Fairyland Canyon

"Eight miles?" we said. "We can do that." "Strenuous? Can't be that bad." So began our loop hike this morning. It was fantastic for the first 4.5 miles, but then we hit a 1.7 mile stretch that climbed relentlessly from the canyon floor to the rim. This proved to be a little to much for all of us, and we were beat when we climbed out of the canyon at Sunrise Point. Fortunately, we were able to catch a ride and then a shuttle back to our car.

Normally, this hike wouldn't have walloped us like this, but I think yesterday's hike to Scout Landing took a lot out of all of us. When we got back to camp, we ate lunch then sacked out in the tent to read/nap.

Anyway, the hike was spectacular. The trail winds through hoodoos and rock formations that seem too fantastical to be real. At a several points, the trail followed a narrow ridge line offering fantastic views into the canyon on either side.

Tomorrow morning we're planning a hike down into the Bryce amphitheater before heading to Moab.