Bryce Canyon, UT
We left Torrey Sunday morning before 8:30, a near record for us, and headed for Bryce Canyon. The early departure was because the weather forecast in Bryce for the beginning part of the week is predicting rain, so the nimble hiker wanted to take advantage of the partly cloudy skies to get in a hike as soon as we were set up in our site at Ruby’s RV Park, just outside the gate to the national park. When we stayed here three years ago our site was in a new section of the park that was basically a large gravel lot with rows of sites. This year we are in the same section but they have done some major improvements to the area between sites, adding a large grass area and a gravel area for a picnic table and fire pit.
After setting up the motorhome we headed into the park for a hike. Just inside the park boundary and about a mile before the gate we turned left on to a paved side road leading to the parking lot for the Fairyland Canyon overlook.
Fairyland Canyon Overlook – elevation 7758
The Fairyland Trail descends into the canyon on the left side of the overlook, winds through the canyon for 5.5 miles, and comes back out near the North Campground. At that point you can make the hike a loop by taking the Rim Trail for 2.5 miles back to the Fairyland Overlook.
The trail descends from the overlook
One of the difficult things about creating a blog about Bryce Canyon is selecting which photos to include. If you stop anywhere along the trail and turn around in a circle you will find a beautiful view in every direction. Below are just a sampling of the many photos we took during our tour through Fairyland Canyon.
Is that a cat looking backwards on the left?
Tower Bridge
China Wall
This hike is labeled strenuous by the National Park Service due to its length (8 miles) and elevation change (1,716 feet overall, which includes the many ups and downs in the canyon). But the beautiful views at every turn make it worth the effort.
Oh my! How beautiful is all that! Yes, it does look like a cat… I can’t wait to get back to Utah.
It sure is spectacular, Jacquie:) The cat reminded us of our daughter’s cat, Ginger.
Love the cat! I have yet to make it down in to the main part of Bryce, it is definitely on “the list”. I bet you were really happy to have had the opportunity to do this hike before the Weather changed!
We were so glad we got the hike in with some blue sky left and no mud:) The cat reminded us of Jessica’s cat, Ginger.
I know what you mean about beautiful views in all directions. Sometimes I didn’t know where to point the camera. Thanks for sharing this amazing hike. I’m hoping to hike part of it on our next time through.
It took us three years to get back to do this hike:) It gives you a reason to return, Ingrid:)
Live Laugh RV seems to have been in Bryce (still?) at the same time as you guys. They weren’t staying at Ruby’s. We have reservations there though! But not until August. I can’t wait to get out and hike those trails! Your pictures are so inspiring! –Val and Mitch, RVLuckyOrWhat, currently in Fredericksburg, TX
Ingrid and Al were here before us. We just arrived on Sunday so we missed them. Ruby’s has done a wonderful job with the landscaping in the newer rear section. The original part of the park is all treed but many of the sites are rather close together. Two very different areas. You’ll have a wonderful time here:)
Oh, well, I loved the pic of your spot in the new rear section, so I called and reserved an end spot in that section for our time in August. We prefer the bigger sites, for sure, and trees — well we can do without those. So thanks for the heads up. Can’t wait!
I love the Fairyland Trail! So happy you guys were able to get there and hike it before the rains (snow?) arrive. We’re still disappointed to not be meeting up with you, but with the weather forecast, I think we made the right decision. Great photos — you really captured the splendor of Bryce. And the kitty cat is so cute! 🙂
Thanks, Laurel! While we were disappointed we didn’t get to hike together, we totally understand. You made a wise decision:) That is our daughter’s cat, Ginger:)
Beautiful pictures … and yes that did look like a cat!
Thanks so much! That our daughter’s cat, Ginger:)
That’s one trail we didn’t do. Awesome pics! I know what you mean about not knowing which photos to include in a blog. I took almost 400 photos!
Safe travels!
It took us three years to get back to do this trail. It was too muddy last time and closed. So glad we came back for it:)
So envious – that park is beautiful. Thanks for sharing the 8 miles of amazing views. Love the cat and the Tower Bridge is incredible.
Bryce Canyon is one amazing place. One never tires of the view into the canyon. Glad we could take you along:)
It is a beautiful park! Glad you got this hike in.
Thanks, Gay! We were glad we got it in, too, because we have had rain early every afternoon since.
Barb and I are already planning our route to Arizona this winter and our route north in the spring. we are going to make sure we hit Bryce, Capital Reek and Antelope Canyon for sure!
Our friends that live near Capitol Reef tell us fall is the best time so good plan! Capitol Reef is my favorite park, while Moab is my favorite area.
I was on hiking overload when we got to Bryce after hiking in Zion for three days–but I still absolutely loved Bryce Canyon and all the hoodoos.
It amazes me how very different Zion and Bryce Canyon are when they are aren’t that far apart. There is nothing like Bryce Canyon…so spectacular!
I love walking among the hoodoos/rock people at Bryce.
Your pictures are simply glorious and that is definitely a cat. You are so right about fantastic views in every direction no matter the trail. We hiked this one starting from the campground and your pictures are bringing back such wonderful memories of this simply amazing natural wonder. Many thanks!
Beautiful header photo. We took the girls to Bryce when they were about 12-13. We loved it. The colors are just so gorgeous. We know what you mean about which photo to show. We had an actual film camera then. $$$ for the photos.
Yes, that is a cat. I would recognize it any where. Fabulous hike for sure.
WOW…that is some huge site!
Bryce is so beautiful. You are right. There are breathtaking views no matter which direction you turn.
We did it and we loved it! Im with you John, both our cameras were loaded with photos that we don’t know what to do with it. I can’t post it all on FB or on our blog.
I just showed one of the pictures to my son Cory And he said “Mountain. Desert.” He doesn’t take after me that’s for sure! Seeing as how I was speechless.