The Hat Shop, Bryce Point Trailhead, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
The Hat Shop - 4.55 miles
Bryce Point Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 4.55 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 8,303' - 7,430' (8,303' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | -873' net elevation loss (+1,057' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
The Hat Shop - 4.55 Miles Round-Trip
The Hat ShopTrail is a collection of hoodoos with delicately balanced caprocks on top of them - a dramatic illustration of differential erosion on the various rock types and layers that make up Bryce Canyon.
A hoodoo is a rock pinnacle left standing by the combined forces of weathering and erosion. These vertical rock columns enjoy some protection from further erosion by their dolomite caprock - a durable form of limestone reinforced by magnesium.
Softer layers of sandstone beneath the dolomite caprock erode at faster rates, a process known as differential erosion. The Hat Shop's improbably balanced caprocks are simply an exaggeration of this natural occurrence:
The trail drops from Bryce Point below the canyon rim and curls southeast on a moderately steep, winding descent through the Pink Cliffs.
The landscape here is notably rugged, cluttered and isolated - a stark contrast to more popular trails in the main amphitheater.
Views of the Pink Cliffs and more distant valleys open as the trail rises up a narrow ridge to the edge of the Hat Shop (2.1 miles).
The Hat Shop pinnacles lie just below the trail, offering a birds-eye view. The Hat Shop spans about 200 hundred yards of trail, and hikers can easily walk the length of it for maximum perspective.
Exercise caution when maneuvering about, as the same erosive forces that created these formations impact the cliff edges on which you may be standing.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N37 36.220 W112 09.390 — Bryce Point Trailhead
Worth Noting
- Be mindful of steep drop-offs along narrower sections of trail, especially with snow or ice.
- While sightings are rare, bear and mountain lion pass through these forested areas and vigilance is encouraged.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips in Bryce Canyon National Park. Permits can be acquired at the Visitor Center the day of or day before your trip. Advance reservations are not accepted.
- There's a $5 per person fee to backcountry camp in Bryce Canyon National Park.
- Camp only in designated sites.
- Fires are not permitted at backcountry campsites or within the backcountry in Bryce Canyon National Park.
- Desert water sources are scarce and fragile. Do not bathe or wash dishes in creeks or pools.
Rules and Regulations
- There's a $30 fee per vehicle to enter Bryce Canyon National Park (defined as private passenger cars with 15 people or less). Passes are good for 7 consecutive days.
- $25 per motorcycle.
- $15 per person (walk or bike).
- Dogs are not permitted on trails in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Directions to Trailhead
The Bryce Point Trailhead is located 4 miles from the Park Visitor Center and Entrance Station. On Highway 63, travel 2 miles south of the Entrance Station to the Inspiration Point - Bryce Point access road. Make a left and bear immediately to the right. Follow signs to Bryce Point.
Contact Information
Bryce Canyon National Park
PO Box 640201
Bryce Canyon UT 84764-0201
Phone: 435.834.5322
Visitor Center Operating Hours
Summer 8am - 8pm (May - September)
Fall (October) 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Winter (November - March) 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Spring (April) 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
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