Rim Trail and Navajo Loop

Cannonville/Bryce Canyon KOA
Cannonville, UT
September 9, 2016

We decided to deal with the crowds and visit Bryce one last time to do the short, cardio-workout known as Navajo Loop. We arrived early in the morning and did the loop counter clockwise.  


The hike starts at Sunset Point, but we parked at Sunrise point to enjoy the sunrise as we walked along the rim.

The descent (540 ft) is a series of short, tight switchbacks that go straight down to the canyon floor.  It was cool looking up as we went down...

My favorite highlight of the trail is Wall Street...a section of narrows at the base of the canyon.

If my info is correct, the Douglas Firs that live in these narrows  are 400+ years old. 

When the trail opened up, shades of reds, oranges, and greens fanned out in all directions...    

 ...and oh how beautiful the shades of blue were !

It wasn't long until we came to Two Bridges.  

And last, the climb back to the rim where we passed Thor's Hammer. 

It was a very nice morning.  I just can't say enough about the weather we have enjoyed the past couple of weeks.  Definitely a great time to visit.  

So until next time, I am going to try to get this crick out of my neck...

...always looking up !

 HAPPY TRAILS !    

Willis Creek Canyon

Cannonville/Bryce Canyon KOA
Cannonville, UT
September 4, 2016

With it being a holiday week-end Joe and I thought we should try a hike outside the national park.  Without discussion,  Willis Creek was the choice.  

It's a 4.8 mile in/out hike about 9 miles from the RV park here in Cannonville.  We did this hike in May 2013 with Dover and Wrecks.  




They had a blast running through the slot canyons and playing in the stream.  

It's a quick and easy descent into the narrows located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.  




The beautiful striated rocks that form the canyon walls and the pebble stream bed path make for a pleasant hike.

 After the first slot, the narrows open up...



 ...and then close in again making the second slot.  It is not as narrow as the first slot, but the walls are stunning.

 There is one more widening of the walls... 










and then they close in for the third time forming the most narrow slot with the tallest walls.

 From here, the wide creek bed takes you to the confluence of Willis Creek and Sheep Creek.



When you reach the end, turn right and climb a small hill to see some petroglyphs.  

It was an emotional day for Joe and I...such fond memories of our sweet Wrecks...as well as peaceful and beautiful. 

Until next time, happy trails !