3 m away
Under-the-Rim Trail
Bryce Canyon’s premier backcountry trail, far from the crowds and with secluded campsites for backpackers.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 36 km
- Ascent
- 1.6 km
- Descent
- 1.4 km
Marvel at a feast of rock formations along this twisting loop through the best of Bryce Canyon.
Hiking Difficult
According to the website American Southwest, “the most spectacular part of Bryce Canyon National Park, with the largest and densest formations, is the two-mile section between Sunrise Point and Bryce Point.” That is where the Peekaboo Trail travels, and it skimps nothing on scenery. You’ll see all the best of Bryce’s geology, with rows upon rows of orange and pink pinnacles, natural arches and windows, plus isolated towers mixed among the pines. You’ll walk on elevated ledges and beneath sheer cliffs, as well as through narrow passages and even a tunnel.
One half of the loop zigzags among bare rock and airy views in the upper canyon, while the other half meanders through forested ravines and spire-studded ridges. The loop has lots of ups and downs throughout, with some very steep sections. Allow more time than you think you’ll need to complete it, not only because of the difficulty but because you’ll constantly want to pause in admiration. Also, be aware that this trail is shared with mule riders. Hikers must always yield, which may slow you down a bit as well.
This loop is most popular during the summer high season, though it’s good at any time of year. Summer visitors must be wary of afternoon thunderstorms but also sun exposure. Winter is an especially spectacular time to hike in Bryce Canyon, when the red formations are often crowned with snow. The trails get packed into ice, so you may want crampons and poles.
Peekaboo Loop can be accessed from three trailheads along the rim, but the approach from Bryce Point is the shortest and tends to be the least busy. For a longer hike, you could start at either Sunrise or Sunset Point and combine Peekaboo Loop with the popular Queens Garden and Navajo Loop, making a figure-8 out of the three trails. For a point-to-point hike instead of a loop, you could utilize the park’s free shuttle which stops at each of the trailheads.
Sources: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/peekabooloop.htm https://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/brycecanyon/peekaboo-trail.html
Difficult
Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.
3 m away
Bryce Canyon’s premier backcountry trail, far from the crowds and with secluded campsites for backpackers.
Difficult Hiking
3 km away
The most popular hike in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Easy Hiking
5.1 km away
Let your imagination run wild among a maze of fantastically shaped hoodoos and other formations.
Difficult Hiking
5.1 km away
Take a short or long walk on the edge of the plateau, gazing over the entire Bryce Amphitheater from above.
Moderate Hiking
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