Travel Green in Bryce Canyon
Description:
Bryce Canyon is one of our national parks that has some truly unique natural features. The hoodoos and spires that surround the amphitheater and rise throughout the canyon are truly remarkable - make sure you've got plenty of room on your camera or bring lots of film, particularly for sunrise and sunset views.
Author: JennyMM
Day 1 - Bryce Canyon National Park
Because it is the hotel actually located inside the park, Bryce Canyon Lodge is the only choice for a peaceful stay and spectacular views. The cabins are somewhat rustic, but clean and well-kept. The lodge is also firmly committed to sustainability, including taking steps toward eliminating all hazardous waste, diversion of 50% of all waste from landfills, and more. The lodge is right along the rim, too, so set out for a shorter hike along the rim of the canyon after you get settled in. Close to the hotel are Sunrise and Sunset Points, which both offer amazing views of the canyon, and a couple of miles along the rim is Inspiration Point, which has one of the best views in the canyon from the highest lookout, including a great view of Bryce Amphitheater. Within the park you'll have few options for dining, but luckily one of the better places in the area is the lodge restaurant, which has great service, unique food, and kid- and vegetarian-friendly options. For an evening adventure, make sure you time your trip accordingly so you can experience one of Bryce Canyon's more unique hikes, the Full Moon Hike, free and put on by the National Park Rangers. Since they're only during the full moon, the hikes are only offered twice a month and are first come, first served, so make sure to get there an hour or so ahead of time. The hoodoos take on quite an eerie feel during the full moon, a sight you'll never forget.
1
Rim Trail (Sunrise to Inspiration)
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84717
2
Sunrise Point
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
3
Sunset Point
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
4
Inspiration Point
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
5
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84717
Phone:
(435) 834-87606
Full Moon Hikes
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
Phone:
(435) 834-53227
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
Location:
view in google mapsBetween Sunrise and Sunset Points
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Phone:
(877) 386-4383Day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park
Get out early in the day to get in a hike along the Navajo Loop before it gets more busy. The trailhead is near the lodge, and the trail winds down into the canyon along switchbacks, taking you down to the base of the hoodoos. Not strenuous, this is a good hike if you're still adjusting to the altitude, or is just a great short morning hike down into the canyon. If you're interested in learning more about the geology of the canyon and its remarkable hoodoo structures, the National Park rangers provide some quick scientific background on the canyon's history. Another must-do when in Bryce is the half-day Canyon Trail Ride, which leaves at 1:00 pm and winds along the Peekaboo trail, along the rim and down into the canyon. The rides are led by local cowboys, who have a lot of knowledge about the canyon and its history. Although you may feel a bit lazy if you're a frequent rider, the horses and mules are so familiar with the winding trail that beginners won't worry about having to steer along the steep canyon edge. You could probably eat every night at the lodge and not get bored, but if you want a change of scenery stop in for dinner at Bryce Canyon Pines, another hotel just outside the park. Cozy and not as frequented by tourists, this is a good place for a yummy home-style meal.
1
Navajo Loop
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
2
Geology Talks
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
Phone:
(435) 834-53223
Peekaboo Loop
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
4
Canyon Trail Rides
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
Phone:
(435) 679-86655
Bryce Canyon Pines
Location:
view in google maps12 Bryce
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
Phone:
(800) 892-7923Day 4 - Bryce Canyon National Park
On your final day, take a longer hike along the Fairyland Loop, one of the longer trails that travels down into the canyon and back up to the rim. Since it's longer, this trail has the advantage of being less crowded than some of the others. You'll see why why it is called Fairyland when walking among the magnificent hoodoos and rock formations in Fairyland canyon and along the trail, such as the China Wall and the Tower Bridge. If you still have some time in the afternoon and want to go on another quicker walk, you can walk on the Queen's Garden trail, a short and steep hike down to the Queen's Castle, an aptly named castle-like collection of hoodoos and other rock towers. Before you leave, you have to try dinner at Hell's Backbone Grill, one of the best restaurants in the area. The versatile and seasonal menu focuses on some serious flavor but has a sense of humor, with Cowgirl Meatloaf and "she-devil" hot sauce as just a few of the delectable choices.
1
Fairyland Loop
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
2
Tower Bridge
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
3
Queen's Garden
Location:
view in google mapsBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
4
Hell's Backbone Grill
Location:
view in google mapsPO Box 1397, 20 N. Highway 12
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84716
Phone:
435-335-7464