Hiking Bryce Canyon: Queens Garden + Navajo Loop in the Winter vs. Fairyland + Rim Trail in the Spring

The Queens Garden/Navajo and Fairyland Loops are probably the two most popular hikes in Bryce Canyon that will get you up close and personal with the hoodoos.  Because both hikes will take you closer toward the floor of the canyon, the hike back up can be long and tiring depending on your endurance level. 

The obvious difference between these 2 trail is the distance. Queens Garden combined with Navajo Loop measures at 2 miles while the Fairlyland Loop combined with the Rim Trail comes at 8. Another notable difference is Queens Garden/Navajo Loop will have monuments such as Queen Victoria, Thors Hammer, Two Bridges and a walk-thru arch. Deciding which trail to take depends how much time you're able to spare and how much of a workout you want. In my opinion I don't think one trail is exceptionally superior to the other in beauty. To be honest, all the hoodoo scenery look about identical.

After moving to Las Vegas in October and taking a couple of months to settle, winter was looming around the corner. Hiking snowy Bryce became top priority. Because of my lack of snow trekking experience, Queens Garden was the more appropriate due to it's shorter distance.

Traction devices such as Yaktrax and trekking poles are essential. Snow shoes are not. 

Queens Garden and Navajo Loop in the winter (Wall Street closed during the winter)

It's better to start your descent at the Queens Garden trailhead instead of the Navajo trailhead. The Navajo trail begins with downward switchbacks that can be slippery when covered in ice. Overall, hiking in the snow on this trail is surprisingly easy if you have trekking poles and traction devices. Waterproof footwear is not necessary in my opinion. There's no dangerous cliffs to fall off of and the path is extremely well-maintained. Expect light to moderate traffic during the snow. The most difficult part is trekking up the switchbacks as you get closer to the end. This is where you'll be thankful about having traction devices and poles. 

If you live within a 4 hour drive from Bryce, this hike can be done as a day trip. Without getting sidetracked by selfies and photo ops, this trail can easily be done in less than 2 hours. Descension is 580 feet. I came here in early January and don't remember the temperature. As a southern Californian and someone who gets cold very easily (I usually set my thermostat at 81 degrees!), I don't remember feeling freezing cold at all. I did wear thermal pants underneath my convertible pants, a long sleeve top with a T shirt underneath, and an insulated jacket.  Gloves and a beanie will also protect you from the cold.

Thor's Hammer

Fairyland and Rim Trail Loop in the spring

I did this trail on Saturday (6/7/17). Weather reports projected a high of 86˚F for this day while nearby Zion was issuing an excessive heat warning (90˚F the same day).

According to NPS's website, there's a descension of 2398 feet which means an ascension of 2398 feet back up.  This hike is about 8 miles if you complete the loop that includes the West Rim Trail. The hike took me about 5 hours to complete.

There's 2 points of access - 1st one lies right before the entrance to the park, the 2nd is by the parkings lots near the General Store.  If you don't have a pass and too cheap to pay for entrance, access the trailhead before the park's entrance.

Notable attractions are the Tower Bridge and Boat Mesa.

Tower Bridge

Boat Mesa

Overall Impression...
If you want to challenge your endurance, hike the Fairyland Loop. If you short on time, do the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop. As for which has more dramatic scenery, I would say Queens and Navajo take the slight lead. If you have the time try to do both. These trails pose no danger with or without snow.