Wall Street and Navajo Loop Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park

Nestled within the captivating landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park, the Wall Street trail beckons adventurers with breathtaking vistas and geological wonders. This iconic trail takes hikers on a mesmerizing journey through towering hoodoo formations and narrow slot canyons, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and exhilarating challenges. Our blog post about the Wall Street section of Bryce Canyon will prepare you for this unforgettable hike. Let’s explore the magic of the Wall Street trail, uncovering tips, highlights, and the must-see moments that make this trail an unforgettable experience for hikers of all levels.

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Wall Street Hiking Trail Overview

The Wall Street Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park is a remarkable hike. The scenery took our breath away as we marveled at the unique geological formations. Hikers will be captivated by the narrow canyon walls and the vibrant colors that make this trail unforgettable.

This trail, part of the larger Navajo Loop Trail, spans approximately 1.3 miles. It is considered a moderate to strenuous hike due to its steep switchbacks and significant elevation change. Typically, it takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete the trail, depending on the hiker’s pace and the time to enjoy the impressive rock formations and towering hoodoos.

Wall Street Trail Details

Starting from the Sunset Point, the Wall Street section begins with a series of exhilarating switchbacks that descend rapidly into the vibrant depths of the canyon. Looking down from the trailhead start at the parking lot, we were excited to make our descent through the spectacular geological formations.

As you go down, you are surrounded by towering walls of crimson and orange hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations for which Bryce Canyon is famous. These natural skyscrapers provide an awe-inspiring sight, with sunlight creating a play of colors on the rock faces.

One of the most iconic features along the Wall Street hike is the narrow slot canyon, which offers a unique and intimate perspective of the park’s geology. Here, the trail narrows to a tight passageway flanked by sheer rock walls that reach skywards, allowing only slivers of sunlight to pierce through. This section of the hike is particularly captivating during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset when the light accentuates the warm hues of the canyon walls. In this section, we also noticed the number of people diminished. Most people visiting Wall Street descended to the bottom section and would turn around instead of continuing through the Navajo Loop section.

Continue to the bottom, and you’ll encounter a majestic Douglas fir tree that astonishingly thrives in this rocky environment. Its roots stretch deep into the canyon floor, a testament to nature’s resilience and adaptability. We stopped to photograph the tree that stands as a symbol of life amid the arid landscape.

Fir tree at bottom section of the Wall Street hiking trail at Bryce Canyon National Park

Our Experience on the Wall Street Trail

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

We decided to start this hike in the 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 trailhead. Looking down, we saw many switchbacks to traverse to get from the top to the bottom (remember, the trip back is all uphill).

Wall Street Section

As part of the Navajo Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park, the Wall Street section is epic, spectacular, and awe-inspiring. The terra-cotta colored rock formations, 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. Just do one or the other at a time for safety. This is not 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 any other trail in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Slotted Canyon Section

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 visitors during our hike here only walked through the Wall Street area, we 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, 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.

Navajo Loop Trail

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

The Navajo Loop Trail, which connects with the Wall Street section, should be part of your overall experience if you visit Wall Street. Starting at the rim of the canyon, the trail descends into the heart of the amphitheater, allowing adventurers to marvel at formations like Thor’s Hammer and Two Bridges. The trail is a loop, providing a moderately challenging hike with an elevation change of about 550 feet.

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 the 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 – in 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. 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 amazing natural window formations.

Tips for Hiking Wall Street and Navajo Loop

Wall Street in Bryce Canyon is one of the most iconic trails that offers hikers a unique experience through its narrow slot canyons and towering hoodoos. To make the most out of your hiking adventure, consider the following tips:

What to Pack:

When preparing for a hike through Wall Street, it’s essential to pack light yet effectively. Begin with comfortable hiking boots that offer good ankle support and traction, as the trail can be steep and uneven in places. Carry a backpack with essentials such as plenty of water to stay hydrated, energy-boosting snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection. Additionally, a map or GPS device can be helpful as cell service might be limited.

Best Times to Hike:

The best time to hike Wall Street is early morning or late afternoon. These times provide cooler temperatures and softer lighting, enhancing the breathtaking views. If you’re visiting during peak season, hiking early can also help you avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons to visit due to milder weather conditions.

Safety Precautions:

Safety is paramount when hiking Wall Street. Always check weather conditions before you go, as flash floods can occur quickly in slot canyons. Stay on marked trails and pay attention to park ranger warnings. If hiking during the hotter months, be mindful of heat exhaustion and take regular breaks in shaded areas. It’s recommended to hike with a partner and inform someone about your hiking plans and expected return time.

Conclusion – Wall Street and Navajo Loop Hike

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.

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

The Wall Street hike is suitable for most fitness levels, though it’s important to be prepared for the steep ascent back up to the canyon rim. Proper footwear, plenty of water, and a camera to capture the stunning vistas are recommended for this unforgettable hiking experience.

In conclusion, the Wall Street hike in Bryce Canyon offers a remarkable journey through some of the park’s most iconic and picturesque landscapes. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast, this trail will leave a lasting impression with its dramatic scenery and unique geological features.