Bryce Canyon, Utah

Bryce Canyon is very close to Zion, but at a greater elevation of around 8,300 feet.

We set up camp about 80 miles south of the National Park because we were afraid of low temperatures at night. There was also mention of a storm front coming in. The morning was cloudy, but we were told the "snow" was coming in later, so we drove the hour-and-a-half to Bryce. Beautiful!! More sculpted, colorful rocks which have been eroded into pillars called "hoodoos" - to cast a spell. Yes, they do cast a spell on all who visit, even with all the snow! Paiutes, who lived in this region, accounted for the hoodoos as "Legend People" whom Coyote had turned to stone. The snow did add to the views and serenity, although we would love to see this place in the spring and summer. Iron oxides give red, yellow and brown tints to the lime stones, while manganese oxides lend a lavender hue.

Our first stop was at Bryce Amphitheater, a semicircular area of the canyon filled with hoodoo limestone formation. There was actually a trail to hike to the bottom of the canyon, but completely snow covered and quiet deep. I bet those hoodoos look great from the canyon floor!We did take a trail up to a look-out, but part way up, I realized how deep the snow actually was. I stepped in some soft snow up to my waist. Good thing I had the camera. Or what a sight you would see!! No boots, no snow pants (I know, gotta suck it up). Andy did continue, but once up at the top he could see the snow storm quickly coming in. You can see in our pictures, the storm sweeping through the canyon.

We spent only about two hours there, then hit the road. Our ride out of the park was another white knuckle experience...total white-out for the first four miles. We drove most of the way in 4-wheel drive, descending down 4,000 feet. Snowed all the way!