Wanderbrush

Zion National Park – Day 3

After a jam-packed days in Zion, we decided to take a relaxing detour to Bryce Canyon National Park, even though it wasn’t originally part of our plan. Bryce Canyon is about a two-hour drive from Springdale, and with our big adventure at Angel’s Landing behind us, we thought a low-key day would be the perfect way to unwind before tackling the Narrows on our final day.

We’d earned a bit of sleep after our early start the day before, so we let ourselves sleep in and hit the road around 8:30 a.m. Our first stop was Hoodoo’s, a quirky deli and gift shop right outside Zion. We grabbed smoothies and breakfast sandwiches, and while we were there, we picked up some fun souvenirs for ourselves and friends.

The drive from Springdale to Bryce was a scenic one, winding through small towns and past dramatic buttes and mountains. As we neared Red Canyon, part of Dixie National Forest, we made a quick stop to take photos of the stunning landscapes. The road then led us through a colorful stretch that teased us with views of what was to come.

Arriving at Bryce Canyon’s entrance, we exchanged our national parks pass for a park map, and headed straight to the visitor center. The center was buzzing with the usual collection of postcards, trinkets, and educational displays about the park’s history and geology. After snagging our passport stamp and postcards, we chatted with the rangers about the best hikes for our short visit. They recommended the Navajo Loop Trail, which starts at Sunset Point, and we were sold.

The weather was crisp, not too cold, perfect for a hike. As we approached Sunset Point, we got our first view of Bryce Canyon, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The hoodoos—those iconic, jagged rock spires—stretched out before us, bathed in a warm, orange glow that seemed to pulse with the morning light. It was an awe-inspiring sight, unlike anything we’d seen before.

After a few photos and some time to soak in the views, we set off on the Navajo Loop Trail. The Wall Street section, which is usually closed in winter, was open due to the mild conditions, so we decided to tackle the full loop. The trail was only 1.3 miles with a modest 500 feet of elevation gain, making it a perfect, low-stress hike after the intensity of Angel’s Landing.

We started by descending into the canyon via Wall Street, a narrow passage lined with towering rock walls. We paused frequently to take in the views and snap photos as we made our way deeper into the canyon.

The trail curved around to Two Bridges and Thor’s Hammer, offering up even more incredible perspectives of the hoodoos. After a leisurely ascent up the switchbacks, we found ourselves back at Sunset Point, feeling satisfied with our easy-going hike.

Hunger was setting in by this point, so we headed to Route 12 Grill in Tropic, a no-frills spot tucked inside a gas station that turned out to be a total gem. The buffalo chicken wrap I had hit the spot perfectly, and we refueled with water and snacks before heading back to the park for more exploring.

On the way back, we spotted a small trailhead near the park entrance for Mossy Cave, a quick 0.8-mile hike with only 100 feet of elevation gain. It was a short but sweet detour, offering a unique angle on the park’s landscapes. We got out, stretched our legs, and enjoyed the peaceful, quieter vibe of this little hike.

Feeling recharged, we drove the main park road all the way to Rainbow Point, the farthest viewpoint in the park. We briefly walked along the trailheads and snapped ample pictures as we saw the glimpes of snow splattered throughout the canyon.

Along the way back down the road, we stopped at various pull-offs to take in the views, including Agua and Ponderosa Canyon and the Natural Bridge. The Natural Bridge itself was a highlight—a graceful stone arch carved by the elements over thousands of years. Standing there, I found myself reflecting on how this arch would one day fall, but new ones would rise in its place. It’s those quiet moments of reflection amidst such grandeur that really make these trips special.

As we continued to drive back down, we pulled over at every scenic overlook, soaking in the ever-changing views of the canyon. By the time we returned to Sunset Point, the sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a golden light over the hoodoos. The landscape seemed to come alive in that final light of the day.

On our way back to the car, we spotted a few deer grazing near the trailhead, adding a little wildlife magic to the day. We lingered for a moment, taking in the peaceful scene before we said our goodbyes to Bryce Canyon and started the drive back to Springdale.

As we made our way back to the lodge, we reflected on the day—how the beauty of Bryce Canyon had exceeded all expectations and how fortunate we were to experience such a place. Our last adventure awaited, but for now, we were content with the memories of this quiet, awe-inspiring day in the park.

Next stop: hiking the Narrows!