Hiking the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 5.5 miles / 8.9 km
The Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail is arguably the best and most beautiful day hike in Bryce Canyon National Park! However, this same sentiment goes hand in hand with the neighboring Navajo Loop Trail, as both are among the best trails in Bryce Canyon, winding their way through the heart of the amphitheater, which is generally thought of as the most beautiful area in the entire park!
It is for this reason that both are commonly combined into one longer adventure, saving both a descent and ascent into Bryce Canyon when hiked as one.
In any case, this article is solely about the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail, beginning from the Bryce Point Trailhead, but the connection with the Navajo Loop Trail can be seen later in this article, should you be interested in combining both hikes into one!
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Peek-a-Boo Loop Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail is located at Bryce Point, which is also the trailhead for the Under-the-Rim Trail and the Rim Trail.
That being said, the small parking area for Bryce Point tends to be one of the more congested trailheads in Bryce Canyon, given that all these different adventures begin at this one location. This can be seen from the photos taken just after sunrise and at midday.
Google Maps Directions: Peek-a-Boo Loop Trailhead (Bryce Point)
Hiking Checklist - Bryce Canyon
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail
The Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail begins at the Bryce Point Trailhead, which is also the starting point as the Under-the-Rim Trail.
From the Bryce Point Trailhead, the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail descends about 600 ft. (183 m) for roughly 1.1 miles (1.8 km) into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater.
Peek-a-Boo Loop-Under the Rim Junction
After just 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail splits with the Under-the-Rim Trail.
At this junction, go left to remain on the Peek-a-Boo Loop, but if you’re interested in learning more about the full Under-the-Rim Trail from north to south, I encourage you to read more in my separate article.
Read My Separate Post: Under-the-Rim Trail
Then, the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail begins descending steeply into the amphitheater, but the trail really begins to get more beautiful as it passes through the first arch about halfway down.
If you look closely from Bryce and Inspiration Point, this arch, and the trail that follows can clearly be seen from both overlooks.
This is the section of trail where you can clearly see Bryce Point and the people visiting the overlook up above.
The section just before the Peek-a-Boo Loop, through the bottom of the amphitheater, is one of the most beautiful sections of the trail, in my opinion—especially for photographers!
That being said, don’t forget to hike with a polarizer to cut through the harsh desert light, which really helps bring out the best colors!
Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail
After 1.1 miles (1.8 km), the descent from Bryce Point ends and the true Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail begins.
While it doesn’t make too much of a difference which direction you choose to hike the loop, the left (west) side of the loop is generally considered to be more difficult side, with more elevation changes, and it is also longer by about 0.6 miles (1.0 km).
For the reasons mentioned above, I prefer to go left in the clockwise direction first, which is also the direction of the only restroom that can be found on the entire trail.
At the split just after the horse corral, go right to stay on the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail or left for the restroom mentioned previously.
Then, the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail begins winding its way through the heart of the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, with the Wall of Windows being the first prominent landmark on this side of the loop.
Wall of Windows
These two arches are what’s known as the Wall of Windows, and they can be easy to overlook if you are hiking the Peek-a-Boo Loop in the opposite direction.
Compared to the Two Bridges switchbacks on the Navajo Loop Trail, these unnamed switchbacks are truly a hidden gem and a great place for photographers to capture some beautiful and unique angles.
After the tunnel above the switchbacks, the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail simply works its way toward the far end of the loop, which is also where the connection is located for the Navajo Loop Trail.
Sun Shirts
If this is your first time in the area, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be.
For this reason, I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt if you plan to do any hiking. Protection from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season!
Peek-a-Boo-Navajo Junction
If you choose to hike the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail in the clockwise direction, as shown here, the connection with the Navajo Loop Trail will be about 3.0 miles (4.8 km) into the hike.
To learn more about the full trail beginning from Sunset Point, I encourage you to check out my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Navajo Loop Trail
Following the Navajo Loop junction, the Peek-a-Boo Loop begins winding its way back through the hoodoos, but in my experience, the east side of the loop always feels quicker and easier than the west side shown above.
Whenever you pass a sign indicating that you’re in a sensitive plant habitat in Bryce Canyon National Park, these signs are almost always referring to the Bristlecone Pine populations that can be found throughout the park.
If you don’t know, Bristlecone Pines are the oldest trees on Earth, and because they are so unique, it is strongly asked that you don’t stray from the trail when viewing them.
Peek-a-Boo Arch
The last and final arch on the trail, outside of the initial descent, is the Peek-a-Boo Arch, which, in my opinion, is one of the more picturesque parts of the entire hike.
Following the Peek-a-Boo Arch, the loop simply works its way back down to the bottom of the canyon and around the hoodoos to complete the roughly 3.0-mile (4.8 km) loop.
Peek-a-Boo Loop Junction
Once back to the beginning, go left at the Peek-a-Boo Loop junction to begin the 1.1-mile (1.8 km) climb back up to Bryce Point.
Peek-a-Boo Loop-Under the Rim Junction
This is the same Under-the-Rim junction shown previously, which I highly encourage you to check out if you are interested in learning more about the Bryce Canyon backcountry and the park’s only thru-hike.
Read My Separate Post: Under-the-Rim Trail
Overall, the Peek-a-Boo Loop Trail is one of my favorite day hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park because I think that it’s one of the most beautiful trails to explore when visiting the area.
With that in mind, choosing either the Peek-a-Boo or Navajo Loop Trail is, without a doubt, the best way to see the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater below the rim, which is generally regarded as the most beautiful part of the entire park!
More Bryce Canyon Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Bryce Canyon National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
One of the most notable safety concerns in Bryce Canyon National Park is inadequate footwear, especially in the winter. For this reason, it’s important to bring micro-spikes when you expect there to be snow and ice throughout the park, which leads to the next most notable concern: falling, both on trails and along the canyon rim.
This is because Bryce Canyon National Park is primarily composed of soft sedimentary rocks, making off-trail exploring significantly more dangerous than in other parks, such as the nearby Zion or Arches National Park.
Finally, wildlife and summer heat/ dehydration are the last major concerns in Bryce Canyon. Be mindful that mountain lions can be found during the cooler times of the year, and there is one venomous snake in Bryce Canyon National Park: the Great Basin Rattlesnake.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Bryce Canyon National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
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