Peekaboo Loop

Best Time to Hike Peekaboo Loop

The park shuttle runs to Bryce Point from April through October, which is the easiest window for reaching the Peekaboo Loop trailhead. Even so, timing matters beyond the shuttle schedule: at Bryce Canyon's high elevation, snow can linger on this trail and make it impassable well into the season, so a running shuttle doesn't guarantee the trail itself is clear. Because the park sits at 8,000 to 9,000-plus feet, altitude can affect hikers of all fitness levels, which is another reason to check current trail conditions before attempting the loop's steep grades.

Trail Tips for Peekaboo Loop

• Hike the loop clockwise, as NPS recommends, especially when sharing the trail with horse and mule traffic.
• Carry all the water you'll need; there are no water sources on the trail.
• Pit toilets are available on the loop's west side, but only in summer - don't count on them the rest of the year.
• Pets are not allowed on this trail.
• This is a strenuous route at high elevation - see What to Expect and Best Time for the elevation change and altitude details before you go.

Getting to the Peekaboo Loop Trailhead

Peekaboo Loop begins at Bryce Point inside Bryce Canyon National Park, and an entry pass is required to access the park. Bryce Point is served by the park shuttle for part of the year (see Best Time for the exact season), which is the simplest way to reach the trailhead without worrying about parking. Outside the shuttle season, check current park road and access conditions before you go, since specific off-season access details for this trailhead aren't confirmed here.

What to Expect on Peekaboo Loop

Peekaboo Loop is a strenuous 5.5-mile round-trip that starts by dropping more than 1,000 feet from Bryce Point into one of the densest concentrations of hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park. The trail winds north through a series of dramatic formations, including one known as the Wall of Windows. Total elevation change runs about 1,555 feet, and most hikers complete the loop in 3 to 4 hours, with a steep climb back out to match the descent. In summer, the trail is also used by horse and mule rides, so it's shared terrain rather than hiker-only during that season. The National Park Service recommends hiking the loop clockwise: that way you meet any stock traffic head-on, giving both hikers and animals better sightlines instead of hikers overtaking horses from behind.