Navajo Loop

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Features Geological Significance · Views

This short and very steep loop trail packs a lot of amazing scenery into a very small package. Although you'll be sharing this amazing trail with the masses, the scenery and rock formations are well worth it. Alternatively, arrive very early or late for more solitude and to catch the sunlight on the spires for some truly great pictures.

Most people prefer tackling the Navajo Loop Trail in the counter-clockwise direction as described here. That way, the climb up and out of the canyon utilizes the more gradual eastern half of the loop.

From the Sunset Point parking area, head southeast towards the main overlook. Pick up the righthand (west) half of the Navajo Loop Trail and start switchbacking downhill. The trail is wide and easy to follow here. Descend through narrow colorful cliffs, stopping for a peek into the next canyon via a short spur and tunnel. The route narrows almost to a slot through the impressive "Wall Street" section. Towards the bottom, the terrain opens dramatically allowing sunlight to penetrate and fir trees to grow in the valley bottom. Follow the trail along a stream bed to the junction of the Navajo Loop with the Queens Garden Trail and the Peekaboo - Navajo Connector.

To complete the Navajo Loop, take the eastern half of the Navajo Loop Trail northwest (back toward the rim). This eastern half of the Navajo Loop is also called "Two Bridges" for the double arch visible nearby. Climb up a wooded slope as the cliff walls get taller and closer as you ascend. After a very steep section of switchbacks, the Thor's Hammer formation appears (big block on a skinny pinnacle).

Continue up through open terrain until reaching the canyon rim back at Sunset Point.

Ancient Ponderosa pines exist in this area, as well as other pine and fur trees.