June 21st ~ Bryce Canyon ~
Bryce Canyon National Park ~ Bryce Point
It’s all about the colorful rocks and hoodoos here in Bryce Canyon (which is technically not a canyon at all, but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters). Much smaller than nearby Zion NP, it receives only half as many visitors each year. It also sits at a higher elevation ranging from 6600 feet to 9100 feet at Rainbow Point, the far end of the park.
When we entered the park this morning, we asked a group if they would mind taking a picture of all three of us, and we would be happy to return the favor. They were pleased to help out.
Our trio in front of the National Park sign
After they snapped our picture, I wanted to take our (now traditional) picture of Shirley touching her toes in front of the sign.
I jokingly told the small mass of people waiting their turn to take a picture, to get their cameras ready – “83 year old about to touch her toes”. One of the guys got such a kick out of it, he said “wait, wait!” and quickly joined Shirley in her pose.
Shirley and her new toe touching companion 🙂
We decided to just hit a few of the highlight views of the park today and then have an early evening.
If you drive all the way to the end of the park to Yovimpa and Rainbow Points, and then work your way back toward the entrance it makes it so much easier to do the pull-out scenic stops. Everything is on your right then and you are not crossing traffic.
Natural Bridge
Another scenic overlook
But the jewel in the park is Bryce Amphitheater. There are several places to get spectacular views, but the ranger recommended Bryce Point to us.
Bryce Point – my favorite viewpoint in the park
Shirley and Tim at Bryce Point
Also taken from Bryce Point
The ranger had highly recommended the easy half mile walk between Sunrise and Sunset Points, but we decided to leave that for another time.
NEXT STOP: Grand Canyon National Park
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that others not only were amused by our “toe touching grandma” but gave us an added chuckle by joining in the fun.
A Note From Abroad 
Bryce Canyon is a favorite of mine! One time when we visited, there was still snow. That added an interesting twist to our visit!
So glad you are showing Shirley the good ole USA and its National Parks!
Looking forward to your Grand Canyon posts. Hope you are visiting the south side!
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Yes, we are headed toward the south side now. Won’t get there until this evening, but looking forward to once again seeing those magnificent views.
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Wow! I’ve been to so many parts of Utah, but somehow missed this, thinking it would be more of the same. Boy, was I wrong. It’s gorgeous!
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It is unlike any other of our National Parks – but I could probably say that about most of them. That is what makes visiting as many as possible so fantastic!
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Tim and Joanne, We have been following your blog for quite a while and today I just read your post on Bryce. Wish we had known – we are Workkamping in Bryce Valley KOA until the end of September. Would have loved to meet you in person and share a meal. Are you still in the area? Debbie and Kenny (Rwindingroad.com or dksp1126@gmail.com)
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Oh no, sorry, but we are already on the road toward the Grand Canyon ☹️ We would have enjoyed meeting you and hearing more about your workkamping experience. You certainly chose a beautiful area to base yourselves.
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The ampitheatre makes for a cool view when there’s a full moon too! 😉
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I bet that would be spectacular!
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The ‘Shirley’ pose will probably go viral now! 😀
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HaHa! I would love that to happen ❤️ Maybe we can start a fitness trend for 80+ to touch their toes at famous places.
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I always enjoy your posts and love your gratitude moments. It seems Shirley is a real trooper with a sense of humor. Bryce is beautiful, isn’t it? We’ve been there both in early spring when there was still a lot of snow and later in the year when we could actually hike in among the hoodoos. If you have the chance you should visit the north rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s incredible and not so many people as the south rim.
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We were at the north rim last year. Both views are wonderful. You can’t go wrong with either one. Shirley has done a fab job of just going along with anything we proposed.
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