Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination for families looking to explore the outdoors with their children. The park's unique hoodoos, towering rock formations, and stunning canyon views make it an unforgettable experience. But if you’re traveling with young kids, finding the right trails can be a challenge. You want hikes that are both engaging and manageable for little ones without being too physically demanding for the adults.
kid friendly hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
Before jumping into the rest of the post, I want to share a link to the oak grove retreat where we stay. The cabin sleeps 10-15 and its location is open and easy to access year round- and right off the interstate, making it easy to get to all the natural features you came to the area for. You are must seconds off I-89, turn left and your off to Bryce Canyon turn right and your off to Zion- go east and you’ll drive right past Cedar Breaks. We highly recommend.
Luckily, Bryce Canyon has several easy, kid-friendly trails that are perfect for children as young as 2 years old, up to 8 and beyond. In this guide, we’ll cover **six family-friendly hikes** that offer the right balance of adventure and ease. These hikes will allow your kids to explore nature, burn off some energy, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Bryce Canyon.
Why Bryce Canyon is a Great Place to Hike with Kids.
Bryce Canyon offers a wide range of hiking experiences, from simple nature walks to more adventurous canyon descents. For families with small children, the park has plenty of short, easy hikes that give you access to the unique rock formations and sweeping canyon views without requiring too much physical effort.
Here’s why Bryce Canyon is an ideal spot for family hiking:
Short, Scenic Trails. Many trails are less than 2 miles long, making them manageable for young children.
Diverse Landscapes. From streams and waterfalls to towering hoodoos and pine forests, the varied landscapes will keep kids engaged.
Accessibility. Some trails are flat enough for strollers, and the park offers picnic areas and rest stops, making it easier for families to plan a full day.
Educational Opportunities. The park provides great opportunities to teach your kids about geology, wildlife, and conservation.
3 Family-Friendly Hikes for Kids Ages 2-5
For families with toddlers or preschoolers, finding shorter, flatter trails is key. These hikes are gentle enough for young children while still offering plenty of excitement and scenery.
1. Mossy Cave Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Highlights: Stream, moss-covered cave, and a waterfall
Mossy Cave Trail is one of the best options for families with very young kids. At just under a mile, it’s short enough for toddlers to walk, but still offers exciting sights to keep them interested. The trail follows a stream and leads to a small cave with moss hanging from the ceiling, which is especially fun for curious children. There’s also a nearby waterfall that adds an extra element of adventure to the hike.
The trail is mostly shaded, with minimal elevation gain, making it safe for younger kids to explore without getting too tired. If you have a 2-year-old who tires easily, consider bringing a child carrier, but most kids will be able to handle the entire trail on foot.
Why It’s Great for Kids
- Short distance and flat terrain make it perfect for toddlers.
- The stream and waterfall provide fun points of interest.
- Safe, shaded areas keep kids cool on warmer days.
2. Rim Trail (Between Sunrise and Sunset Points)
- Distance: 1 mile round trip (adjustable)
- Elevation Gain: Mostly flat
- Highlights: Panoramic canyon views, easy terrain
If you’re looking for an easy hike with jaw-dropping views, the Rim Trail between Sunrise and Sunset Points is the perfect choice. This section of the trail is mostly flat and can easily be adjusted depending on how much your kids are up for. The wide, smooth path makes it ideal for families with strollers or those who need to turn back early.
What makes this trail special is the panoramic views of Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos. The unique rock formations are unlike anything else, and your kids will be mesmerized by the landscape. It’s a great spot to take family photos while letting the kids roam freely in a safe, open area.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Flat, easy trail that’s stroller-friendly.
- Incredible views of the hoodoos keep kids engaged.
- Perfect for families who want flexibility in trail length.
3. Queens Garden Trail
- Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 320 feet
- Highlights: Hoodoo rock formations, canyon views
Queens Garden Trail is known as the easiest way to hike down into Bryce Canyon, and it’s a great option for families with young kids who are ready for a little more adventure. The trail features a gradual descent through a garden-like landscape filled with hoodoo rock formations. These towering, whimsical shapes often capture the imagination of young children, who will enjoy pointing out rocks that resemble different objects or animals.
