Friday, October 7, 2011

Bryce Canyon, Utah

Looking down into the canyon;  Believe it or not,  there is a trail all of the way down there!!!
Of everywhere we visited in June of 2011 (on our 3 week western trip),  our VERY favorite place of all was BRYCE CANYON...  We first went there on Sunday,  June 19...  Since it was cloudy, foggy and rainy-- even some snow that day (even though we still loved it),  we decided to go back.  SO---on Tuesday,  June 21,  on a gorgeous day in Utah,  we went back to Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon is hard to describe.  I had always heard of their HOODOOS--but of course, had never seen them...  Hoodoos are pillars of rock, usually of fantastic shapes,  standing in rows and rows and rows.  These hoodoos were caused from erosion some 10 million years ago.  The hoodoos looked to me like millions of people all standing in rows..  You truly have to see it in person.

On that Tuesday,  one place we visited was Sunset Point.   We hiked down into the canyon on the Navajo Trail..   I didn't go down very far due to achy knees --but George hiked all the way down to the bottom and then back up.  Today's photos are taken from the Sunset Point area --and into that canyon where we hiked. Be sure to click on them to enlarge!




From Sunset Point,  you can see some of the Hoodoos!





This was our view from Sunset Point.   Is this not awesome?   WOW!





Another view from Sunset Point showing the  hoodoos and some of the valley beyond;




 
I took some pictures of George as he headed down into that canyon.  See him????





Now--he is WAY down there... See him now????





Here's one more gorgeous picture from Sunset Point!  What BEAUTY!
This is just one TINY section of Bryce Canyon.  Besides the Visitor Center,  there are about 14 different overlooks --where you can see different things throughout the canyon.  We visited ALL of them ---so I'm sure I'll share many more pictures in the future...

If you ever get out west,  do not miss seeing BRYCE CANYON... We saw many many places in this trip and all were nice.  However,  Bryce just called our names!!!!   It's an awesome place!!!

We had a wonderful evening last night --since we got to see my grandson play the drums in their high school band at the football game.  I'm so proud of him...  Today --we are headed to Tullahoma to check on George's Daddy... 

Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you on Monday.

Hugs,
Betsy
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59 comments:

  1. Ms. AOctober 7, 2011 at 4:13 AM

    It's hard to imagine erosion doing that. It looks like they were hand carved. Just thinking about that hike, makes my knees hurt.

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  2. NealOctober 7, 2011 at 5:20 AM

    Gorgeous Betsy! That is really a beautiful place that I hope to go back to one of these days!

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  3. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmOctober 7, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    We missed Bryce on our trip out west, but I've heard so many great things about it.

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  4. Mr. BillOctober 7, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    Wow...breathtaking! Be careful on those steep paths!!!

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  5. DorothyOctober 7, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    Wonderful pictures, Betsy! We loved Bryce but didn't realize that you could hike down into it! I would have gone down but Jeep would have stayed at the top and made pictures;-)

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  6. ConnieOctober 7, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    Stunning photos, Betsy! What a magnificent spot! Have a good weekend. :)

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  7. TaborOctober 7, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    We visited on a perfect day and also hiked down the trails. such a lovely and exotic place. It was crowded with baby boomer tourists!

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  8. Ruth HiebertOctober 7, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    Breathtaking beauty! Have a great weekend. It's Thanksgiving weekend in Canada and I am going to celebrate with Jake's family.

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  9. TexWisGirlOctober 7, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    the hoodoos already remind me of chess pieces. SO amazing! :)

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  10. I Am WoodyOctober 7, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Beautiful shots!! We also thought the hoodoos looked like people. We spent a good long time pointing out 'different people' at each overlook:)

    Bryce was Vol Fan's favorite place as well. Unfortunately due to car trouble, our visit was cut short. We both want to explore that beautiful place more so one day we will return.

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  11. Bill S.October 7, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    Bryce Canyon is a beautiful area in the west. Great pictures of one of most stunning rock formations of the world.

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  12. Cheryl @ TFDOctober 7, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    Beautiful! Your photography is amazing, Betsy. These photos are just perfect! We missed seeing Bryce Canyon on our trip out west a few years ago. I hope to see it next year.
    Have a nice trip to see your FIL. Take care!

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  13. MadSnapperOctober 7, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    of all the places you and George have visited, if i could pick one to visit myself, it would be this one, Bryce Canyon. i love it

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  14. JoOctober 7, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Omw Betsy, what a hike down the canyon. I could just make George out in the second photo of him hiking ! THe hoodoos are something special and new to me. I only learnt about them on blogs from the US. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend. Blessings. Jo

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  15. imacOctober 7, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    Wonders of Nature my friend.

    We have been watching a series on tv traveling along route 66 coast to coast.

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  16. HarrietOctober 7, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    I love seeing all your pictures from your wonderful trip out west.

