See the photo – and you’ll start to understand.

Inspiring spires at Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is like nature’s playground with colorful rocks, worn down over time, in fanciful designs that just beg to be explored.  One looks like a castle, another like a chess piece; there are also massive “amphitheaters”  where you can feel awe over Mother Nature’s works.

Although I hate getting up early, I decided it was worth it to get this photo and view of early morning at Bryce.  (Appropriately, at Sunrise Point)  The sunshine glistens off of the rock formations.  

Morning light in Bryce

If you feel like just observing, there are vantage points to look.  If you would rather hike (too difficult for wheelchairs, but not too strenuous for those physically fit), there are delightful walks that take you to places like “Wall Street” – see the shot below with one lone tree, or amazing sights around every bend.

Bryce Canyon Hoodoo

Just outside the park, the above hoodoo is at a good stopping point.

Wall St in Bryce - lone tree

Breathtaking views entice you to take many photos, if you are a photography buff. Otherwise, just soaking in the imagery is something that will stay with you for a lifetime.  I know it has stayed with me.  Even a return visit was not disappointing.  

Hard to leave Bryce

See http://www.nps.gov/brca

Recommendations: If you arrive early enough in the day, drive the entire park, stopping at some or all of the vantage points.  Early in the year, some of the areas will still have snow.  Dress appropriately.   Then, allow another day or two to hike, stop in favorite locations and see different points of the park.  Retire early so you can see the park with the light shimmering on the formations in the morning. Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes since the walks can be slippery in the early spring or fall.

 Staying in Bryce:

You would think such magnificent views would encourage equally magnificent hotels.  Travel to Bryce and you have two basic hotel choices:  The Lodge run by a private contractor for the National Parks Administration or Best Western Ruby’s Inn, a large complex with several restaurants.

The Lodge can require reservations way ahead – and be pricey. Reservations are only available from April 1 through October 31.  It is a historic facility and has a restaurant out of some older and more elegant era.  http://www.brycecanyonlodge.com/  

Best Western Ruby’s Inn is probably a 2-3 star facility with some upgraded rooms with in-room spas.  The restaurant choices are utilitarian and have a cowboy buffet (all you can eat), a diner (hamburgers,etc.) and a very large “Ruby’s General Store,” where you can get food items, camping, photography, souvenirs and other supplies.

http://www.rubysinn.com/

If you have more time, there are other National Parks you can travel to within a day or two that will add to your sense of awe.  Every once in a while, it is great to put life in perspective.  The National Parks, especially in Utah and the Grand Canyon in Arizona (a story for another day), will give you that perspective.