When planning this trip we knew we wanted to hit another National Park on our way to southern California. But we didn't want to go too far out of the way, and we also knew the average temperature at Zion is close to 100 degrees in August. So we chose Bryce Canyon because its average temp is about 86 degrees, and neither of us had ever been. We truly knew almost nothing about it, and didn't have much time to even really look into it.
As we drove in I found myself so taken by the amazing structures (hoodoos), and the red color everywhere. We stayed at Ruby's Inn RV campground, which was HUGE and quite nice. There was a pool but no one really cared. That first night we had pulled pork and rice, and it tasted heavenly. When we put the kids down we left Emma with Spencer's phone and walked up to the lodge to look around. We quickly realized that there were very few Americans there and instead we were surrounded by Europeans. It was a nice little walk and on the way back the stars appeared to litter the sky.
In the morning we decided that instead of using the shuttle bus system we would instead drive the motorhome in and hope and pray for parking at each stop. That way Sadie could have her nap on the bed while we were on the go, and we wouldn't have to do any back and forth from the campground to the park. It ended up being a great decision, and only once or twice did we have to search for parking.
We first drove to where we wanted to hike - it was early and we didn't want to hike in the heat. We did the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden hike, and it was amazing! We had no idea it would be as far or as difficult, but I can say I am SO glad I sent Spencer back to the motorhome to get the BOB stroller. Sadie was not putting up with riding in the stroller or being put down so into the Ergo she went, for the entire hike.
We started by working clockwise (it was a big look), another smart decision. We hiked down among the red structures (hoodoos) and I just couldn't get over how nature is so unique and beautiful. This was different than anything I had seen. On our way down to the garden, a few people made comments about how we were crazy. Yeah...we have heard that before. On we went.
The Queen's Garden was the prettiest spot for sure. A nice couple from NY (the only people we met from this country - aside from the rangers) took our picture.
We pressed on...we were on a schedule and needed to be done by 11 for the ranger program up at the TOP where we had begun our hike. The more we kept walking down the more concerned I became about the UP part.
As we started up a nice man and his daughter from France hiked with me for a few minutes. We talked about where they had been (Grand Canyon, Zion) and where we had been (Yellowstone, Grand Teton). I told them I had seen a bear and they were insanely jealous. When they realized I was quite slow they politely left me in the dust.
Then we saw the switchbacks. Oh my word. I had no idea. They were very steep. But I saw why they recommended that you come UP this way and not down - we were in this canyon and were entirely shaded the entire way up. I got a couple pictures but never stopped walking for fear I wouldn't be able to start again. Some more European men laughed at us and a few others kept saying we were "almost there."
It was cool to see everything...but really nothing compared to that first place where we hiked. We saw Natural Bridge and Rainbow Point, and a couple other "points."
Sadie slept while we drove around. We ended at the Visitor's Center once again getting the kids sworn in as Junior Rangers once again. The same ranger who did their program swore them in.
We had a nice, EARLY dinner (finally!), walked into town to get ice cream and look around, bathed all the kids and they were in bed early (well, normal time). Which was good because we had plans to leave the next morning super early.
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