Fairyland Canyon is a hidden gem at Bryce Canyon National Park that is well worth a visit! In addition to amazing hiking opportunities, the sunset and stargazing vistas are incredible! While we didn’t complete the entire 8 mile Fairyland Loop Trail, what we did see was amazing. Read more to see why I love Fairyland Canyon so much!
Fairyland Loop Hike Trail Details & Location
Difficulty: Strenuous | Round Trip Distance: 8 mi | Elevation Gain: 2,309 ft. | Time: 4-5 hrs
Trailhead Location:  The Fairyland Loop Trail starts at Fairyland Point. To get there, you need to turn onto Fairyland Point Road from UT-63. Fairyland Point Road is located on your left just after you pass the Bryce Canyon National Park entrance sign, before you reach the pay station. Most people drive right past it and miss it! At the end of the road is a parking lot located right next to the trailhead. Even if all you do is park and walk to the trailhead lookout, the view is worth it.
The beautiful thing about the Fairyland Loop Trail is that you can choose to complete the entire 8 mile loop or you can go as far as you want and then turn around. That said, this trail is strenuous. There are steep drop offs in places and you need steady footing to complete it. If you plan to hike the entire Fairyland Loop, I would visit the National Parks Website for tips on how to safely do it.
Even though we only completed a section of this hike, Fairyland Canyon enchanted me and helped me fall in love with Bryce Canyon National Park!
Fairyland Canyon Gives You Instant Access to Hoodoos
One thing I loved about visiting Fairyland Canyon was the instant access we had to the hoodoos. The moment we began hiking, I felt as if I had been transported into a Disneyland Theme Park. The hoodoos felt so close and personal that I could almost touch them with my hand.
Although there is plenty to see close to the parking lot, we wanted to do some hiking. While the trail was steep in places, it was well marked and easy to follow. Since we were planning on stargazing half way through our hike, we left right at sunset.
Fairyland Canyon is a fairly private, hidden gem at Bryce National Park
Another thing I loved about Fairyland Canyon was how secluded it felt. When we arrived at Fairyland Point, we had the entire place to ourselves. I first read about Fairyland Point in National Geographic’s book “Secrets of the National Parks.â€
Although it is not far from the main road, Fairyland Canyon is easy to miss when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. In fact, we missed it the first time we entered Bryce Canyon.
Thankfully, we went back that evening and I’m so glad we did! There is nothing quite like being out in nature feeling like you are the only ones there.
Fairyland Point Gives You Free Access to Bryce Canyon National Park
Another perk in visiting Fairyland Point is that you can access it BEFORE entering the pay station! Â
This means that if you are up for an 8 mile hike, you can see cool hoodoos, Sinking Ship, Tower Bridge, and China Wall ALL FOR FREE!
The Fairyland Loop also gives you access to Sunrise Point as well as the Rim Trail.
With a slight detour you can get the best of both worlds.
Hiking at Night is Better With Friends
I went to Fairyland Canyon in October 2018 with my husband, Dave, and some friends.  In my opinion, hiking at night is always better with friends!Â
We met up in the Fairyland Point parking lot and then began our hike on the Fairyland Loop Trail.
 As we wanted to go stargazing, we left for our hike at sunset!  I was grateful that one of the couples had been there before, as they helped guide us on our hike.
We shared pleasant conversation, laughed at jokes, and helped each other pass the time while hiking the Fairyland Loop Trail.  It is a memory I will never forget.
Fairyland Canyon is a Beautiful Sunset Location in Bryce Canyon National Park
While Bryce Canyon has several amazing sunset locations, including Sunset Point and Bryce Point, Fairyland Canyon at sunset did not disappoint.
The vibrant colors at Bryce Canyon shifted and changed as the sun set.
It was incredible. In addition to amazing colors, I also loved seeing the gibbous moon off in the distance.
As the sun set behind the desert landscape, the sky shifted from a yellow blue to a deep purple.
Fairyland Canyon Provided a Private Stargazing Experience
We continued hiking until it was dark. Finally, we found some fallen tree trunks and nestled in for some quiet conversation and stargazing.
The night sky shifted into a moonlit paradise. Read more about our stargazing adventure here!
Overall, our hike along the Fairyland Loop Trail was worth it!  I hope you get the opportunity to see Fairyland Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park for yourself. If not, at least you can see it through my photos! Thanks for reading and sharing my adventures with me!
Happy travels!
Juventa Vezzani
One of my bucket list items is to visit all 60 National Parks! For detailed posts about my adventures, click here!
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