Bryce Canyon revisited

We had not planned to revisit places we visited in 2011 but we were passing so close by Bryce Canyon that it would have been criminal to pass it by.  Our national parks pass allowed us free entry, saving us the $25 entry fee.  So, here are some more photos of those wonderful hoodoos.  Incidentally, in retrospect we were lucky that administrative difficulties kept us waiting in Bear Valley.  The previous week to our arrival there were serious floods in Colorado and other places.  The main path in Bryce Canyon was closed due to very recent flood damage.   Another path was thankfully open.

 

Tiger in the tunnel at Red Canyon on the way into Bryce.

Technically, Bryce is not a canyon because canyons are primarily carved by flowing water.  Naturally acidic rainwater dissolves limestone, making the rounded edges of hoodoos which are pinnacles or odd shaped rocks left standing by the forces of erosion.  These hoodoos are pillars of rock of fantastic shapes.   The freezing and thawing of water, mostly from rain, does most of the sculpting at Bryce Canyon.  Surrounded by the natural beauty of southern Utah, hoodoos cast their spell on all who visit Bryce Canyon.

For further photos of Bryce Canyon please see our earlier blog: www.andrewnikkiusa2011.blgospot.com

As well as the paths in the canyon, there are 14 viewpoints along Bryce Canyon’s 18 mile scenic drive (one way).  The most famous ones are Bryce Amphitheatre including Sunrise,  Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce Points.   There are also panoramic views across the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument where we will be heading  tomorrow. 

Natural bridge which is really an arch which will eventually collapse.

The happy bloggers at Bryce Point lookout.