Christmas in Bryce Canyon

 

We arrived at Bryce Canyon the day before Christmas Eve and didn't go into the park that day. We were tired from the long drive and our stop at Cathedral Gorge. It was getting dark early as well, so we opted for a good dinner in Ruby's restaurant. 

This is a photo heavy post, but thankfully less "talk" from me.

When we're in Bryce we always watch the sunrise at least once. Winter and cold doesn't discourage us. We bundled up and drove out to the parking lot of Inspiration Point. Bryce Canyon faces East, so it's perfect for a sunrise.

You will notice different colors in the photos. This is because a) the light constantly changes and b) I was working with two cameras, my phone and my DSLR which both display colors differently.

Of course I had to put a tree in the picture...

Look at these two trees - those roots are impressive, and I liked the way this tree is twisted.

There is one hike in Bryce Canyon that we love and have done a couple times. You go down Navajo Trail which passes through the hoodoos deep into the "canyon" (Bryce Canyon is actually NOT a canyon) and eventually hike up to the rim via Queens Garden. It's quite strenuous in parts. The Geek wanted to do it again, but I knew that with my highly annoying cough and the thin air (Bryce Canyon is at an altitude of 9100 ft/2773 m) I would never get up the last steep part of Queens Garden trail. So the Geek left on his own whereas I explored the park at bit more.

The start of Navajo Trail

It winds its way deep through these hoodoos

Queens Garden Trail almost at the rim

I drove to the very end of the road and stopped at the natural bridge. I have always loved this view and it didn't disappoint this time either.

The little bits of snow drew interesting patterns in the rock.

There were more trees that I could photograph.

And I was very happy to "chase" the ravens.

The next morning - Christmas Day - had a lovely surprise: snow!

The clouds were already looming and chasing along the sky, providing ever changing colors and patterns.

Don't you think this tree stump looks like a bear?

With snow the red rock really "pops".

Did I mention the trees? It always fascinates me where they are still able to grow. I can't imagine a world without trees.

Someone had built a tiny snowman.

We met friendly people who took our "Christmas photo". This is for Nicole's Friday Face Off.

You can see how bundled up we were. It was very very cold, but oh, so beautiful.

A few more photos... this is such a favorite place of ours. It doesn't matter how often we come here (I think this was our seventh or eighth visit), we never get tired of this wonderful, amazing place. Nature - our church.

These little guys were very entertaining. Ravens are fascinating birds.

But on the horizon we could already see that the following day wouldn't be as beautiful as this one.

The last sunrise in Bryce Canyon (that didn't happen) before we said goodbye.