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  17. Ginny HartzlerOctober 7, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    The weather here is very pretty, I hope it is the same for your trip, and I hope George's dad is doing well. I really never have understood people's fascination with the Grand Canyon. To me, this is so much more spectacular!!! So why is it not as popular??? I LOVE all your pictures! I could hardly find George in that one, a really great shot to show us the immensity of things. He looks to be in a big deep hole, I don't know how he got down there. Did he go into that crack in the rocks? These pictures are really stunning, this is my favorite place to look at that you have been in a long time!

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  18. Out on the prairieOctober 7, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    What a nice selection. I am glad you got George back HA! I like to roam also.

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  19. ElizabethOctober 7, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    I'm SO happy that you loved Bryce Canyon, it is one of my absolute favorite places too (Zion is right up there!). It's a surreal place, where you expect and are sure that the next day when you look out at the hoodoos they have mysteriously changed position. When I was about 10, my family took our vacation to these Utah parks, and at Bryce I took a horseback trail ride through the hoodoos...I remember it vividly, as I was on the last horse and would sneakily hang back a bit so I could canter up to join the group! Ha, wouldn't let riders do that now!

    So glad to see George do the hike...even tho your knees were achy, you guys are still in GREAT shape...at 50, I know I couldn't keep up with you!! But I'd still love to sneak into Miss P and be part of your adventures!

    I'm beyond happy that you share your travels with us. Take care, have a lovely weekend.

    elizabeth in Mississippi

    P.S. Everyone time I log onto your blog I'm CERTAIN that the trees in your header have changed colors even more! Great optical illusion :-)

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  20. Becca's DirtOctober 7, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    What an awesome place Betsy. I'm so in awe of how places like that come to be. Created for it's pristine beauty.

    I am planning a trip to Utah next year to meet a blogger and tour some of these areas. I'm excited and can't wait to go.

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  21. AnonymousOctober 7, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    The wonders of nature! Stunning photos. Thanks for taking us on the trip through them. I hope your weekend goes well.

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  22. AnonymousOctober 7, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Simply awesome! Wow! Like you, I probably would not be able to hike all the way down and then hike all the way back up. Glad I saw this trip through your eyes, Betsy. Mahalo!

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  23. HappyKOctober 7, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    WOW! That is one cool place. George was a long way down there.

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  24. HolleyGardenOctober 7, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    Oh, wow! I've never seen anything like this! I've never heard of hoodoos - they are amazing! Thanks so much for sharing this natural beauty.

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  25. Lady Di TnOctober 7, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    Bryce Canyon is my sisters all time favorite of all they have seen in their travels. Good photos and hope you have a successful trip. Looks as if we will have a pretty weekend. Peace

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  26. DianeOctober 7, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Beautiful shots Betsy. I've never been there. Have a good visit. Thanks for your note. Diane

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  27. Busy Bee SuzOctober 7, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    What a truly magical part of our gorgeous world!!
    I love the hoodoos. I really love saying hoodoo.
    Have a great weekend!!!
    xoxoxo

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  28. AnnOctober 7, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    what a spectacular view that is. From the picture of George that looks to be one long hike down. I can imagine how hard the hike back up must be.

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  29. Janice KOctober 7, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    Aren't the colors just magnificent!!

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  30. Arkansas PattiOctober 7, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    Those Hoodoos are amazing and you are right, they look like people.
    George was just a speck. That was some hike.

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  31. AnonymousOctober 7, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Hi Betsy, The only time I have been there was 40 years ago. Time for another visit if we go West again with the trailer. Have a super good weekend!

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  32. ChristineOctober 7, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    What some breath-taking views Betsy! Aren't God's creations so awesome to behold! Hugs!

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  33. LyndaOctober 7, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    Oh, Betsy - - what another phenomenal place you have taken us! We are truly fortunate to know you as a blogger because we see so much of God's beautiful creation through your camera lens.

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  34. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiOctober 7, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Bryce Canyon us really fascinating and magnificent, Betsy. I enjoyed your crystal clear photos of the hoodoos.
    I can't wait to travel to Utah and see all of its sighta one day in the future.
    We really liove in a beautiful country, don't we? have a wonderful weekend!

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  35. Gardener on Sherlock StreetOctober 7, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Awesome! We are planning to make a trip just to focus on Bryce Canyon. I want to hike down into the hoodoos!

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  36. Linda at To Behold The BeautyOctober 7, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    You've captured the wonder and beauty of Bryce Canyon very well, Betsy. And I'm impressed that George hiked down into the canyon. We walked a few feet down the trail at Sunset Point, and turned around. That path was too narrow for me!

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  37. Sally WesselyOctober 7, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    These photos are just amazing. I can't believe I lived in Utah all those years and never went to Bryce Canyon. We keep saying we need to go. We are just going to have to plan a trip next spring.

