Bryce Canyon National Park is one of my very favorite places. Yes, I know a lot of my blog posts start this way, but really, this one is tops. If you have been following us for more than a month or so you might be thinking, "Wait. Didn't you already go to Bryce a few weeks ago?" Yes, we did. The first time was because we were only two hours away when they suddenly got seven inches of snow and we have long wanted to see those red rocks dusted in white powder, so we piled in the little fuel-efficient rental car we happened to have that day and drove to Bryce for a day of photos and snowball fights.
This time around we stayed several days and with pleasant daytime temps we were able to hike and eat outdoors and meet our neighbors instead of holing up in the relative warmth of the trailer. We told you about Scooter and Wang a few days ago, and how Wang has inspired Joel to keep his own blog page here. What we haven't shared yet is our "Hike the Hoodoos" afternoon.
Bryce is a lot like the Grand Canyon in that you can see much of it in a few hours just driving to the overlooks along the rim. But if you really want to appreciate it you should hike down. What Bryce Canyon has going for it over the Grand Canyon is that it is nowhere near as deep so a day hike below the rim is accessible for most people.
The canyon, which is not really a canyon in the strict geological sense, is named for Ebenezer and Mary Bryce, settlers who first homesteaded and raised cattle here. When asked about the canyon behind his home, the practical Ebenezer replied, "It's a hell of a place to lose a cow." I love that quote. That's a nice historical tidbit you don't soon forget. Don't ask me when the War of 1812 took place, but I have my random park trivia down.
So anyway, the park offers a program wherein if you hike at least three miles below the rim and collect pencil rubbings of the sign markers OR a photograph of yourself at each post you get a special "I Hiked the Hoodoos" pin. Ever the over-achievers, we hiked a full six miles and collected three markers (you only need two). Part of one of the trails was closed so the shorter route was not really optional and honestly, after our Grand Canyon affair we were feeling fairly buff and stud-like. The park sits at an elevation of roughly 8000 feet, which we forgot, and this is not a thing to be trifled with. We managed just fine (thanks to Gummi Bears and Peanut M n Ms), but it was not an easy walk in the park.
If you go, be sure to allow at least two full days to explore the wonders of Bryce Canyon. Take any trail that gets you at least partway below the rim. Hang out after dark for one of the most amazing night skies you will ever get to see.
And don't lose sight of your cow.
-Jenni
And don't lose sight of your cow.
-Jenni