Day 40 - April 25, 2008

Move over Arches National Park - you have been replaced in the #1 position by Bryce Canyon National Park. What a phenomenal place. Words just cannot describe it's beauty. This is a magical land, a place of inspiration and spectacular beauty where thousands of intricately shaped hoodoos stir the imagination as they stand in silent watch. This place is truly unique. We had the opportunity to hike the Navajo Loop Trail and the Queen's Garden Trail. What an experience. I know the pictures do not do it justice but I hope you will just sit back and enjoy the majestic beauty of this tremendous place. After our hike we took the scenic drive to several of the overlook view points.

Bryce Canyon Lodge - Built by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1924

"Wall Street"

"Thor's Hammer" - we personally think it looks like ET

Hoodoos - pinnacles of rock, often oddly shaped, left standing after millions of years of water and wind erosion have carved away softer or more protected rock. According to the Paiute legend, these are really "Legend People" who lived here in the old days; for their evil ways, the powerful Coyote turned them to stone, and even today they remain frozen in time.

View from Rainbow Point. The views were quite amazing and encompassed southern Utah.

Agua Canyon - contrasts of light and color that are the best in the park

"Natural Bridge', which isn't really a bridge at all but actually an arch carved by rain and wind, spanning 85 feet.

View from Inspiration Point. Don't you think the name is quite fitting? This is called the "Silent City", a sleeping metropolis of stone.

View of the "The Grottos" from Bryce point

View from Bryce Point

Here we are at Bryce Canyon viewpoint. Incredible sights and incredible day. We are so thankful.