Tropic Trail to the Peekaboo Loop Trail
This secret back entrance to Bryce Canyon gets you quickly and easily into the Hoodoos with out having to pay the high price entrance fee. You will likely find yourself parking next to several park service vehicles, as this is how the trail crews access the park. The access is called the Tropic Trail, since it comes from the town of Tropic. This 1.8 mile trail takes you to either the Peek-a-boo Loop or the Navaho Loop. Since the Navaho Loop will make you climb to the rim, it does not make sense to do it from this access. Instead, do the Peekaboo Loop. This 3 mile loop is spectacular and 100 times less crowded than the Navaho Loop. The park service labels the Peekaboo Loop as strenuous but since you don't have to climb back up the rim when you are done, it is definitely in the moderate category.
WillhiteWeb.com - Bryce Canyon National Park
Access:
From the town of Tropic on Highway 12, turn west onto West Bryce Way. Follow the street as it passes homes, then ranches, then forest land to the end of the road and trailhead at the National Park boundary. The road is well graded and can be traveled by any cars in all weather conditions.
Route:
The 1.8 mile trail is wide and gently climbs upward toward the hoodoos. This is the Bryce Canyon Natural Area. It is not very scenic but goes very quickly. The junction at 1.8 miles is with the Horse Trail. Turn left, climbing a small hill. Next you hit another junction. Signs point to the right to the Navaho Loop, and you are likely to hear the tourists not far away on that loop. Continue straight, following a sign for the Peekaboo Loop. After a minute or two of walking, you hit the Peekaboo Loop. Pick either direction. The 3 mile loop is full of ups and downs. The only distraction with the trail is that since horses and mule riders are allowed, you can smell and see poop on occasion. There is one side trail off the loop, the trail up to Bryce Point, the official start of the Peekaboo Loop Trail.
Distance: 5 miles
Access: Good Gravel Road
Wall of Windows section
Trailhead gate and sign
Tropic Trail
Peek-A-Boo Loop Sign
Bryce Point above with tourists taking pictures