This post continues from part one at Bryce Canyon.

WARNING: Lots of beautiful pictures ahead!

Sunset Point

We parked our car at Sunset Point, and decided to make a loop into the Amphitheater. Trek north towards Sunrise Point on the Rim Trail (a very flat and paved section).

Sunrise Point

After we reached Sunrise Point, we descended via Queens Garden Trail. It was a steep and dramatic descent, giving full view of all the various hoodoos (solitary limestone pillars). For any visitor to Bryce Canyon, I highly recommend Queen's Garden. It is the perfect escape into Bryce Amphitheater to see the hoodoos up close. I do have to note that the trail is not shaded, and depending on where you start the trail (either at Sunrise Point or from the bottom of the Navajo Loop Trail), it is a steep ascent or descent, though reportedly the easiest way to descend into the amphitheater. All worth it though :)

After a good night's sleep, we were so excited to start early. Bryce Canyon has an 18-mile scenic drive with lots of viewpoints, so we headed to Rainbow Point (below photo looking at the rest of the amphitheater)first, also the highest point in the park (9,105 ft). My favorite parts about Bryce Canyon are the beautiful colors of the sedimentary rock, formed by weathering and erosion.

(Scenic road trip suggestion: Drive south all the way to Rainbow Point, then make your way back towards the park entrance as all of the viewpoints will now be on the right.)



Remarkably more chilly than Zion, we donned our thickest jackets to brace the cold wind. Although the wind was fiercely strong and cold, we were so excited to see snow blanketing parts of the landscape and the expansive views. On a whim, we went on the Bristlecone Pine trail. I didn't know I wanted to see them until I saw a sign saying that there was a small trail to get to the trees. I had the chance to witness trees several thousand years old! It was such a humbling feeling. On the way, somehow we lost the trail and had to trailblaze through some snow. We did get a chance to see the beautiful chromatic change in the sedimentary rock.





We continued driving along, stopping at different points along the way.

• Black Birch Canyon
• Ponderosa Canyon
• Agua Canyon
• Natural Bridge
• Fairview Point
• Piracy Point
• Swamp Canyon
• Bryce Point
• Inspiration Point

(When we went, the roads to Fairyland Point and Paria View were still blocked because of snow levels.)

Below the gallery is the panorama (my only good one!) of Bryce Canyon National Park and a view of Kaibab Plateau in the distance




Just look at the detail! So incredible.