Hiking Route: Peekaboo Loop Trail
Exploring the Peekaboo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
The Peekaboo Loop Trail, nestled within Bryce Canyon National Park, offers an unforgettable hiking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Located at Bryce Point, accessible via Bryce Pt Rd, Tropic, UT 84776, the trailhead is a short 15-minute drive from Bryce Canyon City [1][3].
Preparing for the Hike
Before embarking on this adventure, it's essential to plan ahead. Carry at least 1 liter of water for the hike, and 2 liters if the weather is particularly hot. A National Geographic trail map for Bryce Canyon can help navigate the trail and understand trail distances and landmark names [9].
The drive from Salt Lake City to the trail, including a flight, takes approximately 4 hours. If you're coming from Bryce Canyon City, a short 15-minute drive is all it takes to reach the trailhead [2]. From St. George, UT, the drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes [8].
Equipment Recommendations
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is the author's choice for reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry [4]. For footwear, the Altra Lone Peak 9 is recommended, offering improved grip for the trail. Trekking poles can be helpful for navigating the ups and downs of the Peekaboo Loop Trail [6][7].
The Osprey Hikelite 26 is the author's go-to daypack, known for being light, tough, and keeping the back dry with trampoline mesh [10]. AllTrails Plus, with a 30% discount available, offers up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync [3].
Hiking the Trail
The Peekaboo Loop Trail is about 5.2 to 5.5 miles long, with significant elevation gain (around 1,500 feet) [1][3][5]. The trail is recommended to be hiked clockwise to ensure the best views. As there is no water fill station at Bryce Point, hikers should bring enough water [1][3][5].
The trail descends into the Bryce Amphitheater, offering scenic views of hoodoos and rock formations. Connecting to the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail is possible at the bottom of the climb on the Peekaboo Loop Trail. The Wall of Windows is a landmark on the trail, marking the transition from Peekaboo Canyon into Bryce Canyon [5].
Park Regulations and Safety
There is a $20+ park entry fee for Bryce Canyon National Park. The America the Beautiful pass can be used here. It's important to note that horses and mules are allowed on the Peekaboo Loop Trail, and rides can be booked with the park's official concessioner [1][2].
The trail can be icy and slippery in the winter, and micro-spikes are recommended for safety [11]. Be aware that there are other 'horse-only' trails that are closed to humans [12].
References
[1] Peekaboo Loop Trail Guide [2] Bryce Canyon National Park Horses and Mules [3] AllTrails Peekaboo Loop Trail [4] Garmin inReach Mini 2 Review [5] Figure 8 Trail Guide [6] Trekking Poles for Hiking [7] Altra Lone Peak 9 Review [8] Google Maps Directions [9] National Geographic Bryce Canyon National Park Map [10] Osprey Hikelite 26 Review [11] Micro-Spikes for Hiking [12] Horse-Only Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park
- With the Peekaboo Loop Trail offering an unforgettable hiking experience, ensure you have the right gear for a successful trek, like the Altra Lone Peak 9 for improved trail grip, trekking poles for navigating the ups and downs, and the Osprey Hikelite 26 daypack for comfort.
- Before embarking on the Peekaboo Loop Trail adventure, carry essentials such as water, at least 1 liter, with 2 liters recommended on hot days, and use a National Geographic trail map for Bryce Canyon to navigate the trail and understand trail distances and landmarks.
- To make your travel experience seamless, utilize resources such as AllTrails Plus, which offers up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync, or Google Maps for driving directions to trailheads like the one at Bryce Point in Bryce Canyon National Park.
- The Peekaboo Loop trail can be icy and slippery in the winter, making micro-spikes a necessary addition to your gear for safety, and be mindful of horse-only trails that are closed to humans to maintain a harmonious lifestyle for both hikers and horseback riders in Bryce Canyon National Park.
