Zion to Bryce

Today was a moving day, as we packed up camp and drove from Zion NP to Bryce Canyon NP. We had a leisurely morning in camp (we're both a little sore/achey after hiking the Narrows), then biked to town to grab a couple souvenirs. On the way back, we decided to continue up the Pa'rus trail another half mile to enjoy the amazing views one last time.

Saying goodbye to Zion

Packing up was fairly quick. After 6 days of camping, we are starting to get better organized and find a 'place' for everything. (I'm married to a process consultant - we were well organized to start, but there's always room for continuous improvement!). 

Morning sun hitting the peaks as we get ready to pack up

We pulled out of the campground shortly after 10 and headed out the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway to the East park entrance, which gave us a chance to see a section of the park we hadn't explored. It's a gorgeous, winding road, with a couple narrow tunnels that were built in the 1930's. We stopped several times to snap photos and soak in the Zion sights.

West Rim from the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

East Canyon with Z-MC Highway switchback

It's less than a 2-hour drive to Bryce from Zion... unless you stop to enjoy the scenery! We got to our hotel, near the entrance to Bryce, around 1:15, about a 3 hour trip. As planned, we are 'treating' ourselves to a hotel every 4-to-6 days to clean up and rest up. A night in a king-sized bed is sounding pretty good right now!

We've been filling drive time with a mix of music, podcasts and an audio book. We're currently listening to 'The Monkey Wrench Gang' by Edward Abbey - a hilarious story set in Southern Utah(!) - recommended by my buddy Mike. It really helped pass the time on those early 7+hr drive days.

We stopped at the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon to check in, then hopped back in the van to head to the park visitor center before driving the length of the park to see some of the sights. 

Bryce is opposite from Zion in a couple ways. Zion has a road from south-to-north that runs along the bottom of the canyon, with views up steep canyon walls. Bryce has a road that runs from north-to-south on the rim of a vast canyon with views down to valleys and beautiful rock formations. 

Due to higher elevation (8,000-9,000ft), it's significantly more comfortable here compared to Zion - low-80's vs mid-100's. Going to be cool in the evenings, which sounds delightful to both of us. 

There are several pullouts and viewpoints along the main road that give breath-taking (especially if you don't like heights!) views of the canyon. 

Natural Bridge

Canyons and Ponderosa pines

A passing storm created some great lighting

Inspiration Point

Our plan for tomorrow is to do a longer hike starting at Sunset Point, descending into the canyons. As usual, we're hoping to get an early start to beat the crowds, although initial indication is that Bryce has much lighter traffic than Zion. 

Sunset Point (arrow) where we plan to start our hike tomorrow

We had planned to grab dinner at the resort across the street from our hotel, but after a cocktail and some smoked salmon in our hotel room, takeout pizza sounded pretty good (it was!).

Shower, then early to bed for a 6am-ish alarm.

Song spot: With no strenuous activities and lot's of car time, nothing stuck around for long today

Hiking: <1mi

Biking: ~2mi (slackers! but if felt good to rest after the Narrows)