Bryce Canyon NP

Bryce Canyon NP 

Saturday May 13th, 2023

Sometimes its not a good thing to go back. We had visited Bryce Canyon on our trip in 1987 and the fond memories are firmly imprinted in our minds. I was worried that if we didn’t particularly enjoy seeing the park this time, then it might taint those memories. In 1987 we were camping at Zion NP and the weather had turned horrible, with heavy rain and cold temperatures. We decided to drive over to Bryce Canyon and as we gained elevation the rain turned to snow. It was amazing to see the multi-colored rocks and “hoodoos” covered in snow. Some of my favorite photos from that trip were taken on that day. We did not have the opportunity to hike any trails because they were too steep and slippery under the snowy conditions. When we arrived in the park this time, the weather seemed decent and we were keen to walk down into the canyon. One of the biggest changes between 1987 and 2023 is simply the number of people visiting the State and national Parks. The increase is quite staggering. We struggled to find a parking spot, but finally spotted an empty one, and drove the wrong way down the one-way system to snag it before someone else did! 

We chose to hike the Queen - Navaho loop trail, which is the most highly recommended walk in the park. It’s reputation is justified; the views and the atmosphere are stunning. However, it’s also very popular and there were hordes of people everywhere. We dropped down from the rim of the canyon and shortly before reaching the lowest section it started to rain … then hail. Thankfully our rain coats were safe and secure in the car so they wouldn’t get wet! We did get a bit damp, but the amazing thing was the trail. The sandy top layer quickly turned to gelatinous, orange mud and each of our boots gained about 5 pounds of extra weight. We made it back up to rim as the sound of thunder boomed around, but the storm quickly passed and we were rewarded with great light and enhanced colors from the wet rock. We spent the rest of the afternoon touring the park road and exploring the many look out points.  Other than a few additional parking challenges it was a wonderful visit and we were both happy that we had returned. I would argue that there is no National Park in the USA that is more beautiful than Bryce Canyon. 

Mike

The view from the rim of Bryce Canyon at the end of the Queen - Navajo trail. The clearing storm left super light and colors.

The very muddy hike up the switchbacks to regain the rim on the Navajo trail

Bryce Point had astonishing 300 degree views 

Ditto

Bryce Canyon has the highest concentration of "Hoodoos" anywhere in the world

A common raven on the edge of the canyon

Three girls were doing their own photoshoot near Bryce Point - so continuing my efforts to take more people photos I jumped at this opportunity to take this shot