The beauty and surreal colors of Bryce Canyon

Truly breathtaking, is the only way to describe Bryce Canyon. The erosion and weathering over the eons has exposed a kaleidoscope of colors. This is one of mother nature's most magnificent art galleries. For the nature enthusiast, the park has tons of hiking trails which makes thinning out the herd of humanity easier to to do. Feeling a sense of calm and a connection with nature is an important part of experiencing the wild. Thankfully, once you exit the crowded bus stops you can go where you like and escape rather quickly. For us, we chose to do a mile and a half walk along the rim. Believe it or not, just by leaving the pavement, we went from hundreds of people down to just 8 people on the entire walk.
   The birds were going crazy in their early morning shuffle for the best worms, nuts and insects. Though they sang, chirped and pecked for attention, feeding their young chicks was their top priority. Hearing the clamoring of the chicks demanding ever more food from their parents was a reminder of just how dependent so many species are on this protected forest.
   My kids kept saying how Bryce Canyon was their favorite national park and I can see why. What is there not to like? They had nature, beauty and relatively quiet hiking trails to enjoy. For those interested in visiting this park, we were told that coming here just after a dusting of snow is really the best. If you choose to visit during peak summer times, like we did, get there early in the morning to beat the masses of humanity. Bring lots of drinking water as the higher altitudes between 8,000 to 9,000 feet can dry your gizzard out surprisingly fast. Finally, pets are not allowed off the paved areas, in the park, so plan accordingly for your pooches.   

The colors were captivating.

The red rock hoodoos going into the park.

Pretty cool highway tunnel.

These hoodoos are easily a hundred feet tall.

The beauty that was revealed through weathering and erosion in spectacular.

For the more adventurous there are hiking trails in this valley.

One of the rare family photos of our trip.

The early morning sunlight danced off the surfaces for great pictures.

Colorful hoodoos along the valley floor and valley walls.

Taking a picture of the photographer in training.

Beautiful array of colors and textures.

The whole family had fun on our hike.

Now that is a beautiful vista.

The view through the valley walls.

Walking along a ridge where steep drop offs were on both sides.

Amazing creations.

We were at Inspiration Point lookout. What else is there to do? 

One of my favorite views within the park.

A ranch just outside Grand Staircase-Escalante park.

Riparian area near Grand Staircase-Escalante park.