We recently took our second trip to Bryce Canyon for another look at this amazing landscape full of Hoodoos. Those are the pillar shaped rocks jutting up out of the ground, in case you were wondering. We had first visited in 2017 because our best friends who own Boston Brick and Stone, a masonry company out of Pasadena, California, were there doing what they do best; historic chimney restoration on the cabins at Bryce Canyon Lodge. What a perfect setting to spend a bit of free time with friends!
Bryce Canyon Hiking:
While in Bryce for three days we had the opportunity to hike a couple of trails through the canyon. We did Peek a Boo Loop and Queens Garden Trail. Although a bit steep, they were fairly easy to maneuver and completely wore us out by the end. The trails have varying lengths and additional trails to take off on. Be sure to bring a park map along so you can pick where and how much you want to do. While the distances aren’t very long, the hiking time will vary depending on your mobility. And how much you time you spend taking photos (like me). If you’re there in the summer the heat can take it’s toll on you as well. Check out my other tips below in the “What to pack” section.
Trail Rides: 
Something else you can do here is take a trail ride. We didn’t do it ourselves but were passed going into the canyon by several who did. I think this is a great option for people who can’t or don’t want to hike. This might also be a more fun way to get around for families with kids who would otherwise be bored by just “walking” in the hot sun. Personally, I prefer the slow route so I can stop and take in the scenery. Not to mention, I find it hard to take photos while being jostled around on the back of a horse!
Cycling:
On the day between hikes we took a leisurely one way bike ride on the approximately 10 miles of paved bike path from Bryce Canyon Lodge to the visitors center at Red Canyon. Here, we had another friend pick us up in our van and bring us back to the resort. Just a little cheating to save time for other activities! The path runs through some forested areas and along the highway leading in and out of the park as well as through areas of brush. If you don’t have a bike with you there are several places in Bryce where you can rent them. It’s just another great way to see the sights that can’t be seen from the road driving by in your car.
Red Canyon:
Speaking of Red Canyon, we took the opportunity to hike there on our return trip this year and were more than impressed by it’s beauty. The trails are shorter than Bryce Canyon and much easier to maneuver, meaning less steep, and the scenery is very serene, relaxing, and picture perfect. You won’t believe this landscape. It looks and feels like you’re walking through a painting. The variation in color between the red and tan rocks and the green of the trees against the blue sky is amazing! A definite must-see.
ATV tours:
Another fun thing we did differently this year was to rent a four seat ATV from Bryce ATV Rentals and explored the dusty trails of Coyote Hollow Loop and part of Badger Creek Loop in Dixie National Forest. The trip took us four hours with photo stops and a stop for lunch. Along the way you can stop to see some ancient Bristlecone Pines and Tropic Reservoir. As far as other sights go it’s possible to see antelope, deer, elk, and other wildlife. And if you’re not familiar with ATV’s then you’ll want to be prepared to get dirty. We left with a small cooler full of water and snacks and returned with dust in every nook & cranny you could think of. So much so that when we returned to the rental place we were greeted with a leaf blower!
Night photography:
At night it gets so dark in the park that when the skies are clear you can’t make out the constellations because so many stars are visible. It’s perfect for getting shots of the Milky Way! Everywhere I go I look for opportunities to do night, and or long exposure, photos because it brings an entirely different point of view to a scene. On this night I managed to get a pretty good shot with some distant ambient light from nearby towns. I could have stayed out for hours but it was getting chilly and we had a long drive back to Denver the next morning. ~sad face~
What to pack:
If you’re planning on hiking, comfy lightweight clothes and hiking boots or other sturdy shoes are best. I’ve seen people trodding down in flip-flops and wondered how far they might make it. Hiking poles may be helpful when climbing the hills as well. The terrain is up and down and can be pretty steep, especially when going into and coming out of the canyon. As always, be sure to take plenty of water and wear sunscreen. You may even want to stash some snacks in your backpack if you plan to be out for a while. And don’t forget your camera! There are a lot of beautiful shots to be had out there.
Where to stay and eat in Bryce Canyon:
Bryce Canyon Lodge offers a number of choices if you want to be right there within walking distance of the rim of the canyon.There are several hotels and motels outside the park that are closer to restaurants and shops, and if you prefer there are also several campgrounds nearby.
Enjoy!
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