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.
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.
11 comments:
Dear Carola, what a beautiful place!!! Your photos are gorgeous and captivating. Thank 😊 you so much for sharing your journey.
...Carola, Bryce Canyon is gorgeous, particularly in winter. Thanks for showing we these gorgeous scenes.
We have a few hoodoos here in Alberta but NOTHING that can match the sheer magnificence of this scenery!
Ds erste Photo sieht aus wie ein Gemälde! Wahnsinn! Inspiration Point passt als Name!
Wow, das ist eine so tolle Landschaft! Und dann noch Raben!
Weiße Weihnacht - oh, daran kann ich mich kaum erinnern und ja, der sieht aus wie ein Bär, der Stumpf!
Dem einen Baum ist es aber echt egal, dass er keine "Erde" hat! Die Natur ist ein echter Meister! Oder Überlebenskünstler.
Frohe Weihnachten, das war ein ganz, ganz toller Post, danke!
Beautiful images of a stunning part of the world. I’m always in awe how trees can survive in very hostile environments and how their tree roots become exposed in an effort to cling on. A metaphor for life I guess. B x
It is an absolutely spectacular landscape, Carola. It is impossible not to be moved by these surreal formations the Earth has thrust up and weathered for us to contemplate. The stump resembles a bear so well that at a first glance I thought you had come across one. Thanks for including the Ravens. They are supremely intelligent birds as you point out and very tough. They survive, and even prosper when left alone by humans, in the harshest of landscapes, even in the high Arctic. It is easy to understand why they occupy such a prominent place in the beliefs of Native people. Many hugs - David
Hello Carola! Happy Friday! I must say these photos are all so breathtaking! I've never seen rock and mountains and sun like this. I love how the sun gives the rock so much warmth. Your picture is so cute bundled up in warm clothing. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. Absolutely wonderful! It makes me want to travel again. :) have a lovely weekend! All the best, Maria
I feel like I was back in Bryce again, except for the snow. You captured the essence of the park Carola. I love the ravens there; they are quite the showmen/showwomen aren't they? And all those scraggly dead trees. What a super trip you had. Thanks for sharing. hugs-Erika
Wow! Magnificent photos of that beautiful place ~ beyond words ~ glad to you enjoying ~ hugs,
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Holy cow!! That is ACTUALLY stunning. Look at those photos!
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OMGosh these are beyond stunning photos of Bryce. I have been there several times and your photos bring back some very nice memories. Thank so much for sharing with FFO and have a wonderful weekend.
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