Hiking down into Bryce Canyon will be the key difference between seeing it and experiencing it. Peering down from the rim of Bryce Canyon the hoodoos seem to form a forest of stone pillars, but hike through it and you’ll marvel at the uniqueness of each spire, fin, slot and hoodoo. Beginning at picturesque Sunrise Point you’ll descend along the most gradual trail that leads into the amphitheater. You’ll see stunning rock structures, incredible colors, tunnels, drop offs, and winding switchbacks. The Queen’s Garden Trail ends at the intersection with Navajo Loop. The climb back up to the rim is strenuous for many, but the views and experience are well worth it. In all, the hike is about 3 miles (4.8 km) with roughly 300 feet (91 m) of elevation change.

For a truly spectacular experience plan to arrive at the rim of the canyon before sunrise and watch as the morning rays bring the slumbering hoodoos to life in fiery color! If the details of the hike seem daunting, consider walking the rim trail from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point which will allow you to enjoy the changing viewpoints of the hoodoos below.