Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks: Two of My Favorites
Colorado is a great state in which to live and it is also a great starting place for road trips throughout the Southwest. At one point in our lives while living in the East we realized that we spent more time vacationing in Europe than in our own country. I came home one day to find confirmation of a surprise flight to Phoenix and lodging reservations at the Grand Canyon. The decision to explore the West had been made and my wife decided to take me along
I can now confess that I was one of those East Coast types that thought the middle of the country was there for the primary purpose of holding the two coasts together. I was not crazy about going 2000 miles to look at a big hole in the ground. I further knew how my wife liked to hike and this prospect of a vacation was not eagerly anticipated. I convinced her that we should ask her mother to join us since she had not been to the Grand Canyon. She also was a great hiker which would relieve me of the burden of all that exercising. When we got to Arizona I was able to avoid the hike to the bottom of the canyon taken by wife and mother in-law. I, however, could not resist the spectacular vistas on the canyon edge and the magnificent scenery of those areas through which we drove in that section of Arizona.
I also learned about the special advantages of a road trip. My idea of a trip had been to get on the plane, land where you were vacationing and avoid any activity that was more than a one hour drive from the hotel. Moving to the West some years later after many trips to visit, my ideas have changed. We now live in a canyon that has a Kodak moment at every turn of the road. Those moments when driving continue for hundreds of miles in every direction. One direction we love to take is into Utah which has some of the most spectacular rock formations in the world. If a trip through Utah were a Broadway musical the final act would be Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. These two parks tucked down in the Southwest corner of Utah need to be listed in the top ten places to be visited by every American.
Bryce is a Canyon that you look down on spires of the most unusual rock formations that you can imagine. Zion Canyon is where you walk along the base looking up at giant monolith formations that are almost overpowering as an exhibition of the strength and beauty of nature. These two canyons are only separated by a drive of several hours. You will be unable to decide which of the two is the more attractive destination. The one you are in will be the most breathtaking, only to be super ceded by the one you visit next. Google these two parks for detailed information and trust me that as attractive as the descriptions and photos you find on-line, your actual visit will take your breath. I read the geologic explanations but still cannot grasp an understanding as to how rivers, eruptions and erosion have created such beauty.
There are trails that can accommodate the most reluctant hiker and others that can satisfy the most vigorous trekker. Bikes and horses are the mode of exploring for some. Camping, fishing, rock climbing and a wealth of outdoor activities are available. We like to head for an area of interest, park the car, strap on a light pack with plenty of water and take off on foot.. May is good time to visit. The heat of the summer is not yet settled in and the flowers are in full bloom. The summer visitors are on their way but it’s not quite crowded yet.
If you decide to visit there are some great airfares appearing as a benefit of the economic slow down. Find one to Vegas rent a car and head north. Map Quest will get you there over the excellent Utah roads. Make sure that you have jeans, decent hiking footwear and room in your camera for plenty of great memories
Leave the tie, blazers and designer dresses at home, remember this is the West. Dress Western
I’ve listed a few sites that will give you the information that will describe in detail the area activities and lodging available. Each park has many related sites on- line to provide you with all the details you will need to plan a trip
http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/bryce.htm
http://www.zion.national-park.com/
PS I love the West but have not made the leap into becoming a camper. You can be sure that when I suggest a place to visit there are some great lodges or hotels nearby to relax in after a day of hiking.
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I agree both are quite specatacular. I send my English visitors off there on a round trip back thru’ moab to Canyonlands and Arches. My rule of thumb when you are on tight travel time constraints is 1 overnight in Bryce 3 overnignts in Zion, and if possible always try to get onto the lodges within the parks. My other big must see is Mesa Verde also staying right there at Farview Lodge. CAROL