Bryce Canyon National Park

I have to admit I’m a bit biased when it comes to Bryce Canyon National Park as it was one of my favorite places. So excuse me if you see a thousand different pictures of the same magnificent pink hoodoos at different angles, breathtaking other worldly landscapes underneath a starry sky or seemingly endless horizons masked by a kaleidoscope of colors. Before we even get there I’ll take you through the scenic route to enjoy some more extraordinary views. I’m sure you will fall in love with Bryce Canyon just like we did and put it at the top of your “must see” list.

Take the Scenic Route… Always

By taking this route, you will pass through part of Dixie National Forest, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument and see some panoramic views that are sure to amaze. Time to dust off the old atlas…

Starry Night

Our first introduction to Bryce Canyon NP was us staring straight into Bryce Amphitheater as the sun set not able to believe our eyes at just how stunning this place was. Soon the park was strangely quiet as the remaining crowd slowly subsided and before long it was just me, Manu, the moon and the stars. This was the perfect way to meet Bryce Canyon…

Queens Garden / Navajo Hike

The next day we were reenergized and ready for the Queens Garden / Navajo hike. This moderately strenuous combination hike takes you deep into the canyon floor and back out. Although this is one of the most popular hikes in Bryce, you will find some quiet space along the 2.9-mile loop where you could just admire the beauty in silence. Manu and I were lucky to experience something more than silence- hail! During our hike we were caught in an impressive storm where we went from a perfect sunny day to being pelted by these tiny stones as we ran for cover. It was all terribly exciting!

Don’t Overlook These. Pun completely intended…

Whether visiting Bryce Canyon in a car or using their free shuttle here’s a list of overlooks you cannot miss when passing through.

• Sunrise Point
• Sunset Point
• Inspiration Point
• Bryce Point
• Paria View
• Piracy Point
• Fairview Point
• Agua Canyon
• Rainbow Point
• Yovimpa Point

Bristlecone Loop Hike

For an easy hike (and one Manu and I really loved) to start or end your day at Bryce marvel at the stunning panoramas along Bristlecone Loop. This 1.0-mile hike through a spruce-fir forest will connect you from Rainbow Point to Yovimpa Point where you will enjoy sprawling views as far as the eye could see.

Tips

• Entrance Fee $30 USD.
• Save money with the annual pass! Click here for more info.
• To help ease congestion on busy days the Bryce Canyon shuttle is provided from mid-April to mid-November. Ask about tours to Rainbow Point at the Visitor Center when you arrive.
• Be sure to stop at the beautiful lodge for a delicious and rewarding meal. Although pricey, the plates are large and Manu and I happily shared a plate and dessert.
• Lodging around Bryce can be very expensive! We found some great deals on local KOA sites nearby. Check them out here.