Bryce - Navajo Loop/Queens Garden - Strenuous?
 

I'm trying to plan a trip to Byce.

We're in our early 60s and have never hiked or been in elevation. We've been on trips to Europe where we walk most of the day with no problem. We're in good health and are reasonably active.

I'm trying to get an idea if the Navajo Loop/Queens Garden combination will be too strenuous, stick to Queens Garden alone or just the flat trails above.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

I enjoyed the hike but it was hot towards the end of June. I've never really been bothered by altitude but one important consideration would be to acclimatise before hiking. If you've never hiked I think you might find this entire hike too hard especially as it's quite steep and the return section is all uphill. You don't have to do the full loop and can enjoy the hoodoos by just walking down a little way, taking a photo or two and returning. We saw many people including some young children taking that option.

We are seniors and did the loop in Sept 1998.It's beautiful and in my opinion not really strenuous.Paul

Hi Myer,

Unless you have heart problems you should be fine. You'll feel it coming back up and huff and puff, but just go slowly. Take lots of water and a snack. Wear sunscreen and a hat for sure.

It's gorgeous and definitely worth hiking down among the hoodoos!

If you are in "good health and reasonably active" I think you should be okay. Like the other posters have mentioned take your time and bring water. It is magical walking among the hoodoos.

You can see how steep the trail is from the top, so you should be able to decide if it is a hike you can do before you even start.

Have fun!

We are not seniors (40s plus 2 teenagers), but we're not in the best of shape and don't hike much. However, we did this hike last June with no problem. It took us three hours with several rest breaks along the way. It was a great hike and we're glad we did it.

Start on the Navajo Loop Trail at Sunset Point. This is the steepest part of the trail. Bring plenty of water and some snacks. You will enjoy this hike.

The last time we did the Navajo Loop/Queens Garden combination we were in our mid-50's and had not problems.

I agree with richbutnot, go down the Navajo Loop trail because it's the steeper trail..then it won't be as hard coming up the Queen's Garden side. This is what the park rangers told us to do.

Utahtea

Thanks everybody.

I think I'm convinced.