by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn
This month, we’re continuing my 5-part series on Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks. Last week we were in Zion National Park. This month, we’re in Bryce Canyon. (Links to previous posts at the bottom)
Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the world’s largest collection of hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock carved by water, ice, and gravity. The hoodoos are everywhere, and they create a landscape unlike anything I’ve ever seen!
When we arrived at Bryce Canyon, we took the Queen’s Garden trail to the Navajo Loop. The Queen’s Garden Trail takes you to the canyon floor, and while it is the less steep route down, it still requires some careful walking in order to maintain control.
There were several areas where we had to lean back as we walked, take short steps, and keep our eyes focused on the trail. When we reached the bottom, we walked around a bit before joining the Navajo Loop trail for the hike back to the top. And that’s when the fun really began. Because the Navajo Loop is mostly steep switchbacks that keep going … and going … and going…
