Utah - Bryce Canyon National Park

This is absolutely one of my favorite places on the planet!  It's so otherworldly, and encompasses both the grand vistas and the up-close treasures.  This time of year the weather is perfect, so it's a bit crowded, but if you go away from the scenic viewpoints where the buses discharge the hordes (esp. at sunset) and down a trail, you can find lots of peace and quiet.  And with nightime temps at 28 at this 8000+ ft. elevation, the campground wasn't full.

 The Navajo Loop trail leads down into a section of the canyon known as Wall Street where the walls rise vertically, revealing an unexpected view at the bottom.

 Bristlecone pines show the story of their lives living in this harsh climate of winds and little moisture.

 A legend of the Paiute Indians, who inhabited the area for hundreds of years before the arrival of European Americans, claims the colorful hoodoos are ancient "Legend People" who were turned to stone as punishment for bad deeds. 

 The historic Lodge offers a welcome respite from these brisk nighttime temperatures and great hand-tossed pizza!

Visiting the park for a ranger tour looked a lot different 100 years ago!

The Visitor Center is informative and entertaining, and honors the hoodoos

I just wanted to crawl inside this interactive exhibit, but I think it's for children!

 The park offers free shuttle bus service to all the major stops, but the best deal is their Rainbow Point 2 1/2 free tour that includes short hikes, history, geology, botany - courtesy of Jay, our knowledgeable and enthusiastic driver.

 Another day clear and bright, as I head down the 5 1/2 mile Peekaboo Loop Trail, starting from Bryce Point.

 

The Wall of Windows

This is never a welcome sign!

 

I guess this is as good a place for a selfie as any!

The shuttle buses also run outside the park to Bryce Canyon Village where you can find anything you need or want

A final sunrise, and then it's time to say farewell to Bryce