Click here for a chronological listing of galleries
an excerpt from my book on the May 2009 trip:
Bryce Canyon
My favorite quote from Ebenezer Bryce regarding the magical splendor of Bryce Canyon is "It's a helluva place to lose a cow." In fact, that's pretty much the only thing I've read he's said. Mr. Bryce was among the early Mormon settlers in the area, and was more concerned about getting water to his crops and keeping his cows away from the hoodoos and on the family table than he was of even noticing the amazing scenery.
Although Bryce Canyon NP has many wonderfully invigorating trails, it is possible to take in much of the splendor along its 18-mile road of staggering overlooks. We arrived with cameras in hand and on tripods in time for evening light, and enjoyed a quick reunion with the magnificent grandeur. The photos that follow, however, are all from the following day.
We arose early to a bone-chilling wind. Ruby's Inn is the closest lodge to Bryce Canyon and we didn't have to check out until after our first photo excursion. Good thing, because that gave us a little extra time for sleep. Neither Barb or I are morning people, and the enthusiasm of a sunrise photo op is practically the only thing that will get us going early. Perhaps the only reason we made it this particular morning was because of the 2-hour time difference. We started the morning layered in warm clothes, but even before a dip down Navajo Loop Trail we were down to being cool in t-shirts and shorts.
After a fun-filled morning session, albeit with crusty eyelids, we returned to Ruby's for brunch. Then we headed down Scenic Highway 12 toward Tropic to stop at another favorite spot called Mossy Cave, which is still a part of Bryce Canyon. We only visited the actual cave once. My favorite part of the place is the hoodoo castles of weathered sandstone, and a stream that seems to come out of nowhere. Well, in fact, the stream was nowhere in May. In September and November of 2008 we took many photos of the falls and excitement around the stream, but on this trip the stream was quite dry. Still, I was content with capturing the light presented on the castles (see pages 12 and 13).
A smile and a wink and we were on our way to Zion. Just about every road in Utah is named Scenic something or other. The hour-long drive to Zion is no exception to the amazing beauty of the state. We couldn't wait to get that Zion feeling once again.
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Galleries in chronological order of experience (most recent first):
 Bryce Canyon NP November 19, 2017 |
 Bryce Evening November 18, 2017 |
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 Bryce Afternoon November 18, 2017 |
 Bryce Canyon, UT October 29, 2016 (painted) |
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 Bryce Canyon NP, UT September 22, 2008 |
Interesting Links:
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Bryce Canyon National Park, the official website
Please contact me with any suggestions, additions or omissions.
See also: Arches NP,Bryce Canyon NP,Canyonlands NP,Dixie NF,Gerttysburg NMP,Grand Teton NP,Joshua Tree NP,Steamtown NHS,Yellowstone NP, Yosemite NP, Zion NP, and other Utah galleries
