Our Favorite Hike in Bryce Canyon: Fairyland Loop Trail Guide
Enjoy this scenic hike through the world’s largest collection of bright orange hoodoos on Bryce Canyon’s Fairyland Loop Trail. Featuring everything you need to know before you go, including when to go, what to bring, about the trail, & much more.
Fairyland Loop is the first hike Mike & I did when we got to Bryce Canyon National Park and it immediately become one of our favorites. From the panoramic canyon views, breathtaking rock formations, and colorful orange landscape, this trail one of the best day hikes to do on your visit to Bryce Canyon. If you’re looking to see the beauty & wonder of the world’s largest collection of hoodoos, this trail is the place to do it.
No pets are allowed on the Fairyland Loop Trail.
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TRAIL STATS
Distance: 7.8 Miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Elevation Gain: 1,545 FT | Time: 4 Hrs | No Pets
GETTING TO FAIRYLAND LOOP
From Bryce Canyon’s Visitor Center it’s 2 miles or a 10 minute drive to the Fairyland Loop trailhead parking lot. From the visitor center make a left onto Bryce Canyon Rd. Continue for 1 mile then make a right onto Fairyland Spur Rd. Parking will be located at the end of the road.
You can also access this trail from the north campground and Sunrise Point on the Rim trail.
See our Guide to Bryce Canyon National Park for the the parks full pet policy, entrance fees, and amenities.
WHEN TO VISIT
Bryce Canyon National Park is open all year long giving you the opportunity to see this park in a variety of ways. The busiest months are May to September for the parks ideal hiking and camping weather. Summers in Bryce extremely busy. Average highs are in the 70’s and 80’s with frequent brief thunderstorms. Winter brings fewer crowds and much colder days in Bryce Canyon. Average highs are in the 30’s with lows in the teens. The park receives several feet of snow which limits the number of roads and trails available for use.
Always check for current conditions before venturing into Bryce Canyon National Park.
WHAT TO BRING
Plenty of Water
Bryce Canyon National Park is high desert which means hot and dry especially in the summer. Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love using our insulated water bottles to have ice cold water for the whole day.
Hiking Shoes
While there are many easy paths to explore in Bryce Canyon there are a few trails that are rocky, sandy, and steep. To have the most comfortable experience on the trails we recommend wearing a proper hiking shoe or boot to provide traction and support.
Sun Protectant
There is not much shade on any trails in the park so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while exploring in Bryce Canyon. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
AMENITIES NEARBY
IN THE PARK
VISITOR CENTER
Open year round and a great place to start your adventure in Bryce Canyon National Park. Load up on info, pick up a park map, and get exploring. Here you can also find water filling stations, restrooms, gift shop, museum exhibit, and permits for backcountry camping. Hours and services vary by season so it’s best to check for current conditions before planning a trip.
GENERAL STORE
Located near Sunrise Point and the North Campground. The General Store offers restrooms, showers ( during summer ), camping supplies, as well as. varies grab & go food items. Closed January to March.
TOWNS NEARBY
BRYCE
Located 3 miles from the entrance and is known as the gateway to Bryce Canyon National Park. The town was founded in 1916 when Reuben C. “Ruby” Syrett built a series of lodges & cabins known as Ruby’s Inn. The town sits at 7,600 feet and has a population of 198.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 7.8 Miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Elevation Gain: 1,545 FT | Time: 4 Hrs | No Pets
We started the Fairyland Loop Trail at Sunrise Point, where the parks main attractions are located. The path starts with a short walk along the Rim Trail and then spilts off to the right toward Fairyland Loop. The views are already jaw dropping.
The next mile and a half, the path starts to wind its way down into the amphitheater. Along the way you’ll pass Oastler Castle to the left and Chinese Wall to the right. It feels like you’re walking in another country.
Once you make it to the floor of the amphitheater you’ll be surrounded by towering rock spires and bright orange walls. Take the short walk through lush pine trees to Tower Bridge before continuing on the trail.
The next 2 miles of the trail gain some elevation as you pass Crescent Castle. There are varies restoration habitats along the trail so make sure you stay on the path.
The trail then makes a steep ascent up and over ridges as you make you’re way out of the amphitheater. The path can get sandy and rocky here so make sure you have good hiking boots and hiking sticks to support you along the way.
Once you make it out of the amphitheater, the remaining 2.5 miles of the trail is back on the rim with great views of the where you just were in the Fairyland Loop.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever hiked Bryce Canyon’s Fairyland Loop!
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Enjoy this scenic hike through the world’s largest collection of bright orange hoodoos on Bryce Canyon’s Fairyland Loop Trail. Featuring everything you need to know before you go, including when to go, what to bring, about the trail, & much more.