Sunday Duane took me to church in Kanab. We decided that since we were close to Grand Staircase--Escalante National Monument, we would take a Sunday drive that way. Eight miles down the road we turned left onto Johnson Canyon Road. This is an unimproved road that runs north for almost 30 miles through sage desert and Juniper forest. We passed several signs of human occupation, deserted and
modern.
These white limestone cliff were an interesting feature.
This is what we saw most. The draw to this area are the several hiking trails, but since we weren't hiking, we kept on.
Another interesting feature was water. This area was criss-crossed with a number of snow-melt streams, creeks, and rills, many of which ran across the road.
We were excited to see these hoo-doos, but soon found that most of the really interesting features were located in the north east corner of the Monument.
At the end of the road we turned right and continued on the Skutumpah Rd. to the visitors center at Cannonville. This was another Mormon settlement turned village. All of the cities, towns, villages, and hamlets for miles around were settled by the Mormons in this way: Brigham Young picked couples and said you will go there and homestead, and the couples picked up and went. Interesting.
Since it was again chilly and windy, we sat in the truck for our picnic lunch. Across the street we saw this rig. We decided it was the best way to visit all the national parks and monuments in this area!
From Canyonville, we could drive back the way we came (not happenin') or go north to rd 62 and take an afternoon tour of Bryce Canyon. Good choice. Here at last was the interesting and jaw-dropping scenery we were hoping for. This is the land of hoo-doos! The one below was a tiny taste of what was to come.
As usual, we drove through ever-changing scenery (upland meadow here) to the entrance of Bryce.
Once again our parks pass got us in free, and I got my passport stamped. (Unfortunately, none of these places have a pressed-penny machine.) Since the Memorial Day weekend make this very popular park crowded, we were advised to park and take the shuttle. We decided to ride to the end of the park, then get off at each vista in turn. The shuttle is free and circulates every 15 minutes. Unfortunately, this shuttle only circulated around the four most popular vistas at the head of the park. We skipped the third and fourth and got off at the second--Sunset Point.
We walked the short rim trail to the next vista--Sunrise Point. There vistas are around 8ooo feet. We had sunshine with big puffy clouds and a brisk wind which made waiting for the shuttle uncomfortable, so we shuttled back to the truck and drove all the way to the end of the park.
There were several grassy meadows where wildlife crossed the road. We happened along as this herd of antelope was grazing and crossing.
Bryce Canyon is located on the Paunsaugunt Plateau (one of the plateaus that make up the Grand Staircase) and within the Dixie National Forest. It was named after the Mormon settler that homesteaded there. The Bryce homestead was a regular stopping place between Tropic on the north and Canyonville on the south. The canyon was formed by water and ind erosion which sculpted the soft rock and divided the plateau by deep gully's. The plateau on the left was once part of the one where we are standing taking the picture. Now it is 30 miles away.
This formation is called Natural Bridge. Technically, a bridge is formed by water running through rock. This was formed by erosion and is really an arch. In this visitors are invited to get up close and personal with all rock formations. The Under-the Rim Trail runs the entire length of the park. From every viewpoint there are connector trails to it. These trails also serve as short walks to see the various features up close.
Hoo-doos and valley floor. The town of Tropic is somewhere out of sight at the end of the canyon.
We both love the hoo-doos, but I especially like these Creme-Cicle rocks. (You do remember Creme Cicle push-ups, don't you?!) This was our last and best stop of the day. This amphitheater of grottos and spires was truly amazing. There were three more vistas, but we spent the day at 9000' ft with a cold wind blowing and were very cold!
On our way out of the park, we were on the lookout for wildlife. Just before sunset seems to be the ideal time to spot feeding animals, and we weren't disappointed.
Mule deer crossing the road in front of us.
Well pleased with our day of touring we headed home. It was 100 mile of scenic drive and we arrived home with enough daylight left to enjoy it all.
Next time--more shuttle fun.
Louise and Duane
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