A label switched path (LSP) is established within a network using an MPLS fast reroute bypass tunnel when a resource along a primary path of the LSP has failed but is protected by the MPLS fast reroute bypass tunnel. While establishing the LSP, a network device identifies a failed resource along a primary path of the LSP. In response to identifying the failed resource, the network device determines whether a bypass tunnel exists from the network device to a node along the primary path, wherein the bypass tunnel avoids the failed resource. Upon determining that the bypass tunnel exists, the network device tunnels a message for establishing the LSP to the node over the bypass tunnel.