Day 3: Bryce Canyon From Sunrise to Sunset
The Promise of a New Dawn
A quick review on my iPhone app the night before showed sunrise at 6:20 a.m. Perfect, I thought, just enough time to catch the dawn without feeling like I’d need to set an alarm that sounds like a foghorn. We planned a 15-minute drive into the park to snag parking near Sunset Point, Thors Hammer, and Inspiration Point. Parking is limited, which means it’s basically a race against the sunrise or at least a race against the early risers a.k.a. professional photographers.
To fuel our early adventure, we opted for a protein drink and trail bar because nothing says “ready for nature’s grandeur” like a liquid breakfast and a snack that’s basically just compressed happiness. It was a perfect meal for driving into the dark promising park. During the drive, we could see just a glimmer of light nudging over the horizon, as if the park itself was yawning and stretching awake.
We easily found parking because apparently everyone else decided to sleep in or maybe they were still dreaming about not waking up at 5:30 a.m. We bundled up for the feels-like temperature of 27 degrees, which is just warm enough to remind you that you opted to leave your winter coat at home. Then we headed to the observation point. It’s just a short walk down the pathway, which I appreciated because walking in the cold makes me feel like a human popsicle.
The hoodoos slowly and almost magically came alive as we got our first breathtaking views of the surrounding terroir. Yes, terroir, because these rocks have as much personality as a fine wine. A few more folks showed up to witness the first light of day, which honestly was incredible. The scene was so stunning that it made you forget about your frozen toes and question why you didn’t wake up earlier. Mother Nature sure knew how to design the textures, layers, and colors of the canyon walls and floors below us. If Mother Nature ever needs a side gig in interior design, I think she’d be a hit.
A mid-March snowstorm had recently swept through the area, leaving behind tiny remnants of snow in some shaded crevices. It was a reminder that winter is not quite ready to say goodbye. I silently wished we’d seen the canyon dressed in white, like a winter wonderland. The temperatures were low enough that I felt transported to a snowy fairy tale, minus the snowball fights, unfortunately. Snowball fights are special to me since my husband and I had a great one on our first date in 1994!
After soaking in the sunrise and snapping a few photos, we made our way back to the car. Because, let’s be honest, the best part of early mornings is the reward waiting for us: hot coffee. We brewed up some fresh java in the hotel and paused for a moment of warmth and caffeine-induced clarity. Nothing beats sipping a steaming mug while watching the rising sun paint the canyon in hues of gold and pink, except perhaps doing it without frostbite.
Refreshed and warm, we prepared for the next adventure. We planned a hike up to Inspiration Point and Bryce Point along the Bryce Canyon Rim Trail. Inspiration Point sits at an elevation of about 9,100 feet. It offers spectacular panoramic views that seem to stretch forever. Just a short but steep walk further along the rim, Bryce Point is even higher, perched at approximately 9,400 feet. By climbing to these heights, we would not only be treated to breathtaking scenery but also get some exercise that makes your lungs work a little harder. It was a great opportunity to catch our breath while soaking in the incredible vistas from each viewpoint.
With our electrolyte water bottles in hand and spirits high, we set off, eager to see more of the breathtaking scenery that makes Bryce Canyon one of nature’s most incredible masterpieces.
We enjoyed the stunning views and took plenty of photos, capturing the vibrant colors and intricate textures of the canyon walls. As the light shifted and the mid-morning sun cast different patterns across the landscape, we decided it was time to find a hearty breakfast. After all, exploring such grandeur works up an appetite. After breakfast we then took a short nap to recharge our batteries and prepare for our longer afternoon hike. Our plan was to take the Queen Victoria trail to Thors Hammer and then climb back up the canyon walls to Sunset Point.
Unfortunately, Wall Street trail was closed due to damage from the recent storm, which was a bit disappointing. Still, we adjusted our plans and looked forward to the adventure ahead, knowing there were plenty of other incredible sights to see and trails to explore. With our energy renewed and our spirits high, we set our sights on the next chapter of our Bryce Canyon adventure.
We started our hike at the Sunrise Point, which connected seamlessly to the Queen Victoria and Two Bridges Trail. From there, we slowly descended our way onto the valley floor. The hoodoos appeared massive and awe-inspiring from the observation point, but you really can't gain a true perspective until you are at the bottom, looking straight up at the towering formations. I highly recommend this hike because it offers the best of the park and provides a viewpoint that simply cannot be seen from the top.
The climb back up and past Thors Hammer was definitely a workout, but it was worth every step. Having approached the formations from the top in the morning and then from the bottom in the afternoon gave us a fascinating perspective on how the changing light affected the canyon's highlights. It was like seeing two different artworks in one day.
After finishing the hike, we took some time to check out the historic Bryce Canyon Lodge, where we grabbed a cold beer and enjoyed an incredible Thor’s Hammer pizza for lunch at Valhalla Pizzeria. It was the perfect bite and break to refuel before heading out for the scenic drive and a few more shorter hikes. We drove to the end of the park and Rainbow Point, making use of the pull-outs and viewpoints on the left side of the road. This approach made entering and exiting each spot quick and convenient, allowing us to soak in the views without hassle.
Once back at our hotel, we took a much-needed, refreshing shower to wash away the dust and dirt from our adventures. Feeling rejuvenated, we headed off to dinner at a local steakhouse. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and exhilarating hikes. We capped off the night with a glass or two of vino, because, hey, a girl’s got to stay hydrated after a day of hiking and exploring. It was the ideal way to relax and toast to an unforgettable day in Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon = 11.76 miles hiked