Hiking Project Logo

Fairyland Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult
 4.9 (102) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Bryce Canyon National Park
  5. Ampitheater
Previous Next

“A less-crowded loop through beautiful hoodoo formations. ”

Tom Robson
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add to Favorites · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

8.1

Miles

13.1

KM

Loop

8,139' 2,481 m

High

7,181' 2,189 m

Low

1,460' 445 m

Up

1,458' 444 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly Though kind of long and a bit steep at some points, if you have a hardy family, you should be able to complete this route without too much complaining.

Watch for snakes on the trail.

Overview

The Fairyland Loop begins at Fairyland Point, and takes you through spectacular hoodoos and scenery along the rim and into the canyon. Enjoy views of Tower Bridge and China Wall on this wondrous journey.

Need to Know

Be sure to carry plenty of water—1 quart (liter) for every 2-3 hours of hiking per person, as this hike typically takes 4-5 hours round trip over the 8 mile (12.9 km) length. Especially after rainfall or snowmelt, hiking boots or hiking shoes with good grip are a necessity—at that point, be aware of heavy mud that ruthlessly sticks to your shoes, more than doubling their weight. During one short section, the trail is bound on both sides by somewhat-steep cliffs. Though the trail isn't very narrow, those with more than a moderate fear of heights might be a bit scared.

Description

From the Fairyland Point parking area, dip down into the canyon heading northeast on the well-marked trail. As you descend steadily, the impressive Fairyland amphitheater of hoodoos is sandwiched in on your right between the trail and Boat Mesa. Watch for the Sinking Ship formation across the valley to the east.

After about 1.5 miles, the trail reaches its lowest point and begins a stiff climb up to a saddle and the cliffs below the Coliseum. From here the grades ease a bit until the Tower Bridge Side Trail turnoff - note that it's well worth the short detour to ogle Mother Nature's creativity.

Once back on the main Fairyland Loop Trail, begin the challenging climb up through parched Campbell Canyon, also crossing its namesake creek. The meandering trail ascends steadily through open terrain passing the Chinese Wall formation to the south. More vegetation and gnarled trees (look for evidence of lightning strikes) begin to appear closer to the rim. The Fairyland Loop Trail ends at a "T" junction with the Rim Trail about 0.3 miles north of Sunrise Point.

Once you reach Rim Trail, you've completed the hardest portion of this hike! Turn right and continue north, back to Fairyland Point. At this point, pass through some meadows and a sandy, beach-like area. Once you finally reach your destination, stop for a while and enjoy the views!

Flora & Fauna

Not many animals are found along the Fairyland section, but you might see some birds along the Rim Trail section. As for plants, you'll find the Bristlecone Pine, Ponderosa Pine, and maybe a Quaking Aspen beneath the rim.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Bryce Canyon National Park

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 102 votes

#1

in Ampitheater

#30

Overall
  4.9 from 102 votes
5 Star
87%
4 Star
12%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Ampitheater

#4

in Utah

#30

Overall
53 Views Last Month
10,011 Since Apr 11, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult
1%
1%
59%
10%
29%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Rim Trail somewhere in between Sunset and Sunrise Points.
Jan 6, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Hoodoos on Fairyland Loop Trail
Oct 17, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
Boat Mesa from Rim Trail
Oct 17, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
Sinking Ship
Oct 17, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
Fairyland Canyon and Barney Top in the background.
Oct 17, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park.
Feb 3, 2016 near Panguitch, UT

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Update Conditions
All Clear 21 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 18, 2022
elisa espdor
3rd time!! super windy when the elevation was higher made the decent kind of scary but was fine after — 3h 18m
Apr 15, 2022
Micah McLeod
Apr 15, 2022
Molly McLeod
Apr 15, 2022
Kayla Mcleod
8.1mi
Apr 1, 2022
Josh Smith
3h 05m
Nov 9, 2021
Molly O'Donoghue
Oct 30, 2021
Ashley Ross
Feet tired. We carried Ethan the full way 8.1mi
Oct 2, 2021
Mary Waters

Nearby Recommended Routes