Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Fairyland Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.9 (113)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Bryce Canyon National Park
  5. Ampitheater
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

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

Tom Robson
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · 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 Geological Significance · 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.

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 a hike it 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 rises 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 113 votes

#1

in Ampitheater

#27

Overall
  4.9 from 113 votes
5 Star
88%
4 Star
12%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Ampitheater

#4

in Utah

#27

Overall
31 Views Last Month
10,203 Since Apr 11, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
1%
3%
56%
14%
26%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

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

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 71 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 28, 2024
Ben F
Incredible views. Unique enough from other major trails. Verticality is difficult. — 4h 40m
Sep 7, 2024
Adriana Tomeu
Sep 2, 2024
Peder Bisbjerg
Wonderful! 8mi — 4h 00m
Jul 27, 2024
Bruno Dutour
Jul 14, 2024
Robert Anderson
4h 20m
Jun 9, 2024
Mody Mark
May 8, 2024
Nathaniel Fargo
Feb 13, 2024
Stewart Carnes
Right now there is 2 feet of snow. A few people hiked it creating a trail of knee-deep postholes. You are restricted to using their postholes

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started