The Navajo and Queen’s Garden Loop Trail was one of our favorites from Bryce Canyon National Park. Ok… who am I kidding, we loved all the hikes we did in Bryce, but I really think this hike packs in a little extra scenery!
I would recommend starting down into the canyon at the Navajo Trailhead starting at Sunset Point so that you get to descend into the Wall Street section, after going in the opposite direction because we were photographing elsewhere, I can definitely say you want descend into Wall Street for the biggest impact. (We hiked up and out through Wall Street having done the loop in the exact opposite way I’m suggesting.)
I will just say that this is also dependent on the time of day you’re going because the glowing gorgeous nature of Wall Street is at it’s best once the sun passes the entrance of the canyon, (which will be sometime in the second half of the day depending on the time of year).
Regardless of how you do this hike, you will not be disappointed by the views. This trail is probably one of the most crowded in the park, so going early or in the off season is usually recommended. We went in October, and even in the middle of the day is wasn’t super crowded, (just super cold because it had snowed the night before).
Since we’re both Northerner’s living in place with super cold winters our whole lives, we’d both rather experience the desert in cooler temperatures, since neither one of us has much of a tolerance for heat. If you do go late in the season, be prepared with Gortex hiking boots, a winter coat, hat, gloves, and wool socks. By the afternoon it still heats up if it’s a sunny day, so wearing layers is a must!
This photo was taken at Sunset Point and at the very bottom, you can see the trail switch backing down into Wall Street in the Navajo section of the trail.
As you descend into the canyon, everything becomes glowy and intensely orange, with the light refracting around.
And while it’s gorgeous with the sun peeking in…
… the colors become absolutely unreal when the sun passes the entrance of the canyon!
Remember to look up when you’re in there too because the view is breathtaking.
I hope you enjoyed today’s journey into Bryce Canyon!