    George is pretty adventuresome to go all that ways down there. I could barely see him in that one photo. How long did it take him to go down and back?

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  38. SquirrelQueenOctober 8, 2011 at 12:57 AM

    Oh wow, what a gorgeous view you had. The hoodoos in your fourth photo down look like a fairy castle.

    I'm glad you got to see your grandson in the band last night, that would have been fun.

    I hope George's father is doing well. Have a great weekend!

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  39. mudderbearOctober 8, 2011 at 1:03 AM

    Don't you get scared standing on those edges of rock?? They go way, way down there. But seriously, thank you for helping me appreciate my own country so much more than before.

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  40. pennyOctober 8, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    Beautiful views of Bryce Canyon. Its always a pleasure to travel with you and George where ever you two roam.

    Enjoy your weekend, Betsy.

    hugs,
    Pam

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  41. BethOctober 8, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    These views are truly breathtaking! I would love to visit the area some day.
    I have caught up on your posts for this week and I'm partial to the ones showing the Cuyahoga National Park and the Brandywine Falls in Ohio. That's not too far from here--tops 2 hours, even closer than your visit to Hocking Hills! We have friends who live in that area although we've never gone to Brandywine Falls. It might make a good weekend get-away for us. :>)
    The deer scenes are cute and I'd also like to take that train trip as I've told you before.
    Beautiful week of posts, Betsy---makes me want to head out with my camera!

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  42. UnknownOctober 8, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    These are beautiful Photos Betsy.
    And what a stunning Header photo.

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  43. Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotteOctober 8, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    That is truly a magnificent place. I can imagine that being there in person would be awesome.
    I can also imagine your pride while watching your grandson play the drums. Hope the dad is doing ok too :)

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  44. AnonymousOctober 8, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Such incredible beauty! It must really take your breath away to see it in person and behold God's beauty. Love that you captured George on the trail!
    Hope you both have a nice day.

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  45. A Colorful WorldOctober 8, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    Absolutely GORGEOUS! I knew you and George had been out west this summer, just as we were first moving out to Tucson because of his blog pics. I like to imagine we may have crossed paths somewhere on the road! :-) LOVE these wonderful shots! Have never been to Bryce Canyon, but now that we are far closer, I am sure we will make the trip! Can't wait to see more of the pictures you both made! Oh, and thanks for your comments about my blog post! All my best--
    Marie

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  46. Brenda Kay LedfordOctober 8, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    Betsy,
    I love your header photo. The shots of Bryce Canyon are awesome! I love all of the photos. I've never gone there, but enjoyed the tour with your very much. Fantastic posting!

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  47. From the KitchenOctober 8, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Was it you or George hanging over the side of the canyon to get some of the gorgeous shots? And, did you go out on the partial bridge that is clear? It makes my head spin just to think of it.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  48. CatherineOctober 8, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    I do not think I would want to walk all the way down that trail ~ because then I would have to walk back up!!!

    xo Catherine

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  49. WendyOctober 8, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Wow! Your pics are awesome!!! That is one place I'll have to visit!

    Good for George hiking all the way down the canyon and back up again! Sunset point looks really fabulous and I love those hoodoos. LOL!

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  50. AnnesphamilyOctober 8, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    Oh your photos here are gorgeous. What a fantastic trip you had! The rock formations are incredible. Anne

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  51. nannyOctober 8, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!

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  52. ElettraOctober 9, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    This place is stunning, your shots are great and special !!!!!!

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  53. DonnaOctober 9, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    I love it there and want to go back! We got to stay in one of those lovely old cabins, not far from the rim. I will always treasure the photo shoot one early April morning, waiting for the sunrise to light up the finery rock colors. Spectacular! This place should be on everyone's "must see" list, I agree!

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  54. Fred AltonOctober 9, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    What a beautiful place Bryce Canyon is. I would love to hike down into the canyon - if I had a good tent and three days to climb back out. That part could be torture! ☺

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  55. ruthinianOctober 9, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    this place is magical. i've been dreaming to see this place someday... soon.

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  56. MaryOctober 9, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Beautiful scenery! That trip was a really great photo op from beginning to end :-)

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  57. LorenOctober 11, 2011 at 12:26 AM

    WOW Betsy! I cannot even imagine being there in person. Talk about being awe struck!!

    I bet George was in Heaven! How cool it must have been to stand up and look at the Gods amazing creation!!!

    Thank you so much for sharing this!

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  58. Yee LingOctober 11, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    Awesome hoodoos. The pictures are fabulous!

    Blog Hopping from Claire's blog and would like to say Hello to you.

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  59. Chatty CroneOctober 11, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Those are awesome pictures of Bryce Canyon.

    Did you hear in England today a big cliff just feel in the ocean from erosion.

    Nature is an odd thing especially this year.

    Looks like another great place.

    sandie

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