Headed out early to catch sunrise at Canyon Overlook, a 2-mile round trip hike. It took a bit longer than expected to get there and had to motor up the trail to catch sunrise. Was amazing to see the colors change and the light catch the various formations. Very enjoyable and worth the early morning. Cool animal sighting along the road – a herd of bighorn sheep.

Then it was off to Stone Canyon Inn. On our drive in we went into Bryce Canyon Park to take a look around from the rim and make decisions on what we would do in the coming two days. It seemed quite busy at the key viewing points and on arrival at Stone Canyon Inn asked for local advice on how to avoid the crowds. Got some excellent local advice, turns out we could hike the canyon from the bottom of the canyon, a short drive from our lodge. Key learning if you start a hike at the bottom, the return trip at the end of the day is downhill, very appealing!!!

We stayed one night in a cottage with a jacuzzi, very welcome after all the hikes. Second night was in a tree house, cool experience!!! Great sunset views from the treehouse deck – perfect spot for sundowners. Stone Canyon Inn was a lovely place to stay. Imagine our surprise when we discovered their restaurant, The Stone Canyon Grill, was a fine dining restaurant with outstanding service and great food. Had two wonderful meals there!!!

Our intention while at Bryce was another sunrise hike. We set out at 6:30am, only a 10-minute drive away we started our hike from the bottom of the canyon towards Peekaboo Trail. Unfortunately, it took a bit longer despite some jogging (much to Glenn’s dismay) to get out of the forest and to a suitable viewing point. At least we did catch the light emerging on the hoodoos – a column or pinnacle of weathered rock. An amazing sight looking across the canyon as the sun illuminated the formations.  The hike was beautiful, and we enjoyed the ever-changing scenery, formations and shadows, even eerie at times. Was about an 8-mile hike. We finished in good time and headed off for a coffee before, yet another hike recommended to us – the Waterfall and Mossy Cave trail. The mossy cave was underwhelming but the waterfall trail was spectacular. Given it was lunchtime, we found a lovely shady spot by the stream to enjoy our sandwich and crisps (earned these). Glenn dropped the lid of his water bottle on the rock we were sitting on and it rolled into the stream heading down towards the waterfall. A hilarious sight watching him running along the fast-flowing stream trying to catch the lid – of course he ended up stepping in the stream!!! Lucky for him, another tourist rescued the lid. The stream flowed from the reservoir above Bryce Canyon and we were able to walk for a couple of miles along the stream and encounter beautiful rock pools, small waterfalls and rapids. Very enjoyable and different to our other hikes, did 4 or 5 miles without even realizing it.

The story continues, as we did not quite make it for the sunrise photographic opportunity, went up Peekaboo Trailagain the next day. This time left an hour earlier and made it to a perfect viewing spot before sunrise. Great photography and incredible to see the hoodoos come alive as the morning light hits them.

Time to leave Bryce and head to our next destination.