While the trail is slightly longer and involves a bit of elevation change, it’s manageable for kids as young as 5 if you take your time. There are plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the views along the way. Bring extra water and snacks to keep the kids energized, and consider a child carrier for your 2-year-old if needed.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Gradual descent makes it accessible for young hikers.
- Hoodoos provide fun, interactive scenery.
- A little more challenging but still manageable for young kids.
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3 More Popular Hikes for Kids Ages 2-8
For slightly older children who can handle longer distances, Bryce Canyon offers several other popular hikes that combine beauty with accessibility. These hikes are great for kids between the ages of 2 and 8 and offer a bit more adventure while still being family-friendly.
4. Bristlecone Loop Trail
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Highlights: Ancient bristlecone pines, high elevation views
Bristlecone Loop Trail takes you through a forest of ancient bristlecone pine trees, some of which are over 1,800 years old. This short, easy loop offers breathtaking views from the highest point in Bryce Canyon. The trail is mostly flat, shaded, and offers plenty of spots for the kids to take breaks.
This hike is perfect for curious children who love learning about nature. You can point out the twisted, gnarled shapes of the ancient trees and talk about how they’ve survived for centuries in this rugged environment. The high elevation also provides sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, giving kids a sense of how vast the canyon really is.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Short, shaded loop that’s easy to walk.
- Interesting bristlecone pines for nature-loving kids.
- High elevation views without much effort.
5. Fairyland Loop (Upper Section)
- Distance: 2 miles round trip (partial)
- Elevation Gain: Mostly flat (Rim section)
- Highlights: Hoodoo formations, canyon views
Fairyland Loop is one of Bryce Canyon’s most scenic trails, but the full loop can be too long for young children. However, you can enjoy the first two miles of the trail, starting from the Rim. This section is flat, offering stunning views of the canyon and hoodoos without requiring a steep descent.
This is a great option if your kids are more energetic or if you have older children in your group. The trail provides a bit more space for kids to explore while still offering safety and ease. It’s also a good trail to turn back when needed, allowing for flexibility depending on how your kids are feeling.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Flat terrain with amazing views.
- Wide trail allows for safe exploration.
- Flexible length that can be adjusted based on your kids’ energy levels.
6. Navajo Loop Trail (First Section)
- Distance: 1 mile (partial)
- Elevation Gain: 200-300 feet (on the switchbacks)
- Highlights: Wall Street switchbacks, towering rock walls
Navajo Loop is one of the most iconic hikes in Bryce Canyon, but the full loop can be difficult for young children. Instead, consider hiking the first section of the trail, which leads down the famous Wall Street switchbacks. These dramatic, towering rock walls are a sight to behold, and kids will be in awe of the narrow passages as they wind their way down into the canyon.
The first section of the trail is manageable for most children, though it’s important to pace yourself on the way back up. While the switchbacks provide an exciting challenge, you can always turn around at any point if your kids get tired.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Dramatic rock walls and switchbacks keep kids engaged.
- A shorter, more adventurous hike without the full loop commitment.
- Can be turned into an out-and-back hike for younger children.
Tips for Hiking with Young Kids in Bryce Canyon
- *Stay Hydrated: Bryce Canyon’s elevation and desert climate can make dehydration a real risk, especially for young children. Be sure to pack plenty of water and take frequent breaks.
- Bring Snacks: Kids will need extra energy for even short hikes. Bring along healthy snacks to keep them fueled during the adventure.
- Sun Protection: Bryce Canyon is known for its sunny days, so make sure to apply sunscreen, wear hats, and use sunglasses to protect your kids from the strong UV rays.
- Wear Proper Shoes: Even on short hikes, the rocky terrain can be hard for little and big feet to navigate without comfortable hiking shoes.
