Bryce Canyon National Park: Fairyland Canyon

Do fairies exist? Well, in Fairyland Canyon (Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah) the scenery is so unique that one could almost think so. Eccentric is definitely the best description for its unusual hoodoo formations. In fact, of the area's attractions, this fairyland is not just about carved ancient rock, but exciting trails that get one up close and personal.

Fairyland Canyon is located in Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park, offering unimaginable landscapes and strange geological artwork. There is no doubt that this canyon could have inspired anyone to believe in fairy tales, but just one peak and the imagination goes crazy.

Most visitors to the canyon spend most of their time either staring at the hoodoos from a high vantage point or following descending trails to the canyon floor to loop up with equal amounts of curiosity. These formations are sixty million years old, leftovers of ancient volcanoes that littered the park and surrounding areas.

The most inspirational hikes radiate outwards from Fairyland, known as the Fairyland Loop, but are the least crowded of all the park's numerous trails. It is possible to cover the entire route in just less than four hours, walking a leisurely eight miles in total. Enroute it is possible to visit the varied natural stone bridges, and then walk a rollercoaster of elevations to such attractions as the sinking Mesa Ship, Tower Bridge junction and the Chinese Wall.

In the winter, Fairyland's trails and landscape is fairly snow-covered. Passage at this time can be very risky for less experienced hikers and winter survivalists. However, September to October is a more pleasant times to come because the weather is no longer unbearably.