Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is "a hell of a place to lose a cow", according to Ebenezer Bryce, the pioneer who came to settle the Paria Valley in 1875. He tried to raise cattle on the the land but lost his cows amongst the rock formations and rough terrain. After visiting the park, we could see why. The canyon is beautiful but harsh and unforgiving.

We spent one day hiking Bryce Canyon National Park. We arrived early in the morning and secured a parking spot near the Visitor Center. We chose the Rim Trail, a popular and relatively easy course that runs along the rim of the canyon overlooking the Amphitheatre. It is covered with wild mountain blueberry bushes and lined by steep drop offs. Amazing views of the hoodoos and rock formations are in every direction. Hikers were plodding along on the winding trails below us; enticing us to join them.

Standing at the edge of the Rim Trail Video

Hikers visible on the trails

Hiking amongst the Hoodoos

The Amphitheatre was popular with hikers

Hoodoos 

Deep drop offs

Mountain blueberries were blooming everywhere

Dropping down into the canyon was tempting but we were just two days out from our Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike. We needed to limit our walking distance. After about four miles along the rim, we took the eighteen mile southern scenic drive to the end at Rainbow and Yovimpa Point. We were fascinated to learn that the elevation increased as we moved south. The north end Visitor Center is at 7,894 feet and the southernmost tip of the drive is at 9,000. As we rode back to the park entrance, we made stops at the nine scenic overlooks on the east side of the road.

View from Yovimpa Point

Black Birch Canyon Warning

Agua Canyon View

Natural Bridge Elevation 8627

Fairview Point Elevation 8819

Dave at Piracy Point

Piracy Point View

Our visit to Bryce Canyon was short. We'd love to return for an extended stay to experience hiking into the amphitheater and camping at the park.