Bryce Canyon National Park Apr. 17-18, 2004 [Bryce Canyon Gallery] [Back to Photo Page]

Bryce Canyon is like a different world on earth. Erosion forms an array of fantastic shapes we know as "hoodoos". Compared with the nearby national parks like Zion and Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon has its own splendor and extraordinary sights: Columns, temples, castles, arches, bridges, windows, all are highlighted by the vivid colors typical of southern Utah.

Getting there ...

We had a flight to Las Vegas at about noon. It's about 2.5 hours driving to Zion, and another 1.5 hours to Bryce Canyon. It was a smooth and easy driving that we all considered it's a "short" distance drive with only one stop of rest before entering Zion.

The First Day ...

• Sunset Point
  After checked in Bryce Canyon Lodge, we drove to Sunset Point for sunset. We did not stay outdoors too long since it was cloudy and getting cold, and there was no sight of any sunset color. We headed back to have a warm dinner at the Lodge restaurant. When we walked out the restaurant after dinner, we were surprised that it began to snow pretty hard!

The Second Day ...

• Sunrise
  I drove to Sunrise Point and there was snow covering all over the places. Initially the sun was hidden from the cloud and I was a little disappointed. Suddenly, the sun began to break out and shed the light to the hoodoos under me. There were about 10 people at the view point, but none of us spoke a single word. After a few shot at Sunrise Point, I rushed to Sunset Point (with a wrong turn and delayed for a minute). The light was still good there for another 5 minutes before the sun disappeared in the cloud again.

• Rim Drive
  Following the plateau rim for much of its 18 miles, the park road and its overlooks offer stunning geological panoramas.
  
  • Rainbow Point
    Rainbow point is at the southern tip of the rim drive. It is also the highest point along the road with elevation of 9115 feet. We planned to take the Bristlecone Loop Trail, but the trail was covered by snow and was not passable at all.

  
  

  • Overlooks along the road
    We drove back and stopped at the overlooks along the road. Since it's windy and cold (with temperature lower than 32F), Woanyu and Iris stayed in the car most of the time while only Linus and I were willing to get off sometimes. Along the way, there are Black Birch Canyon, Ponderosa Canyon, Agua Canyon, Natural Bridge, and Farview Point.

  
  

  • Bryce Point and Inspiration Point
    

    When we drove to Bryce Point, the weather was cleared up and temperature rose back to above 40F. After a quick lunch in the Bryce Point parking lot, we walked to the view point and we were all stunned by the view. Bryce Point is one of the most scenic vistas of the full Bryce Amphitheater. When I stood by the rim, my first impression was that I don't have to stop at any other view points any more.

  
  

  
  

• Navajo Trail -- Queens Garden Trail
  When I first got to the Sunrise Point before dawn, the trail was still very icy. Now after a half day of sun shine, it was already free of ice. We descent from Sunset Point via Navajo Loop Trail, and ascent via Queens Garden Trail to Sunrise Point. I think the Navajo Trail is a must-go trail at Bryce Canyon. It descends and zig-zags through the slot canyon of Wall Street, where a 450-year-old Douglas fir reaches upward toward the sunlight at the top of the canyon. Linus and Iris were so happy with the scenery of the trail that they didn't even need too much rest on the way up on Queens Garden Trail.

After reaching Sunrise Point, Linus and I walked back to Sunset Point via the 0.5-mile rim trail, and Woanyu and Iris went to the general store to take a break. I think Linus is already old and strong enough to take any trails I can (or maybe even has more energy than I do...)

Going to Zion ...

After a short break at Bryce Canyon visitor center, we started to drive to Zion to began our 2nd part of the trip.

[Back to Photo Page] [Go to Bryce Canyon Gallery]