This review is for Fairyland Loop Trail which was a ~8.1 miles round trip that took ~5 hours to complete. This was possibly one of the longest and strenuous hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park. Starting the trail clockwise; trail was mostly flat on the Rim Trail overlooking the canyons. There were more inclines and declines on the Fairyland Trail (the second half of the loop). Stunning views from beginning to end! Roughly ~15 car parking lot at the Fairyland Loop Trailhead (North). No restrooms at this location. A different part of the Fairyland Loop Trail can be accessed from the North Campground vicinity. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/fJViUxE1XQg read more

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We hiked this in the winter a few years ago and absolutely loved this trail, its around 6 or so miles long and has gorgeous views, pretty good hike overall to take a deep breath and enjoy the nature read more

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Beautiful view of Bryce Canyon. We came here around sunset to take a first look at Bryce Canyon. There's a nice path along the rim with trails down to the valley below. We walked part of the way down. read more

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This Fairyland Loop Trail is simply epic!!! Well, the sights and surroundings of Fairyland Trail within Bryce Canyon NP are just fantastic! And if this Fairyland Loop Trail is the only hike you do at Bryce Canyon...it'll definitely be good enough. Alright, lol...I'll stop my gushing about being here in Fairyland...let me give you some details. The first time I visited Bryce Canyon NP a few years back...my most memorable moment came from a pair hiking trails that combined into one round trip loop. At the time, I highly considered it my favorite trail of all time!!! This path is known as...the Queen's Garden Navajo Loop Trail for 3 miles! The combination of the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loops are symbolic of the wondrous terrain that makes Bryce Canyon NP so famous. But...now here for my 2nd visit to Bryce...the Queen's Garden Navajo Loop was closed because of raining and flooding that had been going on this past summer of 2021. But not to fret, lol...here comes Fairyland! At the Visitors Center in the front of the park...I asked park rangers what other hikes they would recommend as a substitute and the consensus was this Fairyland Loop Trail. And the park rangers were precise. In fact, when I compare Queens Garden/Navajo Loop and this Fairyland Trail...they're almost copycats of each other exploring around the one of a kind hoodoos landscape. Fairyland Loop Trail is 8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1500 feet. Though once you descend into the canyon...the trail has small little ups and downs until you finally decide to trek back up and out of the Amphitheater to the Overlook Rim area. It's only really at this point heading uphill where the pathway gets difficult. You don't have to hike all of the 8 miles of Fairyland Loop. I only went about halfway, but I promise you...along just 4 miles of the hike...I stopped a countless number of times for pictures! I was so in awe of the setting here in the heart of Bryce. Honestly, lol, I think I had chills the entire way. I was thinking, it's really hard for me to pinpoint and describe what I was looking at...so I'm going to paraphrase briefly from the website utah.com/hiking/bryce-canyon-national-park/fairyland-loop-trail..... "The Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park takes hikers from Fairyland Point on the rim, down into the amphitheaters and labyrinths, among the hoodoos and spires, and through deep, stone canyons of pink, white, and tan". Couldn't have said it better myself! Just some last points about this 5 star hike.... - When I first started hiking into the canyon, the trail was packed with visitors and it was difficult to grab pictures by myself. But...once I sauntered past the Tower Bridge section...the pathway cleared out and I had the sights mostly to myself. - ***Here's a real terrific hidden gem....During my explorations at Bryce I discovered a secondary/under the radar trailhead area for accessing this Fairyland Loop Trail. When you first drive into Bryce NP between the entrance sign and the fee station, there's a road you can turn onto which will lead you 1 mile towards Fairyland Canyon and Point. It is here where you can also pick up this Fairyland Trail (or even catch the Rim Overlook path if interested). But what's best about finding this 1 mile road right near the entrance...is that you can park right up at the trailhead! And there were plenty of available spaces when I arrived (btw, parking is extremely congested in the popular areas of Bryce). I'd definitely suggest keeping this in mind. You will not be disappointed the setting is perfect and it smacks you in the face real fast! You hardly have to hike to feel rewarded! - I found that checking out all the different overlooks and observation points throughout the park wasn't worthwhile. To understand Bryce...you have to do hiking!!! It's imperative!!! If you simply drive to every vista point, you're doing yourself a disservice and won't get the most out of your Bryce Canyon experience. Finally, I can't recommend this Fairyland Loop Trail enough! Actually, I'd insist on hiking both Queens Garden Navajo Loop and Fairyland. You'll be guaranteed to be immersed in colorful hoodoo mania! And I believe you'll fully grasp why I rank Bryce Canyon in my Top 5 of prettiest national parks in the United States. read more

