Hoodoo ya love? Bryce ( Not a Canyon) Canyon!

We scheduled a stop at Bryce Canyon, mainly as a stop-over on our way to the Rocky Mountains National Park. Woah- did we ever under-estimate what was in store for us. Bryce Canyon is possible the most stunningly beautiful of all the National Parks! The canyon is actually NOT a canyon because it was not formed by a river and does not have 2 sides but is the rapidly eroding edge of a high plateau and has the largest collection of hoodoos (rock spires) in the world!

The drive on Highway 12 took us through the Red Canyon and Dixie National Forest. There was a recent snow and we loved the alpine look of the evergreens and snow which eventually led us into red sandstone spires and formations that were stunning.

Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden

We did a combined Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail - the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon National Park. The combined trails are ~ 3 miles round trip and the most jaw dropping dramatic beautiful trail either of us have ever been on!

We got a very early start and started from Sunset Point at dawn and descended into the canyon via the Two Bridges side of the Navajo Trail. This trail can be started and ended at two different points - Sunrise Point or Sunrise Point - but by starting at daybreak we eliminated traffic coming the other way from hikers starting at Sunrise Point! We picked up the Queen's Garden trail and ascended from the Canyon to Sunrise Point. We continued our hike with a .5 mile hike on a paved trail from Sunrise to Sunset Point- which has incredible views and is great for anyone not wishing to hike down the canyon. The sandstone hoodoos, windows and arches were stunning. The pines and greenery on the canyon floor were a surprising contrast to the stark sandstone seen on the canyon descent.

Thor's Hammer

Early on the hike we were able to see the iconic " Thor's Hammer" hoodoo.

Queen Victoria

Along the Queen's Garden Trail we saw the "look-alike" Queen Victoria hoodoo.

We were surprised at the amount of greenery along the canyon floor - it was very peaceful and we found ourselves alone on the trail most of our hike.

The ascent back up was steep and the only strenuous part of the hike. Thankfully there were often new sights to stop and look at while catching our breath!

Inspiration Point

We hiked to the Mid and Upper Inspiration View Points. They provide different spectacular perspectives of the main amphitheater.

Mossy Cave Trail

This 1 mile trail follows a stream that leads to a natural grotto and a shelter cave that collects moss and lichens in the summer and icicles in the winter. The trail itself was stunning - we did not think the cave was too impressive - but think that is because of the time of year we visited.