family on the trail
Bryce Canyon
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Part 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park
and when a toddler decides she needs to sit.....
Bryce Canyon
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Bryce was the quietest of all the parks we have ever visited - and one of the most stunning! There was a silence that I felt in my deepest core; the silence of awe inspiring beauty and the silence of contentedness. The silence of watching what time - wind, erosion, and natural elements can do to the geology of an area. The expanses of hoodoos and other weather worn geologic formations was, in no uncertain terms, CRAZY! And seeing it blanketed with snow only emphasized the curves, nooks, and depth of its formation. It was haunting, it was beautiful, it was calming, and it was invigorating….
hoodoos forever!
Bryce Canyon
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giving up on a toddler hiking
Bryce Canyon
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We walked the Rim Trail from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point. Not so far but at a 2 year old pace …. Rosie was interested in every rock she found, every snow patch, and every bench - especially the ones that sat precariously close to the edge! We watched the light change on the formations as the day progressed allowing us to see new vistas and hidden canyons. We watched hikers in the canyon far below and traced their paths. The canyons were mesmerizing.
requisite selfie
Bryce Canyon
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We attempted to walk Tower Bridge Trail which descended into the canyon for a bit, but unfortunately we had to turn around after a mile or so because it got much too muddy and slippery. We were all okay with that. We tried.
Tower Bridge Trail
Bryce Canyon
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Bryce Canyon
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We headed back to the Home Away rental we had for two nights - for lunch and for some down time. At this point we knew that Rosemarie was not going to nap but “rest time” was an important component we needed to preserve. The 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit was upstairs from the owners’ home. It had a rustic, wide open living/kitchen space which Rosie felt comfortable running around and exploring. The central, large wooden table and benches were a perfect space to share stories and meals.
more and more hoodoos
Bryce Canyon
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After our mid day respite we headed to Mossy Cave Trail, a Bryce Canyon trail located just outside the official park area. By the time we got there Rosie had fallen asleep in her carseat and Tim decided he would stay with her in the car and nap as well! Ty, Amy and myself continued on and hiked in the mile or so stream side path up to an ice filled cave and a separate path to a half frozen waterfall. It was out first opportunity to view the hoodoos and canyons from below and it was spectacular!
Mossy Cave Trail
Bryce Canyon
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Looking up from Mossy Cave Trail
Bryce Canyon
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Ty and Amy on Mossy Cave Trail
Bryce Canyon
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That night we made veggie and tofu yellow curry for dinner and everyone, once agin, settled in for an early bedtime. In the morning we packed up and said our goodbyes to the cows and pigs across the road and headed south on Rt 89 south into Arizona. On the way we stopped at the Orderville Mine Rock Shop for souvenirs and althou Rosie filled a small pouch of polished stones she was actually more enthralled by the tiny stones along the walkways.
Vermillion Cliffs
Arizona
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It was a beautiful drive south thru Kanab, UT and into Arizona along Rt 89A. We skirted the Vermillion Cliffs, spectacularly crimson, and stopped for a picnic lunch at Marble Canyon overlooking the Colorado River. This was the site of Lee’s Ferry, created in the late 1800’s as a ferry service for Mormon settlers crossing the river and heading to Arizona. Now there is the Navajo Bridge - which affords great views of the river below.
Navajo Bridge
Arizona
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Looking down on the Colorado River
Navajo Bridge, Arizona
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We were headed to the Grand Canyon - entering the park through its east entrance along state highway 64.
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