Continued from the previous page.

SCENES FROM THE "TWO BRIDGES" SIDE OF THE LOOP

Let's continue going CCW on the loop, the way the Park Service recommends. Here's the trail map again for reference:

These photos show some views of the Two Bridges side of the Navajo Loop as you ascend to Sunset Point. They show views in both directions.

Above the intersection, the Two Bridges side of the loop gradually ascends
to another, more open slot canyon with multiple switchbacks.

Approaching the Two Bridges slot canyon

 

The two "bridges" are a few feet off the main path; I marked
the lower one with an arrow since it's hard to see in this photo.

Speak no evil, see no evil, hear no evil . . .  (Jim, Nancy, and Bill)

Above and below:  looking back down the switchbacks

 

Bill, Sue, and Nancy at the top of the switchbacks on the Two Bridges side of the loop

The trail continues to switchback more gradually to its intersection with the Wall Street side of the loop below Sunset Point, passing some impressive windows, carved walls, and hoodoos like Thor's Hammer:

Thor's Hammer (poking up on the left) and view of amphitheater north toward Sunrise Point

Above and below:  Bill, Sue, and Nancy marvel at all the cool rock formations.

 

Above and below:  different views of Thor's Hammer

 

These windows are easier than some to spot.

 

Approaching the landing at juncture with Wall Street side of the loop

Looking down at tiny people (arrow) on the trail to Two Bridges

Grand view of the amphitheater looking north toward Sunset Point;
arrows mark trail near top of the Navajo Loop.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Note that Wall Street is closed during the winter and may not open until Memorial Day weekend in late spring. It also sometimes closes during during the summer-fall tourist season, as we discovered in 2016 on our second and third extended visits.

The narrow slot canyon is not only in deep shade most of the time, it is also at high altitude and very vulnerable to freezing, thawing, and heavy rain that can cause mud and rock slides that force its seasonal and temporary closures.

This warning sign is at both the top and bottom of the Wall Street section:

The Two Bridges side of the loop is not as narrow and is adversely affected less often by Mother Nature. It is usually open, or re-opened, more quickly than Wall Street after a temporary closure.

If you visit Bryce Canyon and are physically able to handle this loop, by all means do it. It's probably the most iconic and/or memorable hike in the park, the one you'll brag to your friends about doing!

Next entry:  scenic Queen's Garden Trail, the easiest ascent from Bryce's canyon

Happy trails,

Sue
"Runtrails & Company" - Sue Norwood, Jim O'Neil, Cody the ultra Lab, and Casey-pup

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© 2015 Sue Norwood and Jim O'Neil