I’ll let that picture speak for itself! That was my first view of the “amphitheater” at Bryce Canyon National Park. No filters, no touch ups. It’s just perfection. The beauty of what I was about to experience was bathed in beautiful light. Many were complaining of the clouds but I think that’s what made the colors even more vibrant.
We’d only visited one (Zion) of the five National Parks in Utah before we arrived at Bryce Canyon and I really wasn’t sure what to expect.
After leaving Zion National Park earlier we’d had a long day of travel, namely because we decided to drive ninety minutes one way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on the spur of the moment. I mean, I knew it was close but we’d said we were just going to stick to Utah. So much for that! It was totally worth it though. After checking in to the Sunset Lodge at Bryce Canyon Lodge and settling in a bit, my husband and I couldn’t wait to go over to the rim of the canyon. Boy did we luck out with timing. It was so beautiful.
I’ll post more specifically about Bryce Canyon Lodge later but it’s an ideal location. I think that’s why I loved this Park so much. It was so easy to get around, be on a trail in minutes and really enjoy nature.
There are so many trails with easy access at Bryce Canyon. Plus the shuttle buses are much less crowded than Zion. You can easily get from the Visitors Center, or even Bryce City, to Bryce Canyon without any trouble. Staying at the Lodge afforded us the ability to be on a trail early in the morning and later in the evening if we wanted and we could rest through the day.
Since I’ve been planning this trip for two years, I’d had plenty of time to research trails and my number one must-do was Queen’s Garden and The Navajo Loop. If I’d done only those I truly would have been happy. Below is a photo from the National Park Website of the trail. You an click the photo caption for a more in depth description of the trail.
We started the trail early one morning with a walk along the rim to Sunrise Point as our lodge was at Sunset Point. It was the most beautiful hike full of hoodoos and so many colors.
I especially loved the iconic “Wall Street”, not the switchbacks up necessarily, but the glow.
We were able to take multiple hikes in Bryce. All beautiful and different.
I loved Bryce because you could literally walk everywhere around the rim to see different view of the hoodoos. We did hike from Sunset Point to Bryce Point one afternoon and it was beautiful. Walking through pines, rocks and seeing all the colors in the hoodoos below.
Bryce would be an excellent family destination. Definitely not has hot as the other parks in the summer, or not normally anyway. Lots of area to roam. There’s a beautiful scenic drive with several overlooks too. Dining options were a bit limited during our trip (thanks COVID) but definitely options that would satisfy the family. Plus, the General Store has ice cream! Always a favorite.
If you’d like to visit Bryce Canyon National Park on your next adventure give me a call! I’d love to help you plan your trip.
Betsy@MagicalAdventuresTravel.com
304-993-0292
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Betsy Walker Travels 
Wow, simply gorgeous pictures. Well done.
What was the highlight of your trip memory-wise? Is there a particular moment, whether it’s a funny conversation or something you saw, that you remember specifically?
Can’t wait to visit this place for myself.
Kyle, The Travel Runner
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Hi Kyle! That’s a great question. I think my first sight of the Canyon was the “ah!” moment. My favorite memory would be our hike from Sunset Point to Bryce Point. There weren’t many people and as a family we stopped and talked, had a nice picnic lunch and just enjoyed each other. I hope you get to visit soon!
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