Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon
The Fairyland Loop trail is one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. I think it even makes the best hikes in Utah list, at least in my experience. And that’s saying something considering the park offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of the United States.
The Fairyland Loop trail offers superb scenery over its eight mile length. There’s a bit of elevation loss and gain – 1,555 feet up and down, but it’s done gradually so you won’t notice it as much. We found the trail to be very well signed and much quieter than the other trails, perhaps because many people only have a day and they just run out of time.
I certainly recommend hiking the Navajo, Peekaboo and Queens Garden trails too – because they are in-your-face beautiful. But if you have a second day, or you’re a strong hiker then the Fairyland loop trail offers a quieter beauty.
It took us 8.5 hours to hike both loops with lots of time for photography. Otherwise allow between 3 – 4.5 hours to hike just the Fairyland Loop trail. This is a trail where you’ll want to linger and simply take in the landscape.
The Fairyland Loop trail is one of the best one day hikes I’ve ever done.
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Fairyland Loop summary
Distance: 8 miles or 12.9 km. The recommended direction is counter-clockwise.
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,716 feet or 523 m.
Key elevations on the hike: Fairyland Point trailhead – 7,770 feet. Highest elevation: 8,150 feet.
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous depending on what sort of shape you’re in.
Dogs: Not permitted on the trail.
Time needed: 3 – 4 hours – more if you’re into photography
Highlights: Tower Bridge, China Wall, fins, hoodoos, vibrant colours, stunning vistas.
Trail hazards: Summer thunderstorms, snow and ice in winter and spring and summer time heat. The Fairyland Loop trail is at elevation so be sure to carry lots of water – and drink it too.
Fees/permits: You must have an entrance pass. The fee is $US35 per vehicle for 7 days; Pedestrians and cyclists are $20/7 days and motorcycles are $30/7 days/. The park does not accept cash.
Starting points: Fairyland Point or on the rim trail north of Sunrise Point at the Tower Bridge trailhead. There isn’t a shuttle pick up at Fairyland Point.
Best time to visit: Ideally plan to hike the Fairyland Loop trail in spring and fall but you can do it year-round. Start early if you’re hiking on hot days. Note sunset times in fall and winter.
Pack: Before you head off on the Fairyland Loop hike be sure to have lots of water and sunscreen. You’re at altitude here and staying hydrated is very important.
Don’t forget: Always take the hiking essentials and let someone know where you are going.
Please: Always practice the seven Leave No Trace principles.
What the hike on the Fairyland Loop Trail entails
The Fairyland Loop Trail heads down on a well-signed trail past rock made of pinkish siltstone that is increasingly more spectacular the more you descend. Mind-blowing really.
After about 1.5 miles of hiking reach a spur trail to see Tower Bridge. It won’t take you long to hike it and its very worthwhile. It’s named for Tower Bridge in London, England because of its obvious boxy shape.
Head counterclockwise around Boat Mesa past a variety of wildly shaped hoodoos on the Fairyland Loop trail. There are a couple of short spur trails again where you can walk off to get some truly glorious, otherworldly views.
Where to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park
The easiest access point for the Fairyland Loop trail hike is from The Lodge at Bryce Canyon. It’s the only lodging in the national park. It’s also a good place to grab dinner after the hike.
There are lots of B&B’s and motels/hotels near the entrance to the park. A solid pick would be Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn.
For answers to questions about Bryce Canyon National Park, visit their website.
Final thoughts
I hope you make the time to hike the Fairyland Loop. It’s one of the most unique hikes I’ve done and that’s saying something as I hike all the time. Let me know in the comments below how your hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park went. And for more ideas on great hikes in Utah, check out the links below.
More reading about hikes in Utah
- Best Hikes Near Kanab, Utah
- Best Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park
- The Devil’s Garden Hike in Arches National Park
- Moqui Caverns – Kanab Sand Caves Hike
- Coyote Buttes South – A Great Alternative to The Wave
- Murphy Point Canyonlands Hike, Utah
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Those rock formations are out of this world! Literally, they look like they could be from Mars.
@Meredith I was blown away with the beauty and the rock formations in Bryce Canyon. Do make it a point to do the Fairyland Loop should you every make it to Bryce. It’s got a very different feel to it.
What amazing photos! I really forget too often that the US has some of the most beautiful scenery around. Def have to check out Bryce Canyon!
@Jay You will not be disappointed seeing the real thing. I loved my visit.
@Evan The Fairyland area of Bryce was one interesting part of the park that I feel privileged to have seen. Gorgeous and peaceful.
Your lead photo really captured my attention on this one. It looks like the backdrop for some old Western.
Is there any state that has better scenery than Utah? So many great national parks to choose from. Awesome pictures!
@Joe In my mind – at least for what I like – I think Utah has the best scenery. The only thing missing is the ocean.
I really like all the colors of the rocks contrasted against that impossibly blue sky. I will admit that I’m somewhat envious that you have time to pause and take photos during your hike. I still have younguns pulling at my elbow just as I click the shutter.
@Michele The days are long but the years are short. They’re actually grown up all too soon so enjoy while you can – even those frustrating moments.
We also hiked this trail when we were here. Its certainly worth it, along with taking photographs at sunrise and sunset point.
Amazing views and rock formations! Love the photos.
Thank you Salika.
Yeah, I loved this hike. Thanks for the reminder!
I pinned, tweeted, dugged, facebooked, stumbled, and rumbled this post as it must be shared.
And you are such a good guy Ted. A huge thank you!
@Nancie I couldn’t get over the depth of colour in the sky either and thanks for your lovely comment.