We started the day by driving to the south end of Bryce Canyon to Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point. The views were great and a real warm up for the rest of the day.
Bill at Yovimpa Point
Linda at Yovimpa Point
View from Rainbow Point
View from Rainbow Point
View from Rainbow Point
We then drove to the Ponderosa Point, and the Agua Canyon overlooks. More beautiful views.
View from Ponderosa Canyon Overlook
View from Ponderosa Canyon Overlook
Us at Agua Canyon Overlook
View from Agua Canyon Overlook
We then went to the Natural Bridge Overlook to see the famous Natural Bridge.
Hoodoo at Natural Bridge Overlook
Natural Bridge
Next overlook was Fairview Point. Had the first view of lots of Hoodoos.
Hoodoos at Fairview Overlook
At the Swamp Canyon Overlook, we decided to hike a little way down the Swamp Canyon Connecting Trail. The views were well worth the effort and the trail also went thru a pine forest that was quiet and beautiful.
View from the trail
Linda on the trail
Woods on the trail plus a hoodoo
View from the trail
We then drove to the Mossy Cave Trailhead on Utah 12 and took the short but steep Mossy Cave trail. While on the trail we saw the Water Canyon waterfall and the fast running stream. The Mossy Cave is not really a cave but a seep where the water comes thru the rock.
Waterfall on the water canyon
Linda at Mossy Cave
Linda on the trail
View from the trail
We then took a lunch break in the small town of Tropic. After lunch, we returned to the hotel and boarded the Bryce Canyon Shuttle bus. We decided to take the shuttle to the more popular overlooks because of lack of parking and we had decided we wanted to hike a portion of the Rim Trail. We ended up hiking the Rim Trail from Inspiration point to The Bryce Canyon Lodge near Sunset Point. It was mostly down hill and gave us spectacular views of Bryce. We started at Bryce Point which gives wonderful views. We also kike a short way down the Peekaboo Trail.
View from Bryce Point
View from the Peekaboo Trail
View from the Peekaboo Trail
Next up was Inspiration Point. More wonderful views.
View from Inspiration Point
View from the Rim Trail
Linda on the Rim Trail
View from Sunset Point
If you get a chance to visit Bryce Canyon, take time to hike on a trail. You will be rewarded with brilliant views that people who stick to the overlooks will never see.
Tomorrow we are off to Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument and driving to just outside Capitol Reef National Park.