"Life Elevated"
Zion, Bryce Canyon, Utah
On Road Roux’s 1.0 we didn’t get the chance to hit Southern Utah, so visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon were top on our list of things to see this time around. We also figured some fresh air would cure our hang overs from one too many whiskey drinks.
The drive through Utah, boasting its new state slogan, "Life Elevated", was in-fact, quite elevating. We rolled into the town of Springdale, which sits right below the west entrance to Zion National Park around 5pm. The town is actually quite established, so for those who aren't into camping, glamping is for sure an option. Sadly, it was too late to get a camp spot in the park, but a ranger was kind enough to suggest Hi-Road Campground located less than a mile outside the east entrance to the park. We picked up some groceries to make fajitas, filled the gas tank, double checked our wine ration and headed through the park. The drive through Zion was stunning as the sun started to set. The tunnels through the mountains, bright pink rock formations, crazy patterns created from wind and water and plants sprouting from every crevice - all create such an interesting landscape. We made it to the campground which had a bunch of great spots to choose from, several suggesting access by 4-wheel drive. We took the Ruby Sue off roading and found a great spot to settle in for the night. After a camp stove dinner, cards and some wine, we were ready to snuggle into our tent, complete with new camping mats (these REI mats really are THE KEY to a good nights sleep).
The next morning, we drove back through the park enroute to a hiking trail. Zion’s true beauty cannot be captured from just driving through it, it’s really meant to be hiked. There's also a shuttle tour that only the park shuttles can take to additional look out points, but no pets allowed! Because we were strapped with time and had a four legged friend with us, we were only allowed to hike the Pa'rus Trail by the entrance to the park. By 11am it had already hit 90 degrees and Roux wasn’t making it much further than soaking herself in the river that runs through the park. We packed up and headed out, noting that we will need come back to Zion for the full experience, but at least we got to scratch the pink surface.
Located only a short 1.5 hours away was our next natural beauty, Bryce Canyon National Park. Although close in proximity, it’s quite different than Zion, and actually not a canyon. It’s a series of amphitheaters that are etched into pink limestone, visible from the lookouts located all over the 37-mile scenic drive around the park. We scored a spot inside the park at Sunset Campground and road back out for the scenic drive around the park. Our favorite new word of the day was hoodoo! A hoodoo (also called a tent rock, fairy chimney or earth pyramid) is a tall, thin spire of rock that protrudes from the bottom of a basin. These natural colorful spires have been created from wind and water are all over the park and make it look a bit crazy and honestly, fake. Our first stop was the Bryce Amphitheater which was spectacular! We realized that the rest of the tourists had the same idea and the parking lot was packed. We decided to head to the very end of the park and make our way backward. Brilliant! We had the majority of the look out points to ourselves. While Zion was cool and big, Bryce was bizarre and nutty. We hit loads of lookouts and headed back to camp for dinner and some star gazing.
Unfortunately, not all things go quite as planned. While putting the tent together, the middle stake that supports the entire structure snapped and the clouds roll in. It’s these moments that duck tape come in handy, which, of course we did not bring. Recalling all of those MacGyver episodes from childhood years, Tim rigged the tent up with the help of a few trees and some rip cord. Thankfully, no flash floods, but the clouds managed to cover what is supposed to be one of the best star gazing spots in the country. With a solid nights’ sleep in our half functioning tent, we strolled out early in the morning for one last view at Inspiration Point. Although we did not get to wish upon a star, Utah was quite magical. If you are ever in the area, make sure to hit BOTH parks, and say hi to some hoodoos for us. Next stop…Arizona?
Parks: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park
Camping: Hi-Road Campground, Sunset Campground