Bryce Canyon

Saturday, July 21st - We arrived at Bryce National Park this afternoon.  We were a little apprehensive about finding a spot as the camping sites are first come-first served.  However, since we arrived relatively early, we had several spots available for our choosing. 

Our pick - North Campground Site #24

Sunday, July 22nd - This afternoon, we decided to take the shuttle around the park and see the sites.  We ending up doing approximately a 1 1/2 mile hike from Bryce Point to Inspiration Point (we were anywhere from 8,000 to 8,300 feet in elevation - nice and cool!)  Some of the trail portions were a bit of a challenge for me due to my fear of heights (Tracy was entertained by my very tiny steps across some of the "saddlebacks" we crossed!)

FYI - The park guide defines Hoodoos as "1. A pinnacle or odd-shaped rock left standing by the forces of erosion. 2. v. To cast a spell or cause bad luck. 3. Voodoo."  I think they intend option 1. as the park interpretation!

View of the mountains beyond the Bryce Amphitheater

Bryce Amphitheater - Those are HUGE pine trees in the valley!

The "holes" in the walls are called "grottos" - see the people standing on the cliff top on the left?

Hoodoos and trail - See the tiny people walking on the trail?
Tracy & I decided we could take in the view just fine from the top!!

Another gorgeous view of the Amphitheater

Close up of the cliff face and Hoodoos

City of Tropic just beyond the Amphitheater
Site originally established by Ebenezer Bryce, namesake of the park

Hoodoos in front of view

More great views

Hoodooville!

Great view from Inspiration Point

Another view from Inspiration Point

After our hike, we had lunch at the Bryce Canyon Lodge - Black Canyon BLT with avocado for me, and a Grand Canyon Club for Tracy - Yum!!

Monday, July 23rd - Today, we drove up to Rainbow Point, which is 18 miles from the park entrance.  Saw lots of beautiful sites and took a very short hike at the top (it rained pretty good today!)  The higher we climbed, the cooler it got - we saw 59 degrees at 2:00 p.m.  WE LOVE THIS WEATHER!

Swamp Canyon - Sheep River is at the bottom

Rain in the Canyon

Walking on the Edge

Natural Bridge Overlook (looks more like an arch to me...)

Yovimpa Point - more rain in the canyon

Raven at the picnic area - he was making a killing even though it rained!!!

Short hike with long drop offs!

And Tracy wondered why it was hard to breathe after our short hike!

Tuesday, July 24th - We hiked the Queen's Garden-Navajo Combination Trails Loop for a total of

3 1/2 miles and an 800 foot elevation change.  Once we reached the bottom of the canyon, we were witnesses to strange and wonderful sights!

Starting out on the Queen's Garden Trail - all down hill!

Strange rock formations

If not for the trees, the movie "Total Recall" comes to mind...

Two windows in the rock

Tracy standing before an arch in the trail (one of several we encountered)

Gnarly tree root to the side of the trail makes for an interesting picture!

Looking up at "Two Bridges" formation

Looking down at all the switchbacks - no wonder I'm huffing and puffing!!

View of the canyon coming up to Sunset Point from the Navajo Trail

Wednesday, July 25th - Our last full day at Bryce Canyon.  We decided to take a drive down scenic byway Highway 12 from the park east to Boulder.  What beautifil sights we saw!

Beautiful view between on Highway 12 between Escalante and Boulder, Utah

Saw this off side of road and had to pull over and look

Blew this picture up so you can see crazy skateboarder riding his skateboard down the road - he was cooking!!
Waved at us as we went by...We pulled over at the next lookout and took his picture as he continued downhill.

Long and winding road...kind of reminds me of a song.