Fairyland Loop Trail on the north end of Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon. The hike takes you close to the hoodoos as well as great views of the amphitheater and many rock structures of the park.
The Fairyland Trail is particularly great due to fewer hikers which brings a level of peace you don’t find in other trails in the park. We help you figure out if this 8-mile trail is right for you with our guide.
About the Fairyland Loop Trail
Distance: 8 miles | Type: Loop | Avg. Time: 4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Dog Friendly: No
The Fairyland Loop Trail is one of the longer day hikes within Bryce Canyon National Park. The hike takes visitors from Fairyland Point, down into the hoodoos along the canyon and then back up to Sunrise Point and the rim trail back to Fairyland Point.
The trail is well known for being one of the best in Bryce Canyon and much quieter than other trails such as Queens Garden / Navajo Loop. It also gives views of some of the most famous rock structures such as Boat Mesa, Tower Bridge, Oastler Castle, among others. You’ll get great views of the landscape and the amphitheater as well.
The trail can be done in either direction. Most folks complete the trail counter-clockwise starting from either Sunrise or Fairyland Point. The trail is moderate to strenuous with some steep descents and ascents to/from the canyon. Expect to spend about 4 hours to complete the hike. It’s best to hike either early morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the mid-day sun.
Fairyland Loop Trail Trailhead & Parking
Trailhead Locations: Fairyland Point | Sunrise Point
The official start of the Fairyland Loop Trail is from Fairyland Point. The trail can be done in either direction as it’s a loop. Fairyland parking is also located outside of the entrance station to the park. However, you are still expected to pay to access the trail. The parking here is small but generally sees fewer cars than at other points in the park.
Alternatively, you can start/park at Sunrise Point. The trail connects Sunrise and Fairyland Point via the rim trail. The nice part of starting here is that there’s a bathroom available here. This parking can fill up during peak times, however.
Note: If you plan to use the Shuttle, it does not stop at the Fairyland Point. We recommend you park / start at Sunrise Point.
Best Time to Do the Hike
The hike is best done during the cooler (but not cold) seasons. Spring and Fall tend to be the best times to complete the hike. In my opinion, Fall is best with a lower chance of rain and great temperatures.
Summers are very hot in Utah, with high temperatures, particularly mid-day. August – September the park can witness monsoons which increase the chance of rockslides and hikers should also be careful about traction on slickrocks.
Winters in the park are cold but tend to have fewer visitors. The trail is open but may be snow or ice-covered. We recommend micro-spikes during this time.
The Fairyland Loop Trail Hike
For this guide, we’ll start at Fairyland Point. I will also guide clockwise for the hiking guide. You can do either direction. Most folks I learned later tend to do it counter-clockwise.
Start from Fairyland Point. You’ll see a sign pointing to Fairyland Trail. The trail here hugs along the canyon wall.
About 0.1 miles into the hike you’ll see a sign on your left that shows entering the Bryce Canyon wilderness. Please be extra careful about leaving no trace.
The trail continues to descend. You’ll have some lovely views of hoodoos and a pretty cool trail that traces along an edge here.
About 1.0 miles in total on the hike you’ll descend about 500ft and see more trees along the trail.
Continue along the trail another mile. You’ll start getting closer to some of these big rock formations. About 0.8 miles later you’ll be here in the photo above with this massive rock wall. The trail will continue along the wall here and some hoodoo/rock formations.
About another 0.5 miles you’ll get this lovely view of the canyon. You’ll see lots of hoodoos in the distance along the canyon.
Continue along and you’ll get some better views of this same canyon. I like how it feels like you get closer as you go. This is about another half mile from the photo above.
You’ll see this pillar here on your right. It’s about another 1.0 from above. You should also be able to see the tower bridge to your left. You’ll get closer soon though.
About another 0.4 miles you’ll come to an intersection. You’re over halfway done with the trail now. On your left, you’ll see the sign for the Tower Bridge. It’s only about 200 yards as per the sign. It’s worth a quick detour.
The Tower Bridge is the most famous of the landmarks on this trail. If you only want to see this you can do it as a shorter hike from Sunrise Point.
Keep an eye out for Oastler Castle on your right. You’ll pass it about after 0.5 miles. It’s a beautiful rock formation.
Keep on the trail. You’ll pass along some beautiful hoodoos on your right as the trail hugs a ledge below them.
The trail continues to ascend. You’ll pass along some trees and then the rocky trail as you approach Sunrise Point. You’ll see a sign for Bryce Wilderness showing that you have exited that area.
You’ll come to an intersection for the Rim Trail and Sunrise Point. Follow the rim trail back to Fairyland Point. Sunrise Point is also a good spot to take a detour to the bathroom if needed.
From here it’s about 0.2 miles along the Rim Trail to Fairyland. I like this section of the rim trail it takes you along the canyon to view the hoodoos, through some fields and it ascends a rocky area up to Fairyland. It’s a pretty easygoing and quick section of the trail. So definitely enjoy it and the views.
Tips & FAQs
- Most folks try to do this trail early in the morning or late afternoon. Earlier is better (in my opinion).
- If you go late in the afternoon, be sure to have at least 4 – 5 hours of sunlight remaining. You don’t want to be on the trail in the dark.
- Bring 2+ liters of water. It’s a strenuous trail and you’ll need water. You can maybe get away with less if it’s cooler but there’s no water on the trail.
- You can fill up water at Sunrise Point if necessary. Also, there are bathrooms at sunrise point if needed.
- Bring Sunscreen. There’s little shade, so be prepared for the sun.
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