Two National Parks - One Big, One Small

October 6-9, 2017
Panguitch, Utah

Friday morning we drive 25 miles under sunny skies to Bryce Canyon National Park. We pass by Ruby's RV Park, which I'm surprised to see is part of a whole tourist complex. It's where "everyone" stays because it's the closest to the park, but our little spot in town works too.

Like a colorful entryway in a magical castle, Red Canyon on Highway 12 welcomes us with a hint of the beauty to come. So red!! 

The side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

The shallow valley is within the Dixie National Forest.

One of two tunnels that mimic natural arches. Constructed by J. W. Humphry over 90 years ago, $2.5M was allocated last year for repairs and restoration.

The Bryce Canyon Visitors' Center is smaller inside than its exterior advertises - it's also very full from the buses in the parking lot. But the theater is the largest we've seen and looks like they're screening the latest blockbuster. We squeeze into the back row and watch the second half first. We move up a bit when the first half starts again (definitely the best part to see), then take our leave. You can also see it from beginning to end :-)

Heading out on the 18 mile park road it looks like we have arrived at a time for decent sun-to-red-rock. Since the big show is all on the south side of the road, we drive to the west end first, with a detour to the points on their own side road just past the lodge, and make the stops on the way back.

Like every other place we've seen in Utah (and much of the country), Bryce is not only stunning but completely unique in its geological beauty.  More like a "cave without a ceiling" than a canyon - the area is carved from streams and rivers eroding from the top rather than one large river carving its way through the middle. Here, the fins we find so fascinating in other areas have eroded into Hoodoos, the signature formations of Bryce.

Long distance views from Bryce Point

Paria View has some of the most beautiful variety of formations.

Incredible color with a side of natural bridge.

Fascinating to see the hard caps of well-cemented limestone and basalt.

Rainbow Point at 9100 feet literally takes my breath away. 

Amazing to look over areas we've recently visited. Just to the right of frame the tips of the La Sal Mountains over Moab peek through.

In addition to the parking lots for "major" viewpoints, there are several pull-outs with fewer people and views just as beautiful. We stop at each one, some to take a few quick pics, others to spend more time appreciating the unique formations.

My totem the Raven hopped up on the fence post I was using to steady my camera. I would have liked to spend more time with him, but crumbs on the ground were more interesting (for him, not me).

Show off.

A rare coffee-colored layer.

Natural Bridge is actually a natural arch formed by headward erosion.

Some look like paint "chips" with varied shades of the same color.

The Amphitheater from Sunset Point

On the way out we stop at Fairyland Canyon. It is before the fee kiosk, giving people an opportunity to see some of the beauty without the $30 fee. Our stops in Utah more than paid for our annual pass.

Castle turrets.

We've never heard of Cedar Breaks National Monument, but it was established in 1933 to protect the 3-mile wide natural amphitheater and surrounding area. Saturday is another pretty day so we head out to see it.

We pass through a lot of meadows and open range, with coloring Aspens and a large recent burn area.

Leaving town we're told where we aren't, before the sign for where we are :-)))

Apparently it isn't the "big deal" of other parks in Utah, and when we stop at the Visitors' Center to get the map we find out we've already driven through it! There are only small signs for the four viewpoints, and on the way back we know where to look.

Sunset Overlook 

Small hoodoos line up in the petrified sand dunes.

Chessman Ridge

Muted fall color on the distant mountain top.

Deep red competes with neon yellow at North View Overlook.

At over 10,000 feet I'm really feeling the altitude so our visit is a short one. On the way back we take our time and make several stops in the lower elevation.

Ghost Aspens at Hancock Peak.

With no leaves to rustle or drop in the breeze, the burned forest is completely silent. It's strange that the pines are black while most of the aspens are still white.

I love the shock of blue from this tiny creek meandering through the golden grass.

Back under 8,000 feet the Aspens are keeping their clothes on.

Panguitch, Utah, our home town for a few days.

Even when our teams don't win we enjoy our Sundays watching football. The Steelers really stink this week :-(

Our plan was to move to Hurricane to visit high school friends in St George, and visit Zion National Park. First we learn our friends are out of town this week, and then can't find a vacancy in any park in the area. Guess we'll continue on to Kanab - which turns out to be a much shorter drive! 

My phone call keeps getting dropped, but soon I get a text from Crazy Horse Campark telling me they have a spot and to just come on in - sweet! 

Monday morning we're treated to another pretty drive, this time through the bottom corner of the Dixie National Forest. The little town of Kanab tucks against red cliffs.

We get set up although we are unable to get level in our dirt site. FHUs with 30 amp, decent WiFi, and our satellite connects. Several permanent residents in poorly maintained units, and dried weeds between sites give the park a sad look. 

How the park looks won't matter much to us as we have a couple days of long drives planned while we're here.