A visit to Bryce was not part of our original itinerary, but we didn’t have firm hike plans for our third day at Zion.  Spurred by a conversation with some fellow hikers, and a (very little) bit of research we opted for a little spontaneity – it was only about 90 miles from Zion.

We’d settled on the Fairyland trail – listed as strenuous, about 8 miles, and a loop – sounded like just the thing.   As usual, we were off early – not many other folks out, so the drive was easy.  The trailhead was most easily accessible from the north, entering through Bryce Canyon City – interestingly, a city (if you can call it that) that established in 2007.   Mainly tourist stops, a motel, gas station, etc. – but tourism is big business.    Fairyland Rd, leading to the trailhead, was just south of the ‘city’.  Interestingly, we didn’t pass through any sort of Park entrance to get there.

On reaching the trailhead, and gearing up, we were immediately struck by the incredible beauty that was Bryce Canyon.  Truly, never seen anything like it.    The view from the trailhead was stunning -iImmediately sky-rocketing this to one of our top-3 (or 5) hikes ever, rivaling such jems as Faulhorn in Switzerland, Paintbrush Divide in the Tetons, Clouds Rest in Yosemite, Gray Glacier in Patagonia, and even Observation Point from a few days beforehand – the hoodoos were just amazing.  Everywhere you looked, a different view – and even the same hoodoo viewed from a different angle could create an entirely different perspective.

Rather than blather on about the hike – the weather (perfect temperature), the crowds (less than a dozen people on the trail), or the footing (easy), here, we’ll just close out this post with a photo gallery – which certainly doesn’t do justice to beauty and majesty of the park.

Read about other hikes/places on our trip through Zion, Bryce, Buckskin Gulch, and Sedona,