Suggested to do in combination with Two Bridges side of Navajo Loop Trail (Wall Street side was closed) this trail is considered strenuous and includes many elevation changes, climbs and descents.
In the snow, snow cleats/chains are a total lifesaver! These make the trek so much easier as they lessen slipping and sliding in steep areas. There are some shoe chains available at the visitor's center for about $27 a pair, if needed.
While there are many steep areas and switchbacks - landings between them provide incredible views of the surrounding hoodoos and other geographic phenomenon - as well as the perfect excuse to take small breaks here and there.
In snow, it took my partner and I four hours to complete the Navajo (Two Bridges side) and Peek-a-Boo Loop with shoe chains. We shared a banana, a Lara bar, and drank two 16 ounce bottles of water. His tracker showed a total of 7.5 miles while mine showed a total of 6 miles in those four hours. We hiked the very same route so I'm not sure why our trackers calculated the distance differently. These distances included trekking about 1 mile (roundtrip) from the car to the trailhead as parking was limited at Sunrise Point at the time.
Be sure to save some energy for the final climb up more than 10 steep switchbacks to return to the rim via Navajo loop at the end of the hike. This is no joke! Climbing up these switchbacks is quite a feat (especially in slick conditions). Many people have to take breaks here and there to recharge and press on.
All in all, an awesome hike I highly recommend - especially in winter! read more