Mar 10 - Bryce Canyon

Heading to southern UT today for a change of scenery. And Bryce Canyon is a great start. I haven't been there in 3 years and I've never been during the winter (which is why I'm heading there). I'm not sure what to expect as Bryce is at 8000+ ft and southern UT received a bunch of snow early in the season but as with the Salt Lake area, warm temps and little snow dominated Feb - I don't know how much snow (if any) to expect. So off I go armed with winter gear (snowshoes, YakTraks, insulated boots) and regular hikers and shorts.

It's a sunny day and it's supposed to be around 50 degrees at Bryce Canyon.

I see my 1st bfly this season -- it was large and looked dark but that's all I could tell as it was crossing the hwy as I sped by. I can't image what it could be except perhaps a Monarch/Viceroy.


I see another butterfly as I turn onto Hwy 12 outside Panguitch towards Bryce Canyon. This one looked black - the only black bflies I know don't fly here. Hmmmmm???

Well there's definitely not a lot of snow around here except in the shady spots.

I pass Red Canyon (tomorrow's destination) and then pass by the Bryce Canyon entrance as I head to my first stop, Mossy Cave - actually it's grotto created by an underground spring.

Mossy Cave is roadside stop between Bryce and Tropic UT. I was there 4-5 yrs ago in Sept; cute little trail leading to a very green, moss covered opening with water dripping from the ceiling (hence the name, Mossy Cave). In the winter, the dripping water is suppose to form huge ice formations (ice stalagmites and stalactites). I'm hoping to see that - if it hasn't melted by now :)

The scenery around the cave is much like that of the lower section of Bryce Canyon as it is on the edges of the park.

When I arrive there's only a couple of cars in the parking area. I take the beautiful little hike along a stream bed towards the cave. The stream is running but the flow is low - very nice to listen to though. 

The trail crosses two bridges and along the way I see to waterfalls - both just trickles of water.

I arrive at the cave. Yes! There's ice! Very tall formations! (And an iced over small tree.) Very cool!!

Now I can head happily to Bryce Canyon. On the way back, I hear dried leaves moving around. I look for the source; under a tree scratching around in the leaves is a Spotted Towhee.

On wards to Bryce Canyon.

My first stop is Sunset Point. Unfortunately, there is no snow on the formations as I hoped but there is some snow around - and hey, it's still amazingly pretty.

I head down to the "Amphitheater" (the canyon bottom) on the Navajo Loop trail. Typically, this is combined with the trail up thru "Wall Street" but that stretch is closed so I'll combine it with the Queen's Garden trail to complete my loop ending at Sunrise Point (approx. 2.9 miles).

The trail down is for the most part clear - a few areas of mud and I remember only one small section of packed snow (a few steps in length). There's still snow in shady cracks and crevices -- the whole way is just beautiful.

This time, I make it a point acknowledge seeing Thor's Hammer! I've past it on previous trips without realizing it but this time I make sure I notice it!

I reach the "bottom" and make a very short detour to the 2 bridges

And then turn left to go up the Queen's Garden Trail.

Although I saw many people heading up and down the Navajo Trail, I see only few people on the Queen's Garden Trail (I guess going down and then back up Navajo is the people's choice of the day; but they are so missing out!) 

Along the way, I see some chipmunks and a Stellar's Jay.

As I head up from the bottom, there are incredible views every direction and they only get better as I climb.

And 3 tunnels to pass thru!

Can't forget, Balanced Rock.

The views out to the east are so clear - I can see for miles!

Awesome hike!

As I walk back to Sunset Point (and my car), I notice this one hardy tree hanging on with fully exposed roots.

Now it's time to hopefully find some snow at the highest point of the park (9100ft) at Rainbow Point. I do run into snow as I drive up; seems like about 3ft remaining along some portions of the drive nearing Rainbow Point.

In the Rainbow Point parking area, there's a good amount of snow; the Bristlecone Trail is still buried.

The views are good.

But personally, I think Sunset and Sunrise Points have the best views. (Bryce Point would be next.)

On the way down, I stop at all of the viewpoints including the Natural Bridge.

There's a chipmunk laying on a small rock basking in the remaining sunlight while enjoying the views of the bridge too!

On the way out of the park, I see 4 deer heading near the road. In fact, 2 of them cross in front of me. I carefully leave the other 2 still eating very near my car.

A nice ending to end awesome day!