One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

We set out at 7:30 a.m. to drive the 1 1/2 hours from Kanab to Bryce.  We were concerned about the weather as when we left, it was still in the single digits.....however, we underestimated the power of clear skies, no wind, and strong sun.

We decided to hike the longest hike I had planned for the day, which ended up being an excellent idea because it was our favorite hike and, after all the hiking we did yesterday, we didn't have a lot left after this hike.  We hiked the Navajo Loop Trail down and picked up the Queen's Garden Trail to hike back up.  It took us about 2 1/2 hours and we enjoyed all of the sights on this hike.....plus the snow made it magical.

We ate lunch in the Sunset parking lot, then drove the entire park to get to the end point - Rainbow Point.  This was the highest elevation we have experienced on this trip and we felt it....but the views were magnificent.

We then decided on an "easy" hike - the 1 mile Bristlecone Loop Trail.  However, the trail was covered by several feet of snow - which added to the adventure but made it into a harder hike.

After that hike, we started to drive back to the entrance of the park and stopped at some viewpoints.....Natural Bridge....

Bryce Point

and Inspiration Point.

We decided to leave the park and drive back to our Air BnB....but made one side trip.....

to the Belly of the Dragon Trail Head near Mt. Carmel......we only did the tunnel but it was a fun diversion.

We leave this Air BnB tomorrow to head to Moab, but we have a few stops along the way that should be fun.

Lessons learned today:

1. Bryce Canyon is colder and higher in altitude than Zion....we are glad we did Zion first.

2.  Do the big hikes first before you wear everyone out.

3.  Sunglasses are a must for Pittsburgh people who don't see this intensity of sun most of the year.

4.  "Short-term discomfort often has the biggest pay-offs."  -Darrell - who will be getting a knee replacement in April and is keeping up quite well.  Another nod to a tough person....Ann-Marie who is still dealing with her knee issues during this trip.

5.  Alec prefers his trail running shoes to hiking boots and is surprisingly nimble in the snow with them.

6.  When you bring a biologist with you (Evan) you learn all sorts of cool things about any animal that you encounter.....although our closest encounters have been with some very brave Ravens.