May 3, 2012

Today we thrilled again to wonderful sights. We drove from the south entrance of Zion up a series of switchbacks and through a mile-long tunnel to the east entrance to the park. On this road we saw the famous mountain called Checkerboard Mesa.




We continued north about 75 miles to Bryce Canyon. By car this park is seen from the ridge of the plateau, looking down on the weathered spires in each of the canyons below. We drove to the southernmost viewpoint called Rainbow Point with an elevation of 9115 feet. We ate a picnic lunch inside the car because it was windy and cold, about 57. Then we took a mile loop hike through the bristle one pines.


From that point we continued by car to the next one, Natural Bridge at an elevation of 8627 feet.


The next three stops were at slightly lower elevations. The park's most famous views are in these locations: Bryce Point at 8300 feet with its amphitheater, Inspiration Point at 8100 feet, and Sunset Point at 8000 feet with its "hoodoos" (sharp pinnacle rocks left standing by the forces of erosion).











What a great day this was for us! It is a thrill to see such beauty in our country. Tomorrow we leave Utah and drive to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

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Location:A day at Bryce Canyon