Bryce Canyon City, UT to Page, AZ

We got a little bit of a late start, unsure why that is but it worked out beautifully. We entered Bryce Canyon National Park and were a bit disappointed because we saw more fog. We continued driving in and realized that the fog was just sitting in the valley and we could see the beautiful hoodoos and forests in the park. As we continued on the scenic drive, the trees became white. They were encased by a combination of ice and snow. Each needle, twig, branch, was crystallized and encapsulated in ice. It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. The sun started to come out and break up the fog. Freshly fallen snow sat on the unique rock formations. Ice crystals stood stiff on needles and branches. The world looked as if the fog settled down on these life forms for the night, leaving them white and icy for the morning. One stunning view that I cannot forget and will most likely never see again occurred driving into the park. We passed a remnant of forest that had been consumed by wildfire. The trees were blackened and charred, yet it was as if they were given new life by this stiff icy coating that covered every detail on every branch of every tree. The views were stunningly beautiful. I captured some beautiful photos, not because I was spot on with my settings but because Mother Nature was wearing some of her rarest and best colors for us.

After experiencing such beauty, we grabbed a bit before we hit Zion National Park. Normally, I would not bore you with such a mundane stop but there was a dog. This dog did not have a collar, leash, or owner. It began chasing our car and when he saw Kobi, he continued to bark and circle the car even after we had gone into the store. This little terrier mix was harassing Kobi from the outside….and then as we ready to leave, he just left. Odd, but worth noting!

We continued on scenic US 12 to Zion National Park. Upon arrival, fossilized sand dunes towered over us. We were able to walk somewhat with Kobi and then Nate and I hiked the Temple to Sinawava Trail. We were walking in a canyon on a trail that had just recently reopened due to falling ice. The cliff faces drip water in the canyon and as temperatures dropped massive icicles formed. There were mosses, lichens, ferns, and cacti growing out of the cliff faces. What a resilient little ecosystem!

We grabbed a beer and a meal (Note* you had to be ordering a meal and siting down or you would not be served a beer). We decided to carry on to Flagstaff AZ. As we were driving we actually stopped in Page, AZ for the night because we wanted to see Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam.