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A less crowded trail that still packs in plenty of spectacular hoodoos, vistas, and towering cliffs.


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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.6

KM

Point to Point

7,965' 2,428 m

High

7,178' 2,188 m

Low

1,157' 353 m

Up

967' 295 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

The gated road to Fairyland Point Overlook (before the park entrance fee station) is sometimes locked or closed for the winter. You can still reach this route from Sunrise Point by using the Rim Trail.

Description

Although this trail is officially called the Fairyland "Loop" Trail, it does not actually start and end at the same place unless you also include the approximately 2.5 miles of travel on the Rim Trail between Fairyland Point and Sunrise Point. Completing the circle using both trails ends up being about 8 miles.

From the Fairyland Point parking area, dip down into the canyon heading northeast on the well marked trail. As you descend steadily, the impressive Fairyland amphitheater of hoodoos is sandwiched in on your right between the trail and Boat Mesa. Watch for the Sinking Ship formation across the valley to the east. After about 1.5 miles, the trail reaches its lowest point and begins a stiff climb up to a saddle and the cliffs below the Coliseum. From here the grades ease a bit until the Tower Bridge Side Trail turnoff - note that it's well worth the short detour to ogle Mother Nature's creativity.

Once back on the main Fairyland Loop Trail, begin the challenging climb up through parched Campbell Canyon, also crossing its namesake creek. The meandering trail ascends steadily through open terrain passing the Chinese Wall formation to the south. More vegetation and gnarled trees (look for evidence of lightning strikes) begin to appear closer to the rim. The Fairyland Loop Trail ends at a "T" junction with the Rim Trail about 0.3 miles north of Sunrise Point.

Flora & Fauna

Occasional rattlesnakes. Bristlecone pines.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 14 votes

#4

in Ampitheater

#359

Overall
  4.8 from 14 votes
5 Star
79%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#4

in Ampitheater

#44

in Utah

#359

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,636 Since Mar 1, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
8%
46%
23%
23%
0%

Photos

Hoodoos on Fairyland Loop Trail
Oct 17, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
Fairyland Canyon and Barney Top in the background.
Oct 17, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
Sinking Ship
Oct 17, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
The views along this trail are stunning. The ponderosa pines really complement the vivid orange terrain.
Mar 12, 2021 near Panguitch, UT
Chinese Wall from Fairyland Loop Trail
Oct 17, 2017 near Panguitch, UT
Hoodoos and Boat Mesa from Fairyland Point
Oct 17, 2017 near Panguitch, UT

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