Tower Bridge via Fairyland Loop

Getting there is half the fun on this hike below the canyon rim. While there are fewer hoodoos in this area of the park, the scenery is still incredible and the crowds are much lighter. Starting at Sunrise Point, the trail boasts big views immediately. During the first mile you can look out at China Wall, Sinking Ship, and endless panoramic views of the park and beyond. The trail descends through sparse bristlecone pine and sandy knolls; the most spectacular rock formations start about 3/4 mile in. Here you will pass through a large white rock wall with a small window. You can take pictures through the window but be careful not to disrupt the terrain.

As you continue down the trail starts to flatten out and you will cross a creek bed that may have a little water if it recently rained. The trail forks and you will follow signs for Tower Bridge down to another creek bed where you will see Tower Bridge above.

The best place for photos is down by the creek bed looking up at the rock formation, but the best views can actually be found by returning to the trail's fork. If you follow signs to the Fairyland Loop Trail and hike a couple hundred yards up it gives you a higher vantage point to view the formation without trees in the way. You cannot climb up to the bridge, but there is a pathway around the bottom so you can view it from multiple perspectives.

You will return the same way you came, and the rock formations and scenery look very different on the way back up. You will gain 950' in elevation in the 1.5 miles back up, so take your time and enjoy the view!