Navajo Loop Trail

The most popular trail descending into the canyon, the Navajo Loop Trail starts at Sunset Point and goes down into the Main Amphitheater. Steeper than the Queens Garden Trail, this trail runs through some of the most spectacular vistas in the park. It drops into the amphitheater and passes through Wall Street, a narrow passage between towering rocks. The trail has great views of Thor’s Hammer, a tall hoodoo with a narrow neck, supporting a large hammerhead-like rock. Other views include the Silent City, where the rock structures resemble buildings, towers, and temples.

The loop is 1.3 miles long and listed as moderate. At the bottom, it meets the Queens Garden Trail and the Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail, offering longer alternatives for a round-trip hike.

Be aware of temperature changes. Parts of the trail have no shade and can get hot, especially in the summer; other stretches are shaded by rocks and can get cold.

Also look out for loose rocks while walking this trail. They may roll under your feet or fall from the trail above. More rocks fall here than on any other trail in the park.

Navajo Loop And Queens Garden Combination Trail

These two trails are connected at the bottom of the canyon, making this combination a perfect round trip for a day hike. This combination hike is one of the best and easiest ways to see the hoodoos, both from above and from the bottom of the canyon.

The best way to do this loop is to start with the Navajo Loop Trail and ascend at the Queens Garden, though it is just as spectacular the other way around. You’ll walk through some forested and sandy areas on the bottom between the two trails, perfect for wildlife viewing and bird-watching.

This 2.6-mile trail is rated as moderate and is best done between March and October.