Bryce Canyon National Park
Between the stark palette of colors and the unusual hoodoos that cover the park, Bryce canyon is one of the most unique landscapes in the United States. The colors of these rocks have even inspired a Utah Jazz jersey. Contrasted against thick pine forests, Bryce canyon in an incredible sight to be seen. Elevation at Bryce Canyon is upwards of 8,000 ft. so temperatures are much cooler than surrounding Utah and it is not uncommon to see snow during much of the year.
SCENIC DRIVE
The drive itself is not all that scenic, most of the views within the park are blocked from the road by Ponderosa pine trees. Along the drive you will only get a few glimpses at the park’s majesty through breaks in the trees, but taking this road to the end is (in my opinion) the best way to be introduced to the park. From the park entrance to Rainbow Point at the end, US-63 snakes through the forest for eighteen miles, each mile clearly marked (as long as snow isn’t covering the signs). Not only do the sights seem to get better and better as you make your way back toward the park entrance, but each pull-off is on the eastern side of the road, so you won’t need to cut through oncoming traffic if you start your sight-seeing journey at the end of the road. Rainbow Point offers a great introduction to hoodoos the vast landscapes visible from the canyon rim. The Agua Canyonoverlook gives you your first close-up view of the implausible rock formations and the unbelievably orange sediments hiding just a few feet beneath you. Next stop: Natural Bridge. As the name implies, this is a natural bridge, commonly found throughout the Southwest, but being carved from the unusually rocks in Bryce make this bride quite unique. The orientation of the bridge funnels your eyes through it’s opening and the crisp contrast between the rock and pine trees below really make this arch sing. Next stop, Farview Pointlives up to it’s name. On clear days it’s possible to see over 150 miles to the Black Mesas in Arizona. A short trail leads to Piracy Point nearby, offering similar views. The crown jewel of viewpoints in Bryce is the aptly named Inspiration Point. This spectacular view of Silent City is absolutely captivating, much like seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. A sizeable parking lot usually affords space for everyone. A short, yet fairly steep trail leads to upper Inspiration Point, which takes away all obstructions blocking your view and can thin the crowd from the lower point. From upper Inspiration Point you can hike to Bryce Point along the Rim Trail. If you don’t feel like taking the hike, you can drive to Bryce Point by taking a left after leaving the parking lot for IP. This is also how to get to Paria Point, which some claim is the best place to be for sunset (not Sunset Point, apparently). Paria Point has a small parking lot that can only accommodate cars. In the winter the road to Paria Point is closed and is used as a cross-country skiing trail. The last stops on the scenic tour are Sunrise and Sunset Point. Sunset point gives you a close-up view of Thor’s Hammer, the most famous rock formation in the park. A square block precariously balanced atop a slender hoodoo really does resemble a mallet. The trailhead for the Navajo Loop Trial can be found at Sunset Point.
NAVAJO LOOP TRAIL
If you want to hike amongst the hoodoos, this is the most popular option to do so. The trial leads from Sunset Point, descending past Thor’s Hammer, through narrow canyons, under two natural bridges, and through Wall Street, a narrow stretch of trail with only an incredibly narrow sliver of sky visible overhead. As of Spring 2020 the Navajo Loop Trail is closed due to multiple wall collapses. You can still hike down to Thor’s Hammer, but the trail is closed immediately after.
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