Bryce Canyon National Park: An Unexpected Beauty

Bryce Amphitheater

We didn't really know what to expect coming into Bryce Canyon. I hadn't known anyone to have spoken of it in high regard, or anyone really speaking of it at all. But it is a park within the Colorado Uplift so you could assume it's worth a look over at least.

Arriving late and pretty wrecked from our hike out of the Grand Canyon, we were hoping against reason that we might be able to score a campsite within the park. As it had just hit summer holidays in the U.S. we didn't like our chances but we managed to get the last campsite available. And as luck would have it, a friendly fella down the road had satellite radio and was listening to Game 4 of the NBA finals. I couldn't have asked for better luck… well it would have been nice to hear the Cavs take Game 4 but still at least I was back up to date with the important matters of the world.

Bryce Canyon is a place that you really only need half a day for, but we had time on our hands so we made the most of this breathtaking park. I imagine the sunrise within the park, over Bryce Amphitheater would be incredible but we aren't what you would call 'morning people', especially after the hectic few days we had just had.

Queens Garden

Still we got up early'ish and enjoyed the morning out in the Amphitheater. And it is incredible. Much like the Needles section of Canyonlands, the amphitheater is filled with these remarkable rock formations called hoodoos. The difference here is the orange colour that dominates the scenery. Whereas most of the landscapes within the Colorado Uplift are dominated by reds and browns, and more darker shades, Bryce Canyon has this remarkable orange and white that I have never seen before.

Navajo Loop Trail

We walked down into the Amphitheater and wound our way into Queens Garden and Wall Street via the Navajo Loop Trail, taking our time to marvel at the different hoodoos, shaped and weathered into statuesque features over millions of years.

Silent City

The hike is pretty pleasant but the walk out, up Wall Street, is pretty steep and there were a few muppets struggling along the way. We spent the rest of the morning driving along the scenic route to the ends of the park, but if you're pushed for time you only need to hike around the amphitheater to get the most out of it.

View back down to Wall Street

Although you only need half a day or a day at most, I would recommend spending the night in Bryce Canyon, that way you can have somewhat of a relaxing day before you hit the rigours of Zion. And given you need to be in Zion early to secure a camp site, Bryce is the logical spot given it's an hour or so away. Oh and did I mention it's stunning.

Wall of Windows, the Cathedral and Bryce Point