When you think of famous, breathtaking canyons in our country, of course you think of The Grand Canyon, but that’s not the only one worth a look. In southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park offers gorgeous hikes, views, and memories to last a lifetime.

Take the bus to get to the hike

You can drive into Bryce Canyon, but with the convenient bus service, we opted for this simpler option. Not only did we not have to hassle with finding a parking place, we got some great tips from the driver. He asked us what we had planned for the day and of course our plan included a hike. He suggested hiking the Navajo Loop (the most popular hike in the park) in a counter-clockwise direction, starting at Sunset Point, going down into the canyon and walking along the bottom to come back up at Sunrise Point. According to our driver, most folks hike that area in a clock-wise direction, but he felt his way was easier coming back up and the views were better in a counter-clockwise direction.

Taking the Navajo Loop

Taking his advice, we took our time and plenty of water to enjoy a day of hiking. When hiking the Navajo Loop and connecting with the Queen’s Garden Loop Trail, we saw Thor’s Hammer, Queen Victoria, Wall Street, numerous arches, and a lone tree that reached for the sky in a setting with near-impossible conditions. It was outstanding. The colors were spectacular and our photos look as if we used a color-enhancing feature on them, but it was nothing more than the beauty of nature in the pictures.

If you’re planning this hike, or any hike, in Bryce Canyon, be sure to pack plenty of water and healthy snacks. You won’t find any place for supplies at the bottom as you hike along. Thankfully, the weather wasn’t too hot for us, as it can be in Utah. Down in the canyon it got pretty warm, but according to park rangers, not as hot as in years past. Phew! I felt thankful for that.

Sidetrips – Scoops from the Past

On your way to Bryce Canyon, be sure to stop for the best ice cream in the area at Scoops From the Past Ice Cream Shop in Panguitch, Utah. If you have time to take in a movie, lucky you! The theater is outstanding.

Of course, the Grand Canyon is worth a check on your life’s To Do list, but when you’re thinking of places to see, be sure to include Bryce Canyon on your list as well. With the spectacular colors, hikes, and rock formations, you’ll certainly be glad you did.

When Eileen isn’t saying, “Ooooh!” and “Aaaaah!” while hiking with her family, she is working as the Chief Mom Connector of Mom Central. You can read about other things she says on her personal blog at calandroclan.com and connect with her on twitter at @MomCentralChat and @calandro5.

Eileen Calandro