Fairyland Loop - 8.25 Miles Round-Trip

The Fairyland Loop runs 8.25 miles through a vivid landscape and two very distinct canyons. Fairyland Canyon (north) is geologically younger than the main amphitheater, distinguished by a labyrinth of towering hoodoos and spires. 

Campbell Canyon (south), on the other hand, is a virtual hoodoo graveyard; its once tall hoodoos have eroded into soft, multi-hued clay mounds. Visitors will enjoy geologic diversity and light crowds on the Fairyland Loop. The following description travels clockwise:

The trail drops steeply from the canyon rim through a stadium of hoodoos to the heavily vegetated canyon floor. Look for Boat Mesa (8,076') to the southwest as you descend. 

Travel moderates along the rolling canyon floor to wash crossings at .8 miles (7,330'), 1 mile (7,245'), 1.35 miles (7,162') and 1.65 miles (7,210'). Remain vigilant through these potentially vague sections.

Grades steepen through 2 miles up to a narrow mesa top and the start of an unforgettable 4 mile stretch (2.35 miles : 7,530'). The trail levels on the mesa's high, south-facing edge with rangy views across Campbell Canyon and the Bryce Amphitheater.

It drops gradually over the next 1.7 miles through hoodoo gardens into Campbell Canyon with access to Tower Bridge (4.0 miles : 7,243'). 

This natural bridge joins two prominent spires located 200 yards off the main trail. Follow signs from the Tower Bridge spur to Sunrise Point to continue the loop.

The trail crosses three consecutive washes (the last of which is at 4.4 miles and requires a bit of attention) before climbing back toward the canyon rim.

It moderates briefly at 4.75 miles through a colorful and imaginative landscape highlighted by the China Wall, gnarled juniper, and rolling clay mounds that are the remains of eroded hoodoos.

The trail pitches steeply for the canyon rim with exceptional views over Campbell Canyon to Sunrise Point and the Rim Trail junction (5.7 miles : 7,953'). Bear right on the Rim Trail for the final 2.25 miles back to Fairyland Point. The Rim Trail runs very close to cliff edges, which are unstable and should be given a respectful distance.

In contrast to juniper, fir and ponderosa found within rugged canyon nooks, the Rim Trail levels across an open scrub brush plateau filled with a variety of grasses and flowers. 
The Rim Trail passes several spurs leading to campgrounds and service roads; favor the canyon rim to ensure you stay on course back to Fairyland Point.