Bryce Canyon National Park

On a very early Tuesday morning, Yangkyu and I left for Southern Utah to explore and hike on our own. Our friends packed us with some essentials and off we went on some highways where speed limits were literally 80 mph. 

The weather wasn't the greatest. It was raining on and off during our entire ride down but we did get to see some amazing lightening up close. They were big and imposing and flashy and beautiful at the same time.

Our final destination on this day was Zion National Park where we had reserved a cozy AirB&B just a few miles away from the park entrance, but we made a stop at Bryce Canyon because we couldn't pass up on the chance to see it on our way down.

I did a lot of reading and research to see which hikes we could do in the time we were given and since it was just a short stop for us at Bryce before needing to get to our lodging at Zion by 7, we chose to do the short 1.3 mile Navajo Loop Trail.

  // Thor's hammer // 

The Navajo Loop Trail starts at Sunset Point. We took our car right in to the park and didn't utilize the shuttle system that was available (we didn't need to since it was just a stop for us). I am not sure if it was the weather, but finding a parking was not bad at all. We found a spot without having to wait and in general it seemed like parking spots generally freed up quickly.

For a longer hike, people usually combine the Navajo Loop Trail with Queens Garden but Yangkyu and I decided to just stick to our original plans and go on just the Navajo Loop Trail. 

I do have to say, we almost didn't get to hike it at all because it was thundering loudly when we were there. Right where the trail starts, there were many tourists who stopped to take pictures but it didn't seem like there were many hikers on the trail. The park ranger also told folks to stay smart as the weather didn't seem like it was getting any better. 

It was only after we did spot some hikers who were just finishing up their hike (they must've started from Queens Garden) that Yangkyu and I decided to venture on. And we are so glad we did.

The trail itself isn't a hard hike, but there are switchbacks that can make your legs feel tired (probably not for a seasoned hiker or someone who works our on a regular basis). The switchbacks were actually my favorite part of the trail. 

Yangkyu and I might have lucked out with the not so great weather because while there was a crowd of excited tourists at the top (lots of selfie sticks) the trail was practically empty for us to enjoy it just the two of us and all that nature had to offer.

While the Navajo Loop Trail was amazing to experience, Yangkyu and I enjoyed even more the Visitor Center learning about the rock and hoodoo formations but most importantly learning about the people of Bryce Canyon - the Native Indians. 

There is a video at the end of the whole educational section devoted to the people. You'll learn about the Paiutes and some of the traditions that are still kept today, the hardships they faced with pioneers   moving out West and land struggles and the way they have the utmost respect for the land, spirits and earth. I think it's something everyone who visits Bryce and other landmarks should take time to learn and embrace. There were so many times (including us because we didn't know any better) where we didn't leave any traces behind and left the parks better than we found it. Because it isn't just us that inhabit this earth.

If you are ever at Bryce, stick around and watch the whole video. It's a little on the longer and there isn't anywhere to sit, but it's worth all your time and more.

Yangkyu and I left Bryce Canyon for another 2 hour drive to Zion National Park at around 4 pm. There is still so much that we didn't get to explore but we will just have to go back another time. 

Sometimes I want to go away to far away countries, but there are amazing things right here at home. 

On the way to Bryce Canyon, there are the Red Canyons. There are trails and also beautiful rock formations in that beautiful red color that is seen all throughout Southern Utah. Yangkyu and I stopped on our way to Zion. Again, not enough time to explore everything but we're glad we got to taste just a little of it. 

Utah, you're beautiful.

The next few posts will be devoted to Zion National Park. I hope you'll come back for those adventures.


 // Antelope Island State Park