Beautiful hike! We did not hike the trail this time, but have done it at least once in the past. Fairyland Loop Trail begins at Fairyland Point. It is a strenuous hike that takes you from Fairyland Point on the rim, down into the amphitheaters and labyrinths, among the hoodoos and spires. If you are planning on going on this trail take plenty of water of water with you. The hike is 8 miles long and takes about 4-5 hours round trip. For more information, take a look at the link I have attached below. The photos I have attached are all from the rim on Fairyland Point. Fairyland Loop: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/fairylandloop.htm read more

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While limited on time, we were so glad to do some quick out and back on Fairyland Loop Trail. Loaded with hoodoos and breathtaking views, we returned to the car as it was getting dark because we just kept saying - "let's turn around at that next bend". We'd reach the next bend and curiosity would get the better of us...and on and on to the next bend! This trailhead is before the visitor center so be sure you don't miss it!! Well worth a visit whether simply as an overlook or for a short/long hike! read more

Fairyland Loop Trail - View from Fairyland Loop Trail - Hiking Near Me - Bryce Canyon, Utah

This 8 mile loop hike gives you all the best of Bryce Canyon with no crowds. We went on a weekday after the July 4th holiday and only ran into other hikers every 20-30 minutes and mostly near the two ends points of the trail. I recommend starting at Fairyland point so that you have the relatively flat rim trail on the way back when you are tired. There is limited parking and no shuttle to Fairyland point, so you may have to wait to park at busy times. There is some shade at the beginning and end but it can be hot and sunny for most of the trail. We were fortunate to do this on a partly cloudy day which also made for great photography. There are quite a few ups and downs to get your heart rate up and the views are fantastic at every point along the way, but especially in Fairyland canyon on the north part at in the Chinese wall section. read more

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This was our main hike at Bryce Canyon National Park.. We did the whole thing and then some. We started I believe at Sunrise Point. Plan on this hike to take a good portion of your day if you intend to hike the entire trail. This hike will take roughly 5 hours and the visual rewards are great. As you make your way into the initial portion of the hike, you'll soon come across spectacular hoodoos. They are everywhere. Be prepared to stop often and admire these geological wonders. The scenery along the way is stunning. You'll get a nice view of Tower Bridge - not the one in London England, but the Utah version. The trail is well maintained, wide enough and generally even without too many rocks to stumble over on the trail itself. The terrain is primarily dry, though you'll be treated to occasional flowers along the walk in spring and summer. There are great vistas along the journey. Perhaps because of its length and difficulty level, this trail is less travelled as compared to the popular Navajo and Queens trails. As a result, you'll likely enjoy much of the hike without a sense of being in a crowd. This loop trail also includes a portion of the Rim Trail from Sunset Point back to the Fairyland Point, completing the "loop". It is easy to get carried away with photography on this hike. Everywhere you look, the trail offers something amazing. One major tip - don't walk and photo at the same time. You wouldn't want to take a step over a ledge anywhere - which could be easier to do than you might think. Yes, I'm talking to you GoPro folks walking and talking at the same time. And yes, guilty here too. This hike is rated as strenuous. You'll be walking for nearly 8 miles and be logging in roughly 1,545 feet in elevation change along the walk. You'll fare better if you are in decent physical shape and have done a similar hike before. EQUIPMENT -Water: This is essential. We came with 2 liters a piece on a day where the temperatures were in the low 80s. We would have needed more if the day was hotter. -Sun screen: You'll be better off with some of this on the exposed areas of your body. -Hat: Keep the sun off your face. -Trekking Poles: These just make this type of hike easier and more enjoyable. They also are helpful in mitigating injury risk. We are approaching 60 years of age (not quite there yet), but we were able to complete the hike without any challenges. read more

