Hiking Navajo Loop and Wall Street

A Final Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park

We chose hiking Navajo Loop and Wall Street trail combination as our last adventure during our time in Bryce Canyon National Park. Having driven by and admired the view from the overlook the day before, we thought we should definitely add this hike to our experiences before leaving.  The views from the top were spectacular.

A Late Afternoon Start

Our decision was to start this hike on a late afternoon. Doing so, we hoped to be in the area as the sun started to lower in the western sky.  

We started at the Navajo loop trail head. Looking down, we saw there would be a good amount of switchbacks to traverse in order to get from the top to the bottom (and remember the trip back is all uphill). 

Wall Street Section

Part of the Navajo Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park, the Wall Street section is epic, spectacular and awe inspiring. The terra-cota colored rock formations here, called hoodoos, tower high like the skyscrapers on Wall Street in New York City.

The 550 foot descent via so many switchbacks to the bottom is a mini adventure. You’ll go back and forth – again and again, as you zig and zag downwards on this path.

Caution Warning for Photographers

Be very careful of your steps if you happen to be walking and taking photos and/or video at the same time. Actually, just do one or the other at a time for safety. This is no a place where you would want to make a mistake with your steps. Also be warned that more rocks fall on this hike than on other trail in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Continue Through The Slotted Canyon

It appeared most people in this area would just walk down to the point where the trail bottoms out, take a few photos, turn around and go back. While many of the visitors during our hike here only walked through the Wall Street area, we would recommend continuing on the trail beyond the Wall Street section and completing the entire loop.

You’ll make your way through a slotted canyon at the bottom of Wall Street which is another amazing section of this hike. The mammoth stone canyon sides are immense. Moving beyond this area doesn’t add much more from a physical exertion demand, but rewards hikers with many more spectacular sites as you progress beyond Wall Street.

A Forest Like Change of Scenery

We continued hiking beyond Wall Street to complete the entire Navajo Loop. You’ll see amazing formations and scenery during this hike. 

There is one bonus of doing the entire loop of 1.5 miles. Rather than going back immediately uphill if you just hike the Wall Street section, you’ll give your legs a chance to get normalized. Most of the walking past Wall Street is on flat land when you get to the bottom of Navajo Trail and continue the walk. 

By the time you get to the next uphill, your body has had a chance to do a bit of walking on level ground.  We are both in our late 50s – decent shape, and didn’t have trouble with any aspects of this hike. 

TWO BRIDGES

As you finish the flat part of the hike and begin the ascent, be on the lookout for Two Bridges.  This is another iconic formation along this hiking trail.

THOR’S HAMMER

As you continue the ascent from the amphitheater floor, you are rewarded with a closer view of the iconic formation known as Thor’s Hammer. Of course, you’ll want to stop and take a photo or two of this well known feature. It seems a trip wouldn’t be complete without an image or more of this iconic feature on your camera.

Next, take an extra moment for yourself. Take in the views around Thor’s Hammer. You’ll get to see different perspectives of Thor’s Hammer as you walk past it, and you’ll add more of the wonderful Bryce Canyon experience to your visit.

Natural Windows

You’ll not only see amazing hoodoos as you stroll on this hike. There are also natural window formations that are absolutely amazing.

A Very Popular Destination in the Park

This was the most crowded of the activities we did during our time in Bryce Canyon. If you do the entire hike, plan on 2 to 3 hours. We can’t recommend this hike enough. It qualifies for a “must do” when in the area.

One Final Look

The vistas from above are spectacular.  Once you’re done, take a moment to look back down from the overlook and marvel at the landscape where you’ve finished walking.  It is a breathtaking view.

Additional Resources

Podcast: Listen to our Bryce Canyon National Park podcast to hear about our adventures in the park.

Blog Post: Read about additional Bryce Canyon adventures on our blog, including The Fairyland Loop Trail.