A Visit to Bryce Canyon

Another morning, another early start.  At higher elevations, the Aspen leaves are turning. Our destination was Bryce Canyon and from St. George, there are 3 alternatives, each roughly to take the same time, 2:15.  We went the northern route since it spent more time going 75mph on #15.  However, we stopped for gas in Cedar City and a guy told us we should take the middle option from there and gosh, glad we did,

Following St. Rt. 14, to #89, the views are incredible.  In the distance, way out there is Zion Park.  The road is curvy but not too bad and I recommend it highly.

Another great view.  We were at around 7000' elevation and the temps were in the 40's as we headed to the entrance of....

….Bryce Canyon.  This is worth the drive but you can cover it in one day.  Zion is worth a multiple day visit but the variety here does not exist.  Different from Zion, yes.

We drove to Sunset Point and started down the Navajo Loop trail which included....

….these steep switchbacks.  Very steep.  We left the Navajo trail for the.....

….Queen's Garden Trail.  Probably by looking at the above, which does not require much imagination, you can see why it is called that.  This was only a 3 mile hike with a climb out of the canyon but that is ok cause I got a good one for tomorrow.

Almost out of the canyon and as always, lots of people taking images.  You see a lot of very nice camera equipment when hiking around these parks.

There is that cyclist, posing as a hiker.  Glad I did not miss much good weather in Ohio while it was beautiful out here each day.  Just moseyed with my wife since usually I leave her behind so had to score some points cause tomorrow, oh my.  I am eager for tomorrow cause I am so disappointed in my Angel's Landing hike time.

We emerge from the canyon at Sunrise Point and take the rim trail back to the car.  Along the way, some people are walking with umbrellas for sun protection and a guy says, "Someone should tell them it ain't going to rain today." Funny.  With plenty of waiting time on this trip, I have had the opportunity to talk to many people and all are enjoying their time, most from distant countries, with Germany being the best represented.

We drove to Bryce Point and had a good look at "The Windows".

Below the viewing area, I saw 6 hats that had been blown from heads as this area receives some strong winds.  Yep, one visit here is enough so back to Zion.  Planned to visit Capitol Reef but at 3+ hours, don't want to do that drive time.