Day 35, September 19, Bryce Canyon

Settle down with a cup of coffee or tea, since this was an amazing day!

At 8:25 we were off to Bryce Canyon. The temperature is 7C.

When you first see Bryce Canyon your eyes can’t believe that this spectacle of nature is actually possible. Forces of nature have conspired for millions of years to wear away these stunning rock castles. The intricate spires and formations, known as hoodoos, defy your imagination.

Bryce is not a true canyon but a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheatres carved in the edge of the Paunsaugent Plateau by the tributaries of the Paria River.

At 8:50 we stopped at the Visitor Centre, which showed a great 22 minute movie about the park.

There is a shuttle that runs through part of the park, but we decided to drive the 18 miles to the south end and stop at the overlooks on the way back, as is recommended.

At 10:00 we arrived at Yovimpa Point, and then walked to Rainbow Point at 9115 Ft. Incredible views!

The Ponderosa Point shows off its multicoloured hoodoos framed by pine covered foothills.

Agua Canyon has contrasts of light & colour. There  are small trees atop a hoodoo known as The Hunter.

Next came the Natural Bridge, which is not truly a bridge, since it was not formed by a stream. It was carved by rain & frost erosion and is more accurately an Arch. Whatever you call it, it is OUTSTANDING!

Swamp Canyon was yet another panoramic vista,

each one more incredible than the last.

At Sunset point, we saw hoodoos that resembled a city.

Lynda & I went on the 1.3 mile Navajo Loop trail, which took us down to the valley floor to walk among the hoodoos. It was very steep with lots of switchbacks going down and back up! We had a bit of a squeezt theough "Wall Street", which warned of falling rock.

We stopped at sunrise point, which displayed yet another incredible vista (although it was mid-afternoon)

The final stop was at Fairyland Canyon. This scenery rivals any in the park! It was very difficult choosing just a few photos to put on here! Each day gets better & etter with ever-changing geography.

Farview Point offers views of plateaus & mountains, then a short walk to Piracy Point with yet more incredible views!