Hiking Trail: Fairyland Loop
Hiking the Fairyland Loop Trail: A Guide
The Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, offers a unique and breathtaking hiking experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your adventure.
Getting There
To reach the Fairyland Loop Trail, you should head to Fairyland Point, the official trailhead. Fairyland Point is located just before the fee station near the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center in Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764. From Bryce Canyon City, it's about a 10-minute drive to Fairyland Point. Please note that there is no shuttle service to Fairyland Point, so you need to drive there yourself.
Starting the Hike
It is recommended to start the Fairyland Loop Trail at Fairyland Point and hike counter-clockwise. This approach allows a gradual descent into the canyon, doing most climbing in the middle, with a shorter climb back to the rim at the end. Alternatively, some hikers prefer hiking clockwise to experience the canyon scenery earlier, but counter-clockwise is the park’s suggested route.
Preparation and Essentials
Proper hiking gear is essential for the Fairyland Loop Trail. Bring at least 2L of water, as the trail can be quite demanding. A National Geographic trail map for Bryce Canyon is helpful for navigation.
Additional Tips
The Fairyland Loop is about 8 miles long and is less crowded than other Bryce Canyon trails. However, it's important to arrive early, especially during busy seasons, as the small parking area at Fairyland Point can fill up quickly.
Safety and Equipment
If there is snow or ice on the trail, micro-spikes and trekking poles are recommended for safety. The Altra Lone Peak 9 is a recommended shoe for the Fairyland Loop Trail. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is recommended for 100% reliable SOS coverage on the trail.
Logistics
The drive from Las Vegas to the trail takes around 4 hours. From St. George, UT, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the trail. Cellular reception can be unreliable, so a satellite communicator could be beneficial.
Park Entry and Cost
The park entry fee for Bryce Canyon is $20+. The America the Beautiful pass can be used for park entry.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to do the Fairyland Loop is in the summer and fall, when it's snow-free. However, it's always a good idea to check the weather conditions before setting out.
The Fairyland Loop Trail: A Hybrid Hike
The Fairyland Loop Trail is a hybrid hike combining Fairyland Trail and about 2.5 miles of the Rim Trail. With its unique terrain, stunning views, and challenging sections, the Fairyland Loop Trail is a must-do for any serious hiker.
- For a successful hike on the Fairyland Loop Trail, bring a National Geographic trail map for Bryce Canyon to aid navigation.
- To tackle the Fairyland Loop Trail comfortably, consider wearing the Altra Lone Peak 9 shoes and carrying micro-spikes and trekking poles for safety when there's snow or ice on the trail.
- To make the most of your outdoor-living experience on the Fairyland Loop Trail, bring at least 2L of water, as maintaining hydration is crucial during the hike.
- Combine the Fairyland Trail with about 2.5 miles of the Rim Trail to embark on the hybrid Fairyland Loop Trail, a truly unique trekking adventure that offers challenging sections and breathtaking views for serious hikers.
