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July 29, 2017
When I say we left the best for last while we were visiting Bryce, I mean it. After hiking two trails earlier, we had a bit of time before dark to explore a little more. I had read about Fairyland Loop and desperately wanted to check it out, so we headed over to Fairyland Point to get started.
I confess, we didn't do the entire trail, as it is an 8 mile, moderate to strenuous loop, and the sun was setting when we arrived at the trailhead. We left our headlamps and water in the car, so we only hiked about 1 - 2 miles before turning around and heading back. However, what we did hike was AMAZING. Every moment was quiet, peaceful, and beautiful.
The trail starts out at Fairyland Point, and we decided to start on the left side of the loop (facing the canyon). The trail is connected to the Rim Trail, so if you decide to start by taking a right from the Point, you'll end up on that trail and can take it the full length, or cut back onto Fairyland after you are near the North Campground General Store. Alternatively, you could start Fairyland at this junction.
Every trail we did at Bryce had beautiful views, but there was just something so special about this place. Pictures don't do it justice, but trust me, if you're ever at Bryce and want to do a bit of soul-searching, this is the place.
And here's us at the beginning of the hike with our squishy, happy faces.
I really don't have the words to describe the energy here. It was whole, gentle, guiding...we walked and enjoyed the silence, felt grateful for each other's company, and took in every moment. It was one of the most raw, spontaneous, spiritual hikes I've ever had the pleasure of finding myself on. It was a sacred space that you truly have to experience in order to fully appreciate.
We were in love with the size of these needles...
Gorgeous views of some hoodoos.
If you continue taking the trail through its entirety, you will pass through Fairyland Canyon and Tower Bridge. Then, you will come to the largest climb of the trip, up to Sunrise Point before heading back to Fairyland Point.
When we got back to the beginning of the trail there was a group of 20-somethings hanging out that brought our stress levels way up after having such a relaxing time. They were smoking and throwing rocks into the canyon, trying to hit the hoodoos. We spoke to them and reported the incident to a Ranger, but the whole ordeal was really upsetting.
Don't throw rocks into canyons, just don't. This is native land; sacred, beautiful, native land. Stolen, and then eventually turned into a National Park. This area, and all other sacred sites, parks, and nature areas deserve respect and humility from all that visit. Secondly, please refrain from smoking cigarettes in public areas, especially parks. Cigarettes pollute the environment, other visitor's lungs, and the lung's of all the other creatures that live there. When visiting these parks, remember to pack some respect.
The Verdict:
This hike is unreal. Although we didn't do the entire loop, I would still say with confidence that this was my favorite hike at Bryce. If you're up for a sweaty, 8-mile loop, start early and carry plenty of water. If you're only visiting for a short time and want to enjoy a few minutes of peacefulness, save Fairyland for an evening stroll and walk until you feel like turning around. If you're only hiking a shorter version of this loop, the hike is easy to moderate and can be enjoyed by almost anyone. If you're planning on hiking the entire loop, the trail is moderate to strenuous.
If you're in need of some solitude, spiritual healing, and connection - this hike, particularly in the evening with few or no other people on the trail, may be just the hike you are looking for.
Distance: 8 mi loop (we hiked only a portion and then turned around)
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 1535 ft with a pretty serious descent and climb (virtually none for a short hike)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (easy to strenuous first mile)
Crowd: Light (may be heavier earlier in the day)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Want more from our summer roadtrippin' adventure? Click here!
Hungry for more about Bryce? Click here!
When I say we left the best for last while we were visiting Bryce, I mean it. After hiking two trails earlier, we had a bit of time before dark to explore a little more. I had read about Fairyland Loop and desperately wanted to check it out, so we headed over to Fairyland Point to get started.
I confess, we didn't do the entire trail, as it is an 8 mile, moderate to strenuous loop, and the sun was setting when we arrived at the trailhead. We left our headlamps and water in the car, so we only hiked about 1 - 2 miles before turning around and heading back. However, what we did hike was AMAZING. Every moment was quiet, peaceful, and beautiful.
The trail starts out at Fairyland Point, and we decided to start on the left side of the loop (facing the canyon). The trail is connected to the Rim Trail, so if you decide to start by taking a right from the Point, you'll end up on that trail and can take it the full length, or cut back onto Fairyland after you are near the North Campground General Store. Alternatively, you could start Fairyland at this junction.
Every trail we did at Bryce had beautiful views, but there was just something so special about this place. Pictures don't do it justice, but trust me, if you're ever at Bryce and want to do a bit of soul-searching, this is the place.
And here's us at the beginning of the hike with our squishy, happy faces.
I really don't have the words to describe the energy here. It was whole, gentle, guiding...we walked and enjoyed the silence, felt grateful for each other's company, and took in every moment. It was one of the most raw, spontaneous, spiritual hikes I've ever had the pleasure of finding myself on. It was a sacred space that you truly have to experience in order to fully appreciate.
I realize that maybe we were a bit lucky. Coming in the evening meant fewer people (and by fewer I mean none). The trail may be less calm in the daytime, and although the portion we hiked was easy, it does eventually lead into the canyon, with several elevation changes that may be strenuous for novice hikers, out-of-shapers, elders, and youth. If you are planning on taking this hike in the daytime, remember to bring ample water - one quart/liter per person for every 2-3 hours. You will also want protection from the sun, so make sure to dress accordingly, and bring a hat and/or sunscreen.
We were in love with the size of these needles...
Gorgeous views of some hoodoos.
If you continue taking the trail through its entirety, you will pass through Fairyland Canyon and Tower Bridge. Then, you will come to the largest climb of the trip, up to Sunrise Point before heading back to Fairyland Point.
When we got back to the beginning of the trail there was a group of 20-somethings hanging out that brought our stress levels way up after having such a relaxing time. They were smoking and throwing rocks into the canyon, trying to hit the hoodoos. We spoke to them and reported the incident to a Ranger, but the whole ordeal was really upsetting.
Don't throw rocks into canyons, just don't. This is native land; sacred, beautiful, native land. Stolen, and then eventually turned into a National Park. This area, and all other sacred sites, parks, and nature areas deserve respect and humility from all that visit. Secondly, please refrain from smoking cigarettes in public areas, especially parks. Cigarettes pollute the environment, other visitor's lungs, and the lung's of all the other creatures that live there. When visiting these parks, remember to pack some respect.
The Verdict:
This hike is unreal. Although we didn't do the entire loop, I would still say with confidence that this was my favorite hike at Bryce. If you're up for a sweaty, 8-mile loop, start early and carry plenty of water. If you're only visiting for a short time and want to enjoy a few minutes of peacefulness, save Fairyland for an evening stroll and walk until you feel like turning around. If you're only hiking a shorter version of this loop, the hike is easy to moderate and can be enjoyed by almost anyone. If you're planning on hiking the entire loop, the trail is moderate to strenuous.
If you're in need of some solitude, spiritual healing, and connection - this hike, particularly in the evening with few or no other people on the trail, may be just the hike you are looking for.
Distance: 8 mi loop (we hiked only a portion and then turned around)
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 1535 ft with a pretty serious descent and climb (virtually none for a short hike)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (easy to strenuous first mile)
Crowd: Light (may be heavier earlier in the day)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hungry for more about Bryce? Click here!
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