Stayed near Panguitch Utah to see Bryce Canyon. Actually, we were a bit closer to the Park (thankfully) by camping at Red Canyon Village RV Campground on Hwy 12 itself. Shaved off a good 20 minutes. Very close to Red Canyon by just a few miles.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Finding ourselves here at the beginning of September, the crowds had died down somewhat. Shuttle service was offered for the first portion (the Bryce Amphitheater), but we found that the traffic was light enough to take our own car in. Parking spots are very limited, so the Shuttle would definitely be the way to go in the busy season. Bristlecone Pine Loop Trail was enjoyable, located at the end of the 18 mile Park road. Tip for Sunset: don’t go to the popular Sunset Point overlook, but rather to Fairyland Point. Although we weren’t present at either location for sunset, I can see why someone recommended this tip. We also took the time to see Mossy Cave, which was a short and fun hike – the grotto itself was dry with no waterfall, but the moss still had enough humidity to thrive. There was some water still flowing through the canal (man-made by the Mormans years ago via picks and shovels to divert water 17 miles away in Tropic UT) which had quite a large and fun waterfall.
Finding ourselves here at the beginning of September, the crowds had died down somewhat. Shuttle service was offered for the first portion (the Bryce Amphitheater), but we found that the traffic was light enough to take our own car in. Parking spots are very limited, so the Shuttle would definitely be the way to go in the busy season. Bristlecone Pine Loop Trail was enjoyable, located at the end of the 18 mile Park road. Tip for Sunset: don’t go to the popular Sunset Point overlook, but rather to Fairyland Point. Although we weren’t present at either location for sunset, I can see why someone recommended this tip. We also took the time to see Mossy Cave, which was a short and fun hike – the grotto itself was dry with no waterfall, but the moss still had enough humidity to thrive. There was some water still flowing through the canal (man-made by the Mormans years ago via picks and shovels to divert water 17 miles away in Tropic UT) which had quite a large and fun waterfall.
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Red Canyon National Forest.
I enjoyed this area almost more than Bryce Canyon! It was so beautiful, especially during the late afternoon and Golden Hour when the soils/rocks glowed red. Very very scenic. We devoted one day here and could have easily spent two or three additional days exploring. There is a very nice bike trail starting here that moves westward all the way into Bryce. Lots of pretty shaded National Forest campgrounds located in this canyon too.
I enjoyed this area almost more than Bryce Canyon! It was so beautiful, especially during the late afternoon and Golden Hour when the soils/rocks glowed red. Very very scenic. We devoted one day here and could have easily spent two or three additional days exploring. There is a very nice bike trail starting here that moves westward all the way into Bryce. Lots of pretty shaded National Forest campgrounds located in this canyon too.
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Hwy 12 Scenic Byway ride.
This highway was so pretty, and starts at Panguitch (or more accurately, Red Canyon village where we camped) and goes all the way to Torrey Utah, home of Capitol Reef National Park). This highway is not for the faint of heart, and is NOT recommended for big RV’s. We took Lois down the road for a bit beyond Bryce, but in the coming days once hitting the road for Torrey, we had to divert Clark around and take a longer route.
This highway was so pretty, and starts at Panguitch (or more accurately, Red Canyon village where we camped) and goes all the way to Torrey Utah, home of Capitol Reef National Park). This highway is not for the faint of heart, and is NOT recommended for big RV’s. We took Lois down the road for a bit beyond Bryce, but in the coming days once hitting the road for Torrey, we had to divert Clark around and take a longer route.
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Hwy 143 “Patchwork Parkway National Scenic Byway” scenic ride.
If you have extra time in the area of Panguitch, then don’t miss the chance to drive this highway. Cedar Breaks National Monument was a surprise, and a fantastic treat! High elevation overlooks and cool temps (about 10 degrees cooler in the late afternoon, and I imagine 10 degrees more once the sun goes down).
Hwy 143 “Patchwork Parkway National Scenic Byway” scenic ride.
If you have extra time in the area of Panguitch, then don’t miss the chance to drive this highway. Cedar Breaks National Monument was a surprise, and a fantastic treat! High elevation overlooks and cool temps (about 10 degrees cooler in the late afternoon, and I imagine 10 degrees more once the sun goes down).
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My birthday was here, and I of course had to indulge my Tutu Fun – twice in one day!.
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My birthday was here, and I of course had to indulge my Tutu Fun – twice in one day!.
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