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.