Impromptu trips to Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks

Twelve hours after we returned from our Greys River trip, I had to go to southern Utah for work. I was grumbly at 5am the next morning as I got in my truck to leave. I couldn't figure out what I was thinking scheduling something like this so soon after I returned from my relaxing weekend. But sometimes we think more about being good soldiers than we do about consequences. Nonetheless, I was committed and so departed early.

One advantage of starting work really early, is that you get done early in the day. And was I ever glad that I was done with work early. I knew I was going to be near some epic southern Utah country for the first time, but I didn't realize that I would be driving right through it. I would be traveling on Highway 12, one of the most scenic roads in Utah, on the way to my next destination. Once I hit Red Canyon, I knew I had to slow it down and take the time to sightsee. There was going to have to be some impromptu side trips.

Red Canyon



I knew I would be driving by Bryce Canyon National Park. I debated whether I should stop or not. I decided that I should not miss the opportunity to see Bryce Canyon. You never know when the next chance there will be, if ever, to see a place. So I turned off of Highway 12 to visit the park.

Bryce Canyon NP entrance



I also decided when I was there to get my Interagency Annual Pass, also know as America the Beautiful--The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The pass covers entrance fees at National Parks and other Federal recreational sites (National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests, BLM, etc.) It is worth the $80--visit just 4 National Parks in a year and it will pay for itself.

After I arrived in the park, I decided to park and take advantage of the shuttle bus to see the most popular sites. Since this was a quick, impromptu trip, I did not have a lot of time. The signs at the entrance kiosk also indicated that many of the parking lots were already full, and I did not want to spend what little time I had trying to find parking.

I hopped on a shuttle bus at the Visitor Center, and headed to Bryce Point, the first stop. Even before you get off the bus, the views are jaw dropping. The further you walk out to the point, the more impressive the views become. Unlike the Grand Canyon, with its sweeping vistas, Bryce Canyon is immediate. The odd shapes and brilliant colors bombard you with their proximity.









It was crowded there, but everyone was really nice and happy to be there, including me.





The altitude can be deceiving. I was surprised it was as high as it was. Good thing I was prepared with water and sunscreen.



Bristlecones!!! One of my favorite trees resides in Bryce. I love how the gnarled wood evokes the gnarled stone.



From Bryce Point, I took the shuttle to Inspiration Point. The shuttle bus driver mentioned that it was a one and a half mile easy downhill hike to Sunset Point, and that the shuttle could be caught there as well. That was all the arm twisting I needed to get out and do some hiking around the rim of the canyon. I did not bother going to the overlooks at Inspiration Point, I just started down the trail knowing there would be plenty of overlooks with fewer crowds. I was not disappointed.
















I reached Sunset Point, and I thought hard about taking one of the trails down into the canyon. I really wanted to walk among the hoodoos. However, I still had a bit of driving to do to reach Escalante, where I was staying that night, and my camera batteries were dead. More importantly, my footwear wasn't really up to any serious hiking. Next time I am wearing hiking boots instead of sandals. Reluctantly, I hopped on the shuttle back to the Visitor Center. I felt I barely saw anything at Bryce Canyon in the few hours I was there, but what I saw was amazing. I know I want to return.

The next day, I worked in the morning near Escalante, and then it was time to drive home. After I had so much fun at Bryce Canyon NP, I wanted to stop at Capitol Reef NP. But Capitol Reef was a bit further out of my way. On the drive, I again debated about whether or not to stop.  As I approached Torrey, I decided that I would at least drive to the park entrance. Otherwise, I would wonder what I had missed.

As I approached the park entrance and saw the mileage markers, I decided that I should just go ahead and do a quick drive through the park. I had less time today, because I was expected to be back at a certain time, but I figured I could and should spend my lunch hour exploring Capitol Reef. The lighting wasn't very good for photos, but I got a few. I enjoyed my hour in the park. Unless you take the scenic drive (I didn't have the time), the park is free to drive through.




I took the following two pictures with the True HDR app on my iPhone. The app really worked well in the tough light.





Near Fruita



Petroglyphs





Reluctantly heading out of the park




I started my long drive home. I was really happy that I had taken a few hours to see both parks while I was there. Even short visits to some places are worthwhile, and these places touch the soul even during a brief visit.