ShellySo we didn’t get to do the Grand Canyon today because of the forest fires…but wow, Bryce Canyon more than made up for it.
Bryce Canyon is about 2 hours from our campground. On our way there we stopped for a 2 or 3 mile hike in Red Canyon (an apt name). It’s a dog friendly hike through the ledges in the canyon. We took a few little off trail detours where E and I scrambled up to a cave and Patty (smart little girl) found her own path to come join us. (D decided he needed a day off from all the merriment. So he stayed at the camper. This is a climb he would have loved!). My ankle may complain tonight but it wasn’t too bad on my climb. (Yes, I’m hiking in a skort…perfect for scrambling.)
Next we went to Bryce Canyon National Park. (Another chance to use our America the Beautiful Pass.) Holy cow! This place is amazing! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful or more grand natural site. We drove the full 18 miles to the end of the Canyon, to Rainbow Point to have our picnic lunch. It was breathtaking … but it only got better from there.
Then we worked our way back down the Canyon along the 18 mile drive. My pictures got a bit out of order but there were lots of lookout stops…and we stopped at every single one of them. Every view was more amazing than the last.
When we got back up to sunset point, near the entrance to the park, E and Sam found a 1.3 mile trail (we are SURE it was longer than that) that went into the canyon and through a slot canyon. Unfortunately it wasn’t dog friendly. So Patty and I waited at the top. The trail reminded me of all the switchbacks in Santorini going down from Fira to the port, minus the stairs. Sam did a great 13 minute narrated video as he walked down. I know, 13 minutes seems like a long time to watch a video, but I really would recommend it. Sam missed his calling as a travel reporter. This canyon was amazing! The whole hike up and back took them about 45 minutes.
The drive back was stunning too, as we drove through the Dixie National Forest.
What We're Eating:
Breakfast: Breakfast scramble with hash browns, sausage, kale, corn and eggs
Lunch: Picnic lunch in Bryce Canyon
Dinner: DJ made Mac n cheese and hotdogs while we drove back. We were gone almost 10 hours.
Temperatures:
It was in the 70’s in the canyons and 90’s back at our camper site in Hurricane.
Total Miles to Date: _________________
Where is the video posted?
It’s on YouTube. It should be imbedded on my site, right under the text talking about the video.
This was beautiful! Makes me want to go visit and hike the heck out of that area!