Schwieterman Summer Adventure Series 2025: Part 4.1 – Bryce Canyon National Park
We enjoyed a slow morning at our campground near Capital Reef National Park by cooking a big breakfast and sitting outside in the 40-degree temps to take in our last views of the orange bluffs before hooking up the camper for our next destination. We would only be traveling just over 100 miles to stay at Ruby’s Inn Campground at Bryce National Park. If traveling by car, one would take scenic route Hwy-12 through Grand Staircase-Escalante, however, since we were towing, we opted to take a different route. It was great to get off interstate for a while and take a leisurely drive through Utah’s farm country. As we approached Bryce Canyon on Johns Valley Rd., the prairie lands which were largely dominated by scrub brush were now sprouting forth beautiful pine trees and the views of the Wasatch Plateau in the distance made for a remarkable drive.
After setting up our camper, we set off for our first adventure: Red Canyon in the Dixie National Forest. I researched the available hikes from the Visitor Center ahead of time and had chosen the Pink Ledges Trail. There’s an initial climb of about 250 feet before leveling out for about half a mile, then descending back toward the parking lot. It felt great to get the heart pumping and the views were spectacular. The colors in Red Canyon are a hue of burnt orange like I have never seen before. It’s definitely worth a side trip if you’re visiting Bryce. And an added bonus, the crowds are very thin!
Though it was only a high of 78-degrees, the sun felt very warm, so a dip in the campground pool felt very refreshing after our hike. The hot tub after the cool dip felt even better! We felt relaxed and ready to tackle a full day in Bryce Canyon National Park the following day. Daddy took our older girls horseback riding first thing in the morning. Our cowgirls looked adorable in their jeans, boots, and flannels. They had an amazing time descending into the canyon amidst the unique rock formations. The hoodoos found at Bryce are otherworldly.
Once they returned from their epic adventure, we loaded the entire family into the truck to see more sights. We drove to the most southern point of Bryce, ascending 1,000 feet of elevation over our 15-mile drive. When we reached the lookout for Rainbow Point, we were over 9,000 feet above sea level. The views were breathtaking, and the crowds were quite manageable. A short hike led us to Yovimpa Point where the views were just as spectacular, yet, for the most part, we had the place to ourselves! As I’ve aged, I’ve realized that large crowds certainly diminish my enjoyment. I’d much prefer to be isolated in the serenity of a mountain trailhead than consumed by the masses on a public beach, despite how beautiful the views are. I seek out the quiet, whereas our daughters would prefer to vacation amidst the crowds and the souvenir shops. But Mommy plans the vacations, so Mommy wins! Although, I always plan at least one of our stays to be at one of those crowded waterpark campgrounds like a KOA or Jellystone, so the girls can enjoy their kind of fun. They deserve it after all the hiking their Mommy drags them on.
As we explored Byrce Canyon that day, our walking was minimal. We just pulled into each overlook and walked a few yards to take in the sweeping views of the orange-colored rocks in their unique formations. Our favorite was Natural Bridge. Wow! I’ve always been a waterfall enthusiast, but our time out West has turned me into an arch enthusiast as well. Once again, our GuideAlong App was a tremendous help in enhancing our experience in Bryce.
Once we reached Bryce Point, we found the crowds. The park’s shuttle service only goes as far as Bryce Point, so the first stops along our route don’t see near the visitors. The views at Bryce Point and Inspiration Point are arguably the best within the entire park, and the tourists were there to prove it. After Inspiration Point, we determined that we would return early in the morning the following day instead of fighting the crowds to see the final few points of interest.
Besides, we needed to rest up for another exciting adventure just outside of Bryce National Park that evening. Stay tuned, recounting our adventures while at Bryce requires more than one post!
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