Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Choosing a photographing location isn't difficult. There are plenty of spots along the Rim Trail for
early-morning shots; those looking for sunset photos should head down the Rim Trail, past Inspir-
ation Point, where it climbs a small hill, for the best angles. Those with telephoto or zoom lenses
have the advantage of being able to get a variety of shots from one location along the rim; for
close-ups and unique angles, you'll want to hike below the rim, and a wide-angle lens will often
produce the best results. Some photographers like to use polarizing filters to bring out the colors
of the rocks and deepen the blue of the sky.
A tripod is useful, especially when the light is a bit dim, to minimize vibration and help keep the
camera from moving while you find the right composition. Those without tripods can steady their
cameras by folding or balling up a jacket or sweater, resting it on a railing or other solid object, and
holding the camera against it.
Longer Hikes
FairylandLoopTrail
★
A good choice for a challenging hike that offers panoramic vis-
tas away from the crowds, from Fairyland Point this little-traveled trail descends
into Fairyland Canyon, then meanders up, down, and around Boat Mesa. It crosses
Campbell Canyon, passes Tower Bridge junction—a short, 600-foot side trail takes
you to the base of Tower Bridge—and begins a steady climb to the China Wall.
About halfway along the wall, the trail begins the serious ascent back to the top of
the canyon, which it reaches near Sunrise Point. To complete the loop, follow the
Rim Trail back through juniper, manzanita, and Douglas fir to Fairyland Point, a
trip that will take you approximately 5 hours. The loop has an elevation change of
about 2,309 feet. See “Central Canyon” map in this chapter.
8 miles RT. Difficult. Access: The trail head is located at the Fairyland Point Overlook, off the park
access road north of the visitor center; the trail is also accessible from Sunrise Point.
PeekabooLoopTrail
★
This trail, open both to those on foot and on horseback, winds
among hoodoos below Bryce and Inspiration points. It's a steep and strenuous
hike, with an elevation change of 1,555 feet. You follow the Under the Rim Trail
briefly toward the Hat Shop, but soon you'll turn left and head toward the Peeka-
boo Loop. This section of the trail is narrow and often littered with rocks, so place
your feet carefully. Fairly steep inclines and descents alternate with more level
stretches; stop frequently to take in both the close and distant vistas. At times you
can see far to the east beyond Bryce Canyon toward the Aquarius Plateau, Canaan
Mountain, and the Kaiparowits Plateau; you'll get closer views of the unusual Wall
of Windows, the Three Wise Men, the Organ, and the Cathedral. Various connect-
ing trails make Peekaboo easily accessible. There's a corral and vault toilets toward
the Bryce Point end of the loop. The park's horseback-ride concessionaire uses
the trail spring through fall, and hikers should step aside to let horseback riders
