Last month I took a massive southwest camping trip, which towards the end included Bryce Canyon National Park. Several years ago I worked in Zion for 6 months and visited Bryce on two separate occasions. It's so much nicer to take a chunk of time and camp within the park, where you can really get to see the beauty up close and personal.
Clouds forming over Bryce Canyon.....phenomenal!
Right near my campground I took a hike on the Navajo Loop Trail which is near Sunset Point. The tall hoodoo in the center is called Thors Hammer and is probably the best known hoodoo in the park. Hoodoos are strange formations composed of sandstone and siltstone which have been eroded over time by the elements.
On the Navaho Loop trail I also saw many downed trees, sculpted so beautifully by wind and rain.
At Inspiration Point I followed the trail all the way up to the top. It felt like I was on top of the world looking down at beautiful orange, red, and yellow ocher colored castles.
That would be me posing for a selfie at Inspiration Point.
This spot in particular struck me as the most beautiful place in the Park. However each and every spot was beautiful in its own way!
At one point I stopped at a place that had recently been ravaged by fire. Dead trees covered the landscape. In the midst of it all this prickly thistle was blooming. "Life will find a way." Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblums) in Jurrasic World.
At Bryce Pt. I loved to watch the ravens flying over the canyon. It is such a magnificent sight, similar to the condors at the Grand Canyon.
Ravens have always intrigued me, not crows, but ravens like the one above in the picture. Ravens are bigger than crows, and are more the size of a red-tailed hawk. They have larger beaks and often travel in pairs, while crows can be found in larger groups. Both crows and ravens are smart, but ravens are considered one of the most intelligent animals on earth!
This stunning formation is called Natural Bridge, and it is here at this spot where I made the acquaintance of the black raven above.
At the end of the Park road I came upon Rainbow Point. The contrast between the two formations and the dark green pines is an artists dream.
I scouted around Rainbow Point and found the Bristlecone Loop Trail. Just as I started down the trail, it started to sprinkle but it wasn't a problem and was quite refreshing considering how hot it was! Bristlecone Pine trees are one of the oldest living organisms on earth. They are also extremely resilient to harsh weather and bad soils which helps prolong their lives!
The last place I hiked in Bryce was at Fairyland Canyon, with an elevation of 7758 ft.
The heat and the elevation were beginning to get to me, so I decided I had enough of Bryce and packed up my gear and headed down to Zion National Park. Life is good when I am on the road, even when it is challenging, it is good. Blessings to one and all! Susan Little