I have traveled to more than 40 countries and always was a bit of a snob about traveling in the U.S., but my recent trip to Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks changed all that.
Yes, I know most people have seen the Grand Canyon already. Talking to more than 20 of my friends prior to my trip, about 90% had. It was time. So off I went, inspired by my dear niece Marissa who had quit her ultrasound job at Children’s Hospital to road trip for six months and hike the national parks all over the country.
Stunning scenery as I was driving back to my hotel after visiting the Grand Canyon.
The places I saw on my one-week trip were jaw-dropping beautiful. Around every corner there was more gorgeous terrain. I could almost stop this blog here and let the photos speak for themselves. It was truly stunning.
When I booked this trip, I expected to be in 85 degree, baking sunshine. Suffice it to say, I arrived at the north rim of the Grand Canyon in a pelting snowstorm. It was amusing more than irritating and had it’s own charm. Crazy snow, coming down as if it was the middle of winter. I could see some of the canyon, and it looked lovely, but definitely couldn’t see its expanse.
The north rim of the Grand Canyon in the middle of a snowstorm.
But here is the really cool part: As I was driving down from the visitors’ center, still in the national park, and still in the snow, I had to drive super slow in my two-wheel drive rental car. At one point, I was going through this massive snowfield and a wolf (yes, a real-life wolf) ran through, diagonally from left to right. Nature at its finest. The animal was magnificent and I was reminded that for everything you don’t see, you see something else.
The following day I toured Zion National Park via a couple hikes. It was also remarkably gorgeous and the positive energy amongst the (too many) hikers was contagious. I didn’t do the full-on famous Angels Landing, but did climb 1000 ft to Scouts Landing to watch all the young daredevils take on the dangerous cliffy climb. It was all good fun.
The next day I did another awesome hike in Zion, the Canyon Overlook Trail. This hike had the most bang for the effort, including cave-like overhangs, wildflowers and great views of the entire canyon. And it was kind of sunny, which helped. I then made my way to Bryce Canyon National Park, the one with all the hoodoos. What a great word, hoodoos.
Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park.
As I entered the park at about 3:30pm, I asked the ranger for a good hike and she recommended one called the Queen’s Garden Trail. It was an excellent tip and as I was starting to descend into the canyon, the snow started again. At this point I was laughing. How much snow and rain could I have on one trip? I did learn later that the average snowfall in Bryce Canyon National Park in May is 15 inches.
Bryce Canyon with a sprinkling of snow and blue skies.
The next day I hiked Red Canyon, traveled to Escalante and took another peek at Bryce Canyon. All good. There was amazing beauty everywhere.
I confirmed on this trip that nature really is good for the soul. And that peacefulness in the midst of great beauty is tough to beat.
I also learned that my home country, the good old USA, is worth some more exploring. I was truly humbled by the magnificence of the scenery I had seen on this trip.
Top photo: Having a power bar lunch on the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park.
