This Scenic Utah Hike Is Even Better in the Winter

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of our nation's most striking and unique national parks. The orange, yellow, and red sandstone hoodoo formations are a sight to see any time of the year. However, like most national parks, Bryce Canyon's busiest seasons are spring, summer, and fall, but have you ever considered visiting Bryce Canyon in the wintertime? If you haven't, you really should! You're sure to find the contrasts among white snow, blue skies, evergreen trees, and colorful rock formations to be something quite special and memorable.

There are more than 60 miles of trails in Bryce Canyon, and they're all worthwhile. There truly is beauty everywhere you look in this incredible national park. One of the most popular trails in the park, though, is Navajo Loop.

This trail is busy throughout the year because it offers hikers a little bit of everything in a short distance. The trailhead is easily accessible from the parking lot. The views from the canyon rim at the trailhead are panoramic and soaring. The trail itself dips deep into the canyon; visitors can go from looking down into the canyon to looking up in just a few minutes. And the hoodoos here are tall, towering, numerous, and colorful. Navajo Loop is amazing.

In the winter, it's an even better version of itself. As you walk along this trail, you'll be riveted by the natural beauty all around you. The white of freshly fallen snow contrasts with great sharpness with the red and orange formations. The red dirt of the trail peeks through the snow more intensely with each step you take.

The blue winter sky also provides a striking backdrop to the colors that surround you on earth. Furthermore, the park is calmer and quieter in the winter. There will still be other visitors around you on your hike, but they're fewer and more serene than those you'll encounter here in the warmer months.

The Navajo Loop Trail is just 1.5 miles in length, and you will see so much in such a short distance. The trailhead is approximately 8,000 feet in elevation, but you'll quickly descend to around 7,500 feet in the first half mile of the hike. As you continue on this loop, you'll climb back to the canyon rim at 8,000 feet once again. The 500 feet of elevation loss and gain doesn't sound like much, but it can be a lot in such a short distance. In fact, this trail is ranked moderate for that reason. However, you'll likely find this hike easier in the winter than many do on very hot summer days in the park. The cool weather is refreshing, and the beauty around every turn will keep you moving forward with ease.

Most people take one to two hours to complete this hike. No matter what season you choose to try it, be sure to dress properly for the weather and bring plenty of water. There may be snow on the ground, but Bryce Canyon National Park is still in the middle of a desert. As with most national park trails, dogs are not allowed on this trail, so please leave your dog somewhere safe and comfortable while you explore.

It's no surprise that the Navajo Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best-rated hiking trails in the entire nation. This trail is beautiful at any time of the year, but if you tackle it in the winter, you'll be glad that you did. Hiking amongst the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon is like being on another planet, and when you add snow into the mix, it becomes one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Have a great winter hike in Bryce Canyon, everyone. Tell the hoodoos we say hello!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.