The Magical Land of Bryce Canyon

Posted 2 years ago by Mike

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of those magical places I’ve only seen in photos and YouTube videos. Based on the time of year we were hitting up Southern Utah, I had already written it off because the elevation is too high and it would still be buried in snow. On our way from Zion to Moab, Emi suggested we stop at Bryce anyways. Even if too much snow and ice to hike, we could at least check out the scenic overlooks. But luck was on our side and most of the snow at 8000 ft and lower had already melted. We would not just be able to see Bryce Canyon, but we would be able to access most of the trails.

 

We pulled into our RV Park in Bryce Canyon City around 1 pm. We rolled into town along Scenic Biway 12. As we passed Red Canyon, I noticed a bike path that followed the highway and immediately wanted to ride out 🙂 And that is exactly what we did. The path went all the way from Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest to Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park. The most scenic bike path I have ever been on. A bit challenging with the altitude and some climbing but so many views along the way made it worth the effort.

 

Dining options in Bryce Canyon City are really limited, especially considering most of the places are still closed for winter. We tried Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant. A down-home, country style restaurant with alot of made-from-scratch menu options. The food was great but the homemade boysenberry pie was a delight.

 

The RV Park is part of Ruby’s Inn so we had access to the pool and hot tub at the lodge. Very nice after a long day of cycling or hiking 🙂

 

On our first full day in the park, we hiked The Bryce Figure Eight. It includes Queen’s Garden, Navajo, and Peek-a-Boo Trails. Pretty much covers the entire region of the park known as the Bryce Amphitheater — the most visited area, but also the most scenic. Queen’s Garden and Navajo were a bit crowded, but once we got further out and onto Peek-a-Boo, it was much more serene. Peek-a-Boo was magical — around every bend was a new set of hoodoos to gaze upon. This hike truly felt like we had been transported to a magical world in some fantasy movie. And with temperatures of 60-65 all day long, perfect hiking conditions. Loved every minute of this day.

 

Our final full day in the park, we wanted to check out another area known as Bryce Backcountry. We did the modest Swamp Canyon loop hike since we were a bit fatigued from yesterday’s adventure. This day, the morning weather was decent but by afternoon a mix of rain and snow started coming down. The trail was muddy in parts and some stretches of snow and ice. The YaxTrax came in handy. We finished the hike just as the slushy rain started to come down and the winds started to pick up. Timed that one just right 🙂 After 4 consecutive days of half to full day hike or bike rides, my body was feeling a bit fatigued. Looking forward to a couple of rest days before getting back on the trails 🙂

 

Back on the road tomorrow. Next stop, Moab, Utah — gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.