I’ll admit it, I almost – almost – skipped Bryce Canyon. I was starting to run a little short on time and was trying to figure out how to get through the National Parks in Utah the best way possible and this was going to cost me a little as I looped back through the state. Thankfully, after realizing that I wasn’t going to be able to see The Wave in the Grand Staircase, I stuck to my original plan and kept Bryce on the docket.
Coming in the way that I did, you go through Red Rock Canyon first – what a great way to “prep” for Bryce – it’s just stunningly beautiful as well (top left pic)…
You just see these “needles” in the Canyon – they’re actually referred to as hoodoos – and they seemingly go on and on – and you hike 20 feet and look again and it’s a completely different look.
And, again, just like at Arches or Mexican Hat Rock, you find yourself trying to figure out how in the world is that thing still standing?
It’s also possible to hike down into the Canyon, as can be seen in the pic above.
Again, how is that still in one piece?
Probably my favorite part of Bryce Canyon was hiking to see Thor’s Hammer. Like the earlier photos, you walk 20 feet and look and it’s completely different – or you continue down the switchback trail and all of a sudden you’re looking up at it and it’s just awe-inspiring.
To the best of my memory, I don’t think I’ve ever taken a rainbow photo. This was a trip of firsts.
Due to time constraints (and the heat), I didn’t do the hike to Delicate Arch. Instead I did a much shorter hike that took me to this vantage point. I would absolutely do the full hike that the people who can be seen in the pics did if I were to go back, however.
Double Arch just takes your breath completely away – and when you see it in person you understand why Spielberg used it in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
And then there’s Balanced Rock… You get up to this thing and then you’re just dumbfounded at how it can possibly remain standing. So.darn.cool.
