Hiking Utah's Mighty 5 - Bryce Canyon 2017

On June 1st, 2017 we left the mostly unknown gem Capital Reef NP and headed to Bryce Canyon. It was another scenic drive.  We didn't get out on the trails until mid-afternoon but what we observed upon arriving were multiple observation points.  I am impressed with the amount of observation areas in many national parks here in the US.  It makes these scenic areas accessible to many people to enjoy. From the main observation area the "hoodoos" just seem to jut out from the ground everywhere.  It is a sight to behold. These magnificent geological formations really bring a crowd of tourists even in the rain.

We hiked Navajo Loop Trail (which I had just hiked two weeks prior on my girls trip) and Queens Garden Trail. It was an amazing experience to be among the hoodoos.  But as the rain began to pour we headed to Bryce Canyon Lodge for a warm meal. Afterwards we hiked along the rim from Sunrise to Sunset points, then around to Inspiration Point. It was quite a climb, or maybe since it was evening by then we were just tired. So many photos, so little time.

Bryce Canyon hoodoos. A phenomenal site.

Me and the hubs just keeping it real.

So, I have this interest in trees and how they survive the environment.

I just cannot say enough about Bryce Canyon.  It is such an experience to see such a transformation in the landscape that has been here for many years. On our second day here we decided to undertake an 8 mile hike around Fairyland Canyon.  The elevation change is 1710 feet but gradual. And it was remarkable. So many hoodoos and the Tower Bridge was much nicer from a higher elevation. (I had experienced it earlier on my girls trip but not from the same vantage point.) Some of this trail trail actually narrowed to a very slender path on the rim which had extraordinary scenery.  We hiked past the Chinese wall and the Sunken Ship and more hoodoos than we could count. We were mesmerized by Fairyland Canyon.

Thor's hammer.

A canyon of hoodoos.

The rim trail.

Tower bridge.

Just another group of hoodoos under a beautiful sky. Amazing.

We actually squeezed in another hike suggested by our ranger through Swamp Creek Canyon which was a nice leisurely 4 mile hike.  Heading to Zion National Park tomorrow.