Six Days in Utah – Zion and Bryce (Part 3)

We’re wrapping up our journey through the Big 5 parks of southern Utah and our next stop is none other than Bryce Canyon National Park. Now, don’t let the name fool you – Bryce Canyon isn’t your typical canyon. Instead, it’s a breathtaking series of massive natural amphitheaters, with the crown jewel being the famous Bryce Amphitheater.

As you cruise along Highway 12, you’ll roll right into the town of Bryce, sitting pretty at the entrance to the park. When you step foot in Bryce Canyon, prepare to be wowed. The four main viewpoints near the park entrance offer jaw-dropping panoramas that’ll make your heart skip a beat. The road leads you up to the plateau’s edge, treating you to sweeping vistas of the entire park. And trust me, time your arrival just right so you can catch either Sunrise Point or Sunset Point – watching the sun paint the landscape in hues of orange and gold is an absolute must.

While there’s an 18-mile scenic drive through the park, the real magic happens when you hit the trails on foot. Lace up those hiking boots and hit the easy 5.5-mile Rim Trail, stretching from Bryce Point to Fairyland Point. If you’re feeling up for a challenge, tackle the Peekaboo Loop trail, starting at Bryce Point and winding its way down to the canyon floor.

Now, when it comes to bedding down for the night, you’ve got options aplenty near the park. But heads up – these spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Speaking of which, between March and October, Bryce Canyon gets pretty darn busy. To keep the traffic in check, the park service runs a free shuttle to the rim, so you can ditch the car and focus on soaking in all that natural beauty.

Venture 75 miles further west, and you’ll hit the granddaddy of all Utah national parks – Zion. This place is iconic, with its towering red cliffs earning it national park status back in 1919.

Once you roll into Zion, get ready for a feast for the eyes. The Zion Canyon scenic drive is your ticket to exploring the heart of the park, tracing the twists and turns of the Virgin River. And don’t miss the scenic State Road 9, which swoops in from the east and even takes you through the awe-inspiring Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.

Now, let’s talk activities. Zion’s got something for everyone, whether you’re into horseback riding, rock climbing, or good old-fashioned hiking. But buckle up, because some of these trails are not for the faint of heart.

Take, for instance, the Angels Landing hike – dubbed one of the scariest in the world, and for good reason. This 5.4-mile trail will have your heart racing as you navigate steep, narrow ridges to reach the summit. With sheer drop-offs and dizzying heights, this one’s not for the acrophobic, that’s for sure.

If you’re up for a wetter adventure, the Virgin River Narrows trail is calling your name. This sixteen-mile trek requires you to roll up your pant legs and wade right through the river. Just make sure to snag those reservations well in advance – you can book ’em online through the park service website.

If you’re looking for a place to rest your head near Zion, Springdale’s your best bet. It’s the closest town and boasts a handful of hotels and restaurants to fuel your adventures. But hey, if the crowds have you seeking refuge further afield, St. George and Kanab are solid alternatives.

Now, here’s the deal: Zion gets busy, especially between March and October. Like, really busy. So if you want to snag a parking spot, you have to rise and shine – lots tend to fill up by 10 am. Pro tip: get there early and thank me later.

But fear not, weary traveler! Zion’s got your back with two free shuttle routes to whisk you around the park. No reservations needed, just get there early to beat the queues. One route kicks off in downtown Springdale, while the other zips around the park from the visitors center, hitting up all the must-see spots like Angel’s Landing and the Narrows.

And hey, if you find yourself stuck in a bit of traffic, take a deep breath and soak it all in. After all, you’re surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet – not a bad way to spend your day, huh?