Fairyland Loop Trail - Fairyland Loop Vista, Bryce Canyon National Park - Hiking Near Me - Bryce Canyon, Utah

This is one of the better trails in Bryce that allows you to see the entirety of the park. Most of the trails were closed when we went but this 8 mile loop encapsulates everything you need to experience Bryce Canyon read more

Long hike: 8 miles around down, up, down, up thorugh diff canyons, then up and over on the rim trail. I would recommend going down first and starting early in the morning during the summer. Make sure you have enough water. It has great views because you get up and close with the hoodoos. It was really quiet when I did it in July. We saw maybe 10 people in the first 2 hours. The hike also goes by the tower bridge which is a bit underwhelming. read more

This is the strenuous 8 mile loop hike with amazing views and changes of scenery. I recommend taking the loop in the clockwise direction so that it is mostly flat towards the end. You will see the majestic hoodoos, pine trees, rocks, and grassy fields. Unfortunately, the parking lot is small with only a few parking spots, but if you are able to park at the trailhead you don't have to pay to enter the National Park. read more

Beautiful 8 mile loop trail that I would call strenuous at times but overall pretty easy. We came in November hoping for lesser crowds and cooler weather. 40 degrees most of the day which was perfect for a shirt, hoodie, and thick leggings. I was sweating at some uphill spots and a little chilly in the shade, layers are key! If you're coming from the north, the fairyland point is actually where you start, we found it odd that it's actually not in the park. You don't need to go in an entrance but we kept driving and stopped by the visitor center for a map and restrooms. There aren't any restrooms at fairyland point. It was a beautiful sunny day with a light dusting of snow, amazingly we only ran into about 10 people hiking. The entire loop took us a little less than 4 hours and I will say, the loop was much better than the viewpoints we stopped by afterwards in the park. Worth it! read more

This hike is AMAZING!! One of the best hikes I've ever been on. It's about 8 hours long, has incredible views and is very enjoyable. It was a very cold Thanksgiving day and my first time visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. I was in AWE. We started at Sunrise Point and went counter clockwise. If took my fiance and I about 3 1/2 to 4 hours to complete and we were both in pretty good shape. Bring lots of water and dress in layers if you go during the cold months. We had a reservation at Ruby's in for Thanksgiving dinner so I definitely worked up an appetite hiking this trail. It is a must do! Enjoy! read more

