Bryce Canyon Area

After spending time at Arches National Park, and now Bryce Canyon, I think Utah ties with Alaska as the most scenic state in the US. Just driving the highways in Utah is a scenic tour. Soaring ridgelines of many colors, deep gorges, and the many unusual structures have been incredible to view.

We departed Moab and drove to the small town of Panguitch Utah, about 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon. The intent was to visit Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, but we ended up only visiting Bryce Canyon and the nearby Dixie National Forest. Getting into Zion via the east gate was a problem with our big truck, due to a very narrow tunnel into the park. I could have arranged for a dedicated escort through the tunnel while traffic was shut down, or I could have driven an additional hour plus to get to the south entrance gate, but decided in the end not to bother.

Our day hiking the famous Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trails, and driving the scenic road through Bryce Canyon was a great experience. We started early and arrived just as the sun was starting to illuminate the Bryce Amphitheater.

Our second day out hiking was spent in Dixie National Forest, in an area called Red Canyon Recreation Area. We hiked the Golden Wall Trail, combined with the Buckhorn Trail. This was supposedly a “moderate” trail, but we found it to be difficult at several areas. Oh, and then I took a spur leg thinking it was the actual trail, so we ended up a half-mile off where we should have been. My wife was not charmed with me, I believe. But the scenery was great!

We will continue on south for three nights of boondocking in the Kaibob National Forest, near the Grand Canyon.