Bryce Canyon is a gem of the Southwest area. I consider it like Zion’s underrated sister that’s much less crowded, somewhat quirkier, and simply as stunning with steep cliffs, gorgeous hoodoos (gigantic towers of purple rocks left standing by erosion), and distinctive trails. A kind of trails is Fairyland Loop: a 7.4-mile trek that delivers wildly epic views of the canyon, together with an excellent sweat.
Whereas Bryce Canyon is greatest identified for the Navajo/Queens Backyard Loop and Peekaboo Loop, Fairyland Loop isn’t fairly as well-known (but), which is part of its magic. Its longer size additionally deters some guests who don’t have time or aren’t prepared to place within the work.
I hiked the Fairyland Loop as a part of a Bearfoot Concept group tour that I organized a number of years again. Everybody on our journey agreed that this path is effectively well worth the effort.
Beneath I’m sharing every little thing you’ll want to know in regards to the Fairyland Loop Path in Bryce Canyon, together with the place to park, when to go, and what to convey. Plus, I’ve sprinkled in a number of tricks to make the expertise as particular as doable.
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Necessary Reminder: Because it goes in the entire locations we share, please apply good path etiquette and keep in mind to Depart No Hint. This implies packing out all your rubbish (together with bathroom paper), being respectful to others, and following the established guidelines.
Fairyland Loop Path: The Fundamentals
The Fairyland Loop is a not-to-be-missed hike in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. It’s a type of trails that makes you’re feeling very far-off and in a special world with out having to enterprise off too far.
Path Fundamentals
Positioned within the northern area of Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, this path offers views of the fashionable spiraling hoodoos and a wide range of gorgeous landscapes with out as a lot foot site visitors because the Navajo Loop Path and Peekaboo Loop talked about above.
Fairyland is a well-marked path. The trail is usually clear and simple to observe, particularly because it’s a loop.
In contrast to many hikes that begin on the backside and take you to the highest, this hike begins on the prime and takes you down into the canyon and round.
The Fairyland Loop Path provides you a special perspective from what you see on the canyon rim and units you as much as see the hoodoos from excessive and under, which reveals the sheer magnitude of their measurement. They appear massive in footage and really feel much more huge in individual.
There are good stretches of flat sections, particularly within the backside of canyon, however the downhill and uphill sections can really feel steep, particularly on a scorching day with little shade.
Tip: Many of the path is uncovered with little shade, so you should definitely pack much more water than you assume you want.
What Route Ought to I Hike the Fairyland Loop?
The path may be hiked clockwise or counter-clockwise. Typically, it’s beneficial to hike it counter-clockwise to keep away from the steep climb on the finish (which totals to about 850 ft in 1.6 miles). Counter-clockwise provides you a steep downhill initially and a extra mild and gradual uphill trek on the finish. In case your knees don’t love a steep downhill, you might need to go clockwise.
In opposition to the favored suggestion, I personally hiked it clockwise the place you encounter a gradual downhill stretch initially and steeper incline on the finish.
The place to Park for the Fairyland Loop
You’ve got a number of choices of the place to park for Fairyland Loop. There’s a really tiny car parking zone on the official Fairyland Level trailhead. That is the place I began. For those who can’t discover a spot (or it’s closed for the winter), you can begin your hike at Dawn Level which connects to the Fairyland Loop.
For those who’re visiting Bryce Canyon throughout a busy season and the thought of preventing for a parking spot stresses you out, the customer’s middle provides parking contained in the park’s gate and you are taking the park’s shuttle to Dawn Level. Observe that the shuttle doesn’t function within the winter.
How Lengthy Does It Take to Hike the Fairyland Loop?
I’d suggest giving your self at the very least 4 hours to finish the loop. Might you do it quicker? Completely. However if you wish to absorb the expertise, take some images alongside the way in which and benefit from the stellar views — you’ll want a few half day of mountaineering.
Brief on time? Contemplate beginning on the Tower Bridge Trailhead and hike the primary quarter of Fairyland Loop. When you attain “Tower Bridge” you possibly can head again within the course you got here from as an out-and-back hike. This will provide you with a style of the surroundings in half the time. Alternatively, you possibly can hike the shorter Peekaboo Path or one of many different superior trails in Bryce Canyon.
Tip: Begin the Fairyland Loop hike early within the morning to get unmatched dawn views. You’ll additionally beat the mid-day summer season warmth.
How tough is the Fairyland Loop?
On the subject of issue, because of its 7.9 mile size and 1,500 ft of elevation acquire, I think about this a reasonable path with a number of difficult sections. Additionally if you’re coming from sea stage, you’ll discover the altitude and will end up extra out of breath than normal.
The path signal warns of unfastened rock, however I wouldn’t say it’s overly slick. Many of the path is gravel/eroded sandstone, so so long as you may have mountaineering footwear with good traction, I wouldn’t let the indicators make you too nervous. You may also hike with trekking poles to offer extra stability on the steeper sections.
