Bryce Canyon National Park

Our first major objective of the trip was Bryce Canyon National Park, which we had visited a couple of times before, but were in need of a refresh. We arose before first light, quietly got out of camp, and drove the 1/2 hour or so to the park, trying to beat the crowds and catch the great morning light that hits the canyon. Parking was not a problem, and we reached Sunrise Point on the rim a few minutes after sunrise. Perfect timing, though we weren't even close to being the only ones with that idea! Imagine that!

It was definitely a people scene at the beginning of our hike down into the "amphitheater", but that eased once we started hiking down the horse trail (whoops! not optimal, but not the end of the world, either). The light and the formations were mind-blowing, and our extended hike just kept providing ever-changing views. It was pretty magical moving up, around, and through these crazy rocks. The 3-dimensionality that you perceive when moving through them was phenomenal, and I realized that even the best photos don't capture that. The crowds surged as we got close to the rim (at Sunset Point), since the busses had arrived and people were dipping their toes into the hiking. We spent a bit more time hiking and driving along the rim before heading back to camp. A truly great morning!