Eight miles of some of the most unique landscape scenery anywhere in the world. Hands down, one of the most interesting hikes you will ever do in your life. To call it fairyland doesn't event give enough description to the magic that unfolds on this trail. The Fairyland Loop Trail begins near the North Campgrond along the rim trail. Since it's a loop, you can actually do it in either direction -- clockwise or counter-clockwise -- though most trail maps and guides will tell you to drive to Fairyland Point to embark. That's a solid plan, but the magic of camping in the North Campground, or staying in the lodge, or just being anywhere in Bryce with shuttles, is that you can pop in anywhere on the rim and get to the trailhead. I was camped in the B Loop of North Campground, which sits right near the rim, so we decided to make a counter-clockwise attack on the trail, left camp on foot, intersected the rim trail, and followed the rim along is precipitous edge walking south. When you arrive near the North Campground General Store, you're getting close. It's tempting to feel like you're not really on the Fairyland Loop Trail until you leave the Rim Trail and actually descend into the canyon, but that would be a sad mistake. Take the time while you're on the rim to enjoy those views, They're spectacular, and as far as length and scope, you're really not going to see anything like them once you get down into the canyon. There comes a junction as you're headed south on the rim trail, where you're going to drop down the trail into the belly of the canyon beast. This is stunning as well. Reds. Oranges. Mountains in the distance. Almost white looking scuffs on the spires of stone that rise up to tickle the sky; you're in surreal territory and this trail takes you past all of it. You'll descend into the canyon, traversing ridges and seeing little peek-a-boo holes in the rock. Eventually, you'll get into more trees, and then after a long while of switchbacks, zig zag down one side of the canyon and start to slowly make your way back up the other. Every turn is a new photograph -- a new view, a new angle, and new moment that will take your breath away. A camera is a must, but don't forget to turn it off every so often and just live in that moment. In the spring and fall the weather can be perfect (but fickle) so you may want to just lay down and look up at the rough rock formations, laying at their base to see as the earth reaches up to the sky with worn and misshapen stony fingers. Summer can be almost unbearingly hot, although of all the national parks in Utah, the elevation here at Bryce is a saving grace. In winter, this fills with snow. I've snowshoed in the canyon, though not on this trail, and it's probably even more surreal to see the hoodoos covered in their puffy white winter coats of snow. After several miles and a gradual, circular destination, you'll come back towards Fairyland Point (again, this is if you're hiking counter-clockwise). The last bit before Fairyland has you gaining your altitude back, but genuinely this hike isn't too bad. At the point, you rejoin the Rim Trail, and if this is where you left, congrats! You're back! If you're in the campground, this is a nice spot to stop again and look over the views, before embarking on the segment of the trail that goes back to camp. That section -- from Fairyland Point to the campground -- is the only part that seemed longer than I thought it would be. While everything else breezed by so quickly, that last two miles or so on the Rim Trail, actually have you gain 400 more feet, then give half of them back up for a nice downhill finish. This was one of my first hikes of the season, so my winter legs felt those last two a little bit, but it was really not too bad. They say the hike is "strenuous" and I'll agree that in the heat of summer you'll need tons of water, but the actual hike isn't hard in and of itself. It's just 8 miles, and you really only lose 800 feet dropping into the canyon and coming back up. Add the crest between between Fairyland Point and the campground and your max altitude is about 8150ft, minimum 7160ft. Be smart, leave your plan with friends, and enjoy the day hike. No permits are required, and you're sure to see other people on the trail most days of the year. I've been thinking a lot about those magical days of summer when everything seems possible. About spells. I've been thinking about fairies that hold magical powers to turn our lives into more than we ever thought it was. I believe they are real. I see the red and orange hues of the formations here and I don't see rocks, I see magical redheaded fairies that hike alongside you and touch every step, making it more charmed and delightful and special than can imagine. And when you hike Fairyland Loop, you'll believe, too. And when you believe, you realize that the magic doesn't just come and go with hikes or special places, but that it's become a part of you. Every day. read more

First outlook in the park. The access road is before the park entrance. Access to the fairyland loop trail as well as the rim trail which takes you all the way to Bryce Point via the amphitheater. I guess you could avoid the $30 car entrance fee by parking here, taking the rim trail to sunrise Point, then using the shuttle bus to access all other points in the park. read more

Granted I only hiked for about 3 miles round trip along Fairyland and Boat Mesa. This was such a scenic trail. With no obstructions blocking, you have a perfect view in the beginning. About 10 minutes in, you'll even begin to experience a panoramic view of fairyland canyon which was absolutely breath taking. Words cannot describe how beautiful Fairyland Canyons are. As its name suggests, I could picture little fairies sleeping in the pine trees at the base of the canyons. Multi-coloured hoodoos that are varying levels gives it unparalleled dimensions. I thought this was as stunning as Bryce canyon and less photographed. Not too many people were on the hike either, it allowed a lot of peace and quiet without people getting in the way of my photographs! The trail offers the best view possible of a canyon and I'm so glad I concluded my trip with this. The hike is slightly dangerous because there are often no railings or bushes to protect you on both sides! It's also very narrow and lots of loose gravels. It was my last day and I was sick of wearing my hiking boots and didn't know what I was getting myself into by wearing flip flops! Definitely wear hiking boots for this. For the part I hiked through, there was a gradual incline, but it wasn't too bad. There's hardly any shade though. You can continue on to the tower bridge for 4 miles, end at sunrise point for 5.7 miles or finish the whole loop for 8 miles through the rim hike. I read that most of the hike has canyon views though you do go through wooded areas. the whole hike is rather strenuous, not only is it 8 miles in length, the elevation change of 1000ft *** Tip: Do this! One of the best hikes in bryce canyon! And it's free too since you don't have to go inside Bryce canyon! Favourites: panoramic view of the canyons. Dramatic levels. Do not want: the loop is super long...otherwise you end up somewhere else. I found the beginning most magnificent, as I don't know how it can get any better! Last words: panoramic views! read more

