Did you know you can backpack Bryce Canyon?
This trip took a little longer than expected. We tried before, but Tina didn't feel well the night before, so we decided to come back another day. That was a pretty good decision since this isn't what I'd call an easy hike. Anyway, the time finally came to try again, and....spoiler, we went.
I always wanted to backpack Bryce Canyon National Park. But after researching it a bit, it seemed like the normal backpacking route - the Under the Rim Trail - didn't have the views I expected from Bryce. It was explained as more of a forest hike where you could view the yellowish-orange cliffs of Bryce from a distance. So I decided to make my own route that included the more 'traditional' Bryce views.
We went in at Sunset Point, taking the Navajo Loop and then Peek a Boo loop trails. The views were stunning. From Thor's Hammer to the switchbacks, the Navajo Loop did not disappoint. Sure, there were a lot of people, but these are popular trails. It's to be expected. And after a short hike to the bottom, the crowds dropped off drastically. I'd hiked this section before, but not the Peek a Boo loop. It also did not disappoint, with amazing views of all of the hoodoos you think of when you picture Bryce Canyon National Park. The climb up to Bryce Point wasn't bad. I find that sometimes when the views and experience are amazing, you kind of forget the physical challenge of a hike. That was certainly the case here.
After Bryce Point, we were finally on the Below the Rim Trail. This is, at least in my research, where the traditional backpacking trail at Bryce picks up. The descent back into the canyon from Bryce Point was gorgeous, but being completely honest, the views dropped off somewhat after that. Don't get me wrong. It was still beautiful. It's just that the views from the Navajo and Peek a Boo Loops had set a high bar. The clouds blew away and the temperatures climbed. We were hiking from shade to shade to take breaks to keep from getting too hot. It wasn't fun, but it worked well enough.
At camp I was absolutely dead. I've finally learned that when I am exposed to extreme heat, my body just runs out of energy. I'm gonna make a mental note of that so I keep myself out of trouble in the future. Anyway, at camp we relaxed and hung out until the sun went down and things cooled off. Night time temps were perfect and we both slept like babies.
We started the day with a steep climb immediately after our campsite. From there it was up and down and up and down. The views from the ridges were incredible, and the forest trail in the low spots provided some nice shade. It was still a hot and difficult day, but that's why we backpack things like this; the challenge just kinda makes the beauty even more memorable.
Eventually, we made it back to the 4Runner and headed home. Um...the end. Anti-climactic, but hey, I'm not a writer and I'm only on my 2nd cup of coffee. You get what you get.
Also, yes, my collar is screwed up for the wrap up. I saw that and it makes me crazy. Not crazy enough to re-shoot it, but my OCD requires that I make it clear I saw it.
Shuttle service:
OK, so we used Red Rock Shuttle. They offer a shuttle from a couple of spots to Bryce, but they are located much closer to Zion National Park. They're actually my go-to shuttle service for Zion. So I guess I'm saying don't use them for Bryce, but not because they aren't awesome. They just come from a long way away, so they're expensive. There is another, closer shuttle service, but I haven't tried it. Since they normally servce Bryce, they're a lot less expensive. Still, Red Rock Shuttle is great, so feel free to use them and definitely use them if you need a shuttle in Zion:
redrockshuttle.com/
Local shuttle (I have not used)
brycecanyonscenictoursandshut...
Permits available at recreation.gov
Music by Artlist:
Suite No. 1 - Ardie Son
Us - Fjodor
Memento Mori - The Duke of Norfolk
Flocks of Light - Yehezkel Raz
Let Go - Roniit
Lover Please Stay - Shtriker Big Band
Denali at Dawn - SPEARFISHER
Love of Mine - The Hunts