Bryce Canyon 2

Wednesday, July 30 Day 2 at Bryce Canyon

 Trail down into the canyon on the Navajo and Queen's Garden Loops.

 Narrows.

  Amazing to walk along the Hoodoos on this trail below the rim of the canyon.

 Hoodoos are pinnacles or odd-shaped rocks left standing by the forces of erosion.  They are mainly formed through freezing and thawing of water.  There are about 200 freeze/thaw cycles a year in Bryce which is at high elevation.  8,331 feet at the highest point.

 A beautiful mid 70 degree day.

 Colors vary from white to red depending on mineral deposits and type of rock.

 Hiking the rim trail from Bryce Point to Sunset Point.

 This was are starting point - Bryce Point.

 Amazing views along the entire trail.

We loved our day at Bryce Canyon and did not want to leave.  I got a little teary eyed as we left the park and our incredible day of hiking came to an end.  We were excited to hike below the rim on the Navajo Loop Trail and the Queen's Garden Loop Trail as you get a very different perspective walking in the canyon through the tunnels, narrows, and touch the loose crumbly rock that makes the sculptures that make Bryce Canyon different than any other place.  Bryce is not truly a canyon as a canyon is formed by water flowing.  The rock sculptures are formed by erosion, mainly freezing and thawing.
We were beginning the Hat Shop hike, however dark clouds, a little thunder in the background, and many chard Ponderosa Pines caused us turn back and take the rim trail from Bryce Canyon to Sunset Point.  The evening light was amazing as we finished this hike.

Grand Canyon

Tuesday, July 29 North Rim of the Grand Canyon

 Bright Angel Point lookout.

 The Lodge at the North Rim.  We had lunch in the dinning room (left)

 Our descent into the canyon, just a little.  On the Ken Patrick Trail.

 Destination - overlook

 At the overlook

 Loved the blue sky white puffy cloud day.  Mid 70s

 Cape Royal overlook

Flat land again beyond the South Rim.

The Colorado River.
At Cape Royal overlook.

Four parks in four days.
On Ellis' request we visited the Grand Canyon and were happy that we did.  Today was a contrast being on the rim and looking downward compared to yesterday in Zion where we were in the canyon looking up.  Still rock walls and cliffs, but from a different angle.  Andrew was disappointed that our quick trip to the Grand Canyon did not include a hike to the floor (14.2 miles on the trail down).  What is the point of going with out going all the way to the floor?  We did hike a half hour down to a beautiful overlook and back up on the Ken Patrick/shared with mules trail.  While we didn't encounter the mules there was evidence that they had passed through recently.
We ate lunch at the beautiful lodge, perched at the edge of the rim with huge windows giving spectacular views of the canyon.  Drove the windy 23 miles to reach Cape Royal and loved the view and were able to see the Colorado River from this point.  This is the only place in the North Rim were you can see the river.

Zion National Park 1

Monday, July 28 Zion National Park

 Big Horn Sheep stopped traffic.

 Emerald Pool - Too many people.  The trail was crowded.

 Looking up.

 Much better (less crowded more enjoyable) hike from Upper Emerald Pools (falls) to the Grotto Picnic area.

 The bridge over the Virgin River is our destination.

 Looking up.

 An arch forming.

Zion was very busy with many people also enjoying the park.  Our hikes were crowded with people.  Andrew and Ellis were surprised by the number of small children at the park. It was upper 90s today and more humidity than Arches.

Bryce National Park 1

Sunday, July 27 Driving to Bryce Canyon National Park

 Bryce at Mossy Cave Trail 

 Irrigation canal dug with hand tools in the 1800's, still flows today.

 "Windows" above the irrigation canal.

 Visiting the windows.  Flip flops were not a good choice for this climb, but good for crossing the canal.

 Bryce at Natural Bridge.

Agua Canyon

Just a quick trip in to get an overview of Bryce.  Will return later this week to get closer to the hoodoos.
The colors are amazing.  FYI gas station and grocery store is closed on Sunday evening in Glendale.