Bryce Canyon National Park - The Land of the Hoodoo - June 8-9

Well, we were only planning one night at Lake Powell.  But, we arrived late enough in the afternoon that we decided to stay two nights and get caught up on laundry and resupplying.

Today, we're on our way up (both geographically and elevation-wise) from Lake Powell to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Every journey deserves a little something special.  We found this German Bakery in Orderville, UT, about an hour before we got to Bryce.  Delicious!

Back on the road!

 We're there!  We were able to get a first-come campsite in the North Campground, just inside the entrance and right across the road from the Visitor's Center!  Major Score!  Now to set up and get ready for tomorrow.

Bryce Canyon is a small national park in southwestern Utah. Named after the Mormon Pioneer Ebenezer Bryce, Bryce Canyon became a national park in 1928.

Bryce is famous for its worldly unique geology, consisting of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. The erosional force of frost-wedging and the dissolving power of rainwater have shaped the colorful limestone rock of the Claron Formation into bizarre shapes including slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called "hoodoos." Tinted with colors too numerous and subtle to name, these whimsically arranged rocks create a wondrous landscape of mazes, offering some of the most exciting and memorable walks and hikes imaginable.

Ponderosa pines, high elevation meadows, and fir-spruce forests border the rim of the plateau and abound with wildlife. This area boasts some of the world's best air quality, offering panoramic views of three states and approaching 200 miles of visibility. This, coupled with the lack of nearby large light sources, creates unparalleled opportunities for stargazing.

This is the highest point in Bryce - 9115 ft above sea level!

Annie got to see the sights as well.

Yes, they have plastic gloves on their hands.  Part of becoming a Junior Ranger at Bryce is picking up at least 10 pieces of trash.  Lizzie did 40!

Second highest point on the scenic drive and one of the three cutest girls!

 This is called Natural Bridge.

 Doesn't she look excited?

The "swearing in" ceremony for the Junior Ranger badge.

 This is part of Red Canyon - part of the National Forest just outside Bryce.