Cannonville, UT
August 31, 2016
Our first hike in Bryce Canyon NP was a 3.4 mile in/out hike along Fairyland Trail to Tower Bridge. We were at the trailhead early. The air was crisp, the morning sun lit up the hoodoos, and on the descent to Tower Bridge, we had the trail almost to ourselves...we passed one other couple. Perfect !
There is no other place quite like Bryce Canyon NP. Hoodoos of red, pink and white rock fill the landscape. From the rim, which varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet, mazes of these hoodoos can be seen in all directions. The trail to Tower Bridge begins at Sunrise Point. The 950 foot descent to the bridge makes this a moderate trail. It's been awhile since we hiked (in Gunnison). Our legs felt like cooked spaghetti noodles on the descent and then like they weighed 200 pounds each on the climb out of the canyon. Its always a good feeling to get that first hike under our belts when its been awhile.
One of the highlights of this trail are the Bristlecone Pines. These trees can live for thousands of years...in fact, the oldest living bristlecone is 4,000+ years old.
These wonders are a member of the group of pines known as foxtail pines because of the shape of the branches and the way the needles stay attached all the way up the limb.
Tower Bridge is a rock formation with Keyhole Window on one end and the bridge between two towers on the other.
The best place to get a good picture is down by the creek bed looking up.
Fairyland indeed...turned out to be a great first hike here.
P.S. You can read about our first hike at Bryce Canyon in May 2013. It's the featured post top right hand column.
Such amazing scenery, sure hope we can get there some day.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can too George and Susie. Pictures don't really do it justice!
DeleteIsn't that just the most magical place!
ReplyDeleteYes it is!
DeleteInteresting how we both had to return to Bryce to hike Fairyland. We had the same bad weather that kept us from this trial. Glad we were able to hike it this past visit, it is spectacular:) Enjoy your stay!
ReplyDeleteWe are really liking September here...weather is much better than May Pam!
DeleteYou definitely made a smart move:) We need to try fall in southern Utah.
DeleteBryce is such a beautiful place. We loved our time there and all the great pictures we had an opportunity to take.
ReplyDeleteIt is a photographers paradise Jeri. Only the pictures don't really do it justice. It's one of those places you need to see in person.
DeleteBeautiful! I have never done any of the hikes into the canyon from inside the park, thanks for taking me into this amazing place!
ReplyDeleteOh Lisa...you would love it !
DeleteThat Fairyland Trail was on my 'must' list but the spring weather during our visit didn't cooperate. I'll be sure and keep September in mind for our next visit. Love Bryce Canyon!
ReplyDeleteWe do too Ingrid. There is no other place quite like Bryce.
DeleteThe Tower Bridge is magnificent! I do enjoy viewing all of the different rock formations & their colorful hues.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best trail in Bryce and thanks for taking me back. We always lose the crowd by the time we got to the middle section.
ReplyDelete