Featuring several landmarks, the Fairyland Loop Trail takes you through amazing scenery. It’s an out-and-back trail located near Bryce, Utah. The trail has a length of 12.5 kilometers and an elevation gain of 472 m. Due to its length and varying elevation, the hike requires great effort.
This spectacular trail is located in one of the most famous national parks in the state, Bryce National Park, but despite that, it doesn’t get many visitors. But that can work in your favor. The trail has been named after Fairyland Canyon. It takes you through some of the quieter parts of the park.
You can start the hike from Fairyland Point, located outside the entrance gates. First, you will head downhill into the canyon. The views from below are simply amazing, and you want to take some photos there. As you keep hiking, you would feel like you have abandoned civilization, as you will be mesmerized by the desert-like landscape.
There will be signs that warn of slippery gravel, but most of the time the footing is really good. Still, you should be careful when you hike. As you keep hiking, you will go through colorful hoodoos and spires. There are large eroded formations that look like castles and fortresses.
To see the Tower Bridge, you can take a detour from around the middle of the hike. The trail continues to head uphill and after some distance, you get to the top of the trim, but you have got a little more climbing to do. The trail moves upward along the rim, you are offered stunning views.
If you feel like taking a break, there are several flat sections that are appropriate for this. The hike is fairly exposed, so if hiking in the middle of the day during summer would be very tough.
If you go during summer, you should apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn. It’s also recommended to take plenty of water and snacks. If you are hiking in winter, it’s recommended to use Foot traction devices. It can take around 4 to 5 hours to finish the round hike, but some people take more time, as they take a lot of photos.