Fairyland Loop Trail This is my favorite, longest (8 ml/12.87 km), and the most spectacular (in my opinion) hiking loop in the Bryce Canyon. We started and ended at Fairyland Point parking lot. Hint for those who has financial difficulties to affords Bryce Park entrance fee, since Fairyland Point located before the parking entrance, you can hike it "for free". This loop is not crowded as other trails and even with other people on the trail, we were able to spread out not to see anyone. This gives you an amazing feeling that you are one-on-one with Amazing GRANDE Nature. It's described as "strenuous" (2309 ft/704 m climbing/descending elevation), but it was not hard to complete the hike even without special training (we are in our 50's). I cannot wait to hike it again! read more

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8 miles with lots of ups and downs. Beautiful scenery that changes all along the way. If you have only a single day of hiking I would choose this over stringing together several hikes further in the park. And, it's definitely worthwhile to do the whole length, if you're able. It undulates over 8 miles so there is never a brutal uphill. On the day we hiked it we had plenty of time on our own and also saw quite a few fellow hikers. Nothing like the more popular hikes in the park though. We started near the campground and ended just outside the park boundary, hiking back along the rim. This part (about 2 miles at altitude) was the most challenging for me and if this describes you-- I might consider hiking the loop clockwise instead. read more

I've hiked this trail 4 times and it is one of my all time favorite hikes in our National Parks. I believe it's about 8 miles. The first three times I hiked the Fairyland Loop I started at Sunrise Point and went counter clockwise, going into the canyon first and saving the rim trail portion of the hike (2.5 miles for the end. I think the hike is best this way for overall enjoyment and safety. You definitely have to be in decent shape for this hike and be properly supplied. Take plenty of water and food. It is a strenuous hike, but one of the best you'll experience in your life. I will always be sure to do it every time I visit Bryce Canyon National Park. read more

Fairyland Loop Trail - Hiking Near Me - Bryce Canyon, Utah

This trail was strenuous, but not difficult as some of the other reviews have said. It is the Bryce Canyon experience without the price! Get there early, parking fills up fast. The scenery is beautiful even at the trailhead. But if you want the extra exercise you can do the whole 8 mile loop! Definitely worth it! read more

Imagine walking over 8 miles in the snow and with lots of uphill and downhill. Welcome to Fairytale Loop. This was an amazing journey that took us 3-4 hours to complete. There were lots of snow and slippery pathways, but incredible views of the canyon and hoodoos. We started from Sunrise Point and eventually ended up at Fairytale Loop entrance. It was quite an accomplishment when we reached the Fairytale Loop. Unfortunately, we had to take the Rim Trail from Fairytale Loop to Sunrise Point where our car was located. This was another 3 miles. Anyone who is a masochist should do this hike. I'm sure this hike is more enjoyable during the spring/summer months. read more

This 8 mile loop is a must do. If you don't plan to go anywhere else in the park, make sure you park at the trailhead that is located BEFORE the park entrance so that you don't have to pay unnecessary entrance fees. However, if you plan to check out the rest of the park or you have an annual pass (which is well worth it if you're going to go to multiple parks) then you can chose other trailheads to start at. This loop is less crowded than any of the other trails in Bryce, yet offers the most incredible views. I think the 8 miles intimidates a lot of people and Bryce offers a lot of shorter/easier hikes so most of the tourists flock there. In the summer I did this hike and it took about 3.5 hours. However, when I did this hike in the winter on snowshoes, it took closer to 6!!! Granted, visibility was low and we got lost so we added an extra 2 miles to the hike, but definitely come prepared. We talked to a park ranger who said every single group had gotten lost out there on this particular day, so I'm sure we were all following each other's incorrect paths! Thankfully we had a map and a compass so we were able to get back to our car before dark. Bring plenty of water and pack a lunch so you can find a nice spot to enjoy a meal or a snack! And most importantly, ENJOY!! read more

What a great different canyon to visit other than Bryce! I swear Littlefoot is walking around this prehistoric trail! Go start at Sunrise point and go clockwise. The first part isn't that spectacular but when you walk into Fairyland Canyon WOW! Great hike. Little far for most 8.3 miles but worth it If you can do it! read more