the people we saw, and also doing the trail myself. This is definitely a trail for all levels of hikers. There were plenty of spots to stop and catch your breath if needed. Just make sure you bring plenty of water! Of course don't forget those snacks if you need some extra energy or made it to the trail without eating for the day.

We started the loop at Sunrise Point...to catch sunrise (shocker!). This per usual was super awesome! We always decide to go early to catch sunrise. One, to catch the views and two, to try and beat the crowds. We had gone in October. The weather was pretty cold when we started, in the 30's. But warmed up to the 60's by the middle of the day. We would love to come back and check it out in the winter when it is snow covered!

Overall this National Park and loop was mind blowing! I don’t think pictures do justice. It is really neat to see pictures of Bryce Canyon, but until you’re inside looking up, going through the different little tunnels and tight narrow style canyons...you truly can’t appreciate it. Once your'e there, you will understand. It is just something I think everybody should see at least once in their lifetime. Some of these Hoodoos just get so dang narrow and then have something much thicker/wider on top. You’re just looking at it, like "how is that sitting there and not falling over?"All of this is created by the snow and nature in general. If you have an appreciation for mother earth, you should truly enjoy this experience.

The only downside, is this is a National Park. So, if you’ve ever hiked in one before, you should know these trails do become extremely busy. By the afternoon it was a zoo in the parking lot. People sitting in their cars there waiting to take your spot, people everywhere! I could only imagine during a holiday or mid-summer how packed this place can get!

As always pack it in and pack it out!

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