Fairyland Loop Path Information
For those who’re searching for an epic hike in Bryce Canyon, that is it. Fairyland Loop isn’t a fast hike, nevertheless it’s THE strategy to see Utah’s panorama in all its glory. The views are unbelievable on this hike. You’ll see hoodoos, the Bryce Amphitheater, the “Tower Bridge,” numerous purple rocks, twisty timber, and simply gorgeous sights in each course.
Right here’s a peek at a few of the path highlights (going counter-clockwise, because it’s the extra fashionable alternative):
Mile 0 – Fairyland Level & Rim Path
You’ll begin by heading Southwest (counter-clockwise) from Fairyland Level on the Rim. The start portion of the path is pretty flat, with a number of ups and downs, gaining ~300 ft over the primary 2.5 miles. This part is an opportunity to let your legs heat up whereas overlooking the canyon’s bowl and hoodoos whereas peering down into the place you might be headed.
Tip: Use the restroom beforehand. There are not any bogs on the path and since there’s little or no protection, there are few spots to go discreetly.
Mile 2.5 – Dawn Level
After about 2.5 miles, you’ll attain dawn level – some of the iconic overlooks in all of Bryce Canyon. Take all of it in, as a result of quickly you start your descent down in direction of the canyon ground, saying goodbye to the crowds on the Rim. After leaving Dawn Level, for the subsequent 1.5 miles, you’ll drop practically 800 ft down into the canyon. You’ll move the picturesque Chinese language Wall (a surprising wall of purple rocks) and also you’ll discover some stunning vegetation adjustments.
Mile 4.0 – Tower Bridge
At 4.0 miles, you’ll attain the bottom level of the hike the place there occurs to be a really cool rock formation aptly named the “Tower Bridge”. It’s about .2 miles off the path and effectively price visiting, particularly in the event you’ve by no means been to Arches Nationwide Park. For those who introduced snacks, it’s a fantastic lunch spot to pause for a chunk.
Previous tower Bridge, for the subsequent 2.5 miles, you’ll expertise some gradual uphill and downhill sections as you weave your manner by means of the forest and round large hoodoos, also referred to as “fairy chimneys” and “tent rocks.”
Mile 6.6 – Start your Ascent
Over the ultimate 1.3 miles of the Fairyland Loop, you acquire simply over 600 ft as you climb up and out of the canyon, again to Fairyland Level. As you attain the tops of the hoodoos, you’ll as soon as once more have sweeping views of Bryce Canyon and the landscapes surrounding the Park.
Mile 7.9 – Return to Fairyland Level
You’ll finish proper again the place you began! When you’re again to your automotive, head to the Normal’s Retailer for a chilly beverage or a tasty deal with.
Greatest Time to Hike Fairyland Loop Path
Fairyland Loop is usually accessible year-round. As you’d count on, fall and spring will provide you with the mildest, most comfy local weather. I particularly love visiting Bryce in autumn so I can respect the autumn foliage as the colours flip to vibrant shades of purple, yellow, and orange. It’s magical.
Moreover, fall and spring are normally rather less busy in comparison with the summer season. Nevertheless, Bryce Canyon is comparatively comfy for mountaineering in summer season in comparison with Utah’s different Nationwide Parks. With an elevation of about 7,000 ft, the highs in the summertime are sometimes within the 70s and 80s. Nevertheless, there isn’t a number of shade, so keep in mind to remain hydrated, put on sunscreen, and produce a hat.
For those who’re visiting Bryce Canyon within the winter, you possibly can nonetheless hike the Fairyland Loop, however you’ll want to start out at Dawn Level because the Fairyland Rd. to the trailhead is closed in the course of the winter months. The chilly climate additionally means you’ll probably cope with fewer crowds.
Particularly for mountaineering in winter, you’ll need waterproof mountaineering boots with good traction, additional winter mountaineering layers, and possibly even trekking poles with baskets to present you an additional help. Except you’re the first hiker after a giant storm, you received’t probably want snowshoes because the path will get packed out by different hikers. Nevertheless, the path can get icy, so microspikes can come in useful.
What to Convey on the Fairyland Loop Hike
When making ready to your Fairyland Loop hike, take a look at the 10 Necessities for Climbing. One essential factor to notice is there isn’t a water obtainable on the path and the solar may be intense, so convey loads of water to remain hydrated.
After all, relying on the season, you’ll want completely different gear. Beneath is a fast glimpse at what you’ll want outdoors of the winter season. Try our full listing of what to put on mountaineering within the desert.
You’ll additionally need closed-toe mountaineering footwear with good grip, sufficient solar safety, and snacks. Trekking poles may come in useful to take the strain off your knees.
Tip: Convey binoculars! The rock formations are so intricate and distinctive, you’ll desire a close-up look to see the mesmerizing particulars. Even in the event you don’t convey them on the hike, it’s good to have them in your automotive for afterwards.
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Have you ever hiked Fairyland Loop in Bryce Canyon? Did you go clockwise or counter-clockwise? Tell us any of your favourite path suggestions within the feedback!
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