While we were there we couldn't drive the entire 18 mile road as they were doing a "prescribed fire." These controlled burns are done when there is a lack of natural fire, resulting in a high fire risk and a change in the forest structure. The prescribed fire is used to restore the forest health and reduce risk of wildfires. Anyway, because of this, we started our viewing at the Natural Bridge. This natural bridge was not formed by a stream as true natural bridges are. This would be more acurately called an arch as it was carved by both rain and frost erosion from the top of the rock.
The next viewpoint is Farview Point. Here ponderosa pines begin to give way to Douglas fir and white fir.
At Swamp Canyon you begin to see more of the hoodoos. A hoodoo is a pillar of rock, usually with fantastic shapes, left by erosion.
The Paria View is located just outside the Bryce amphitheater in an area that was carved by the Yellow Creek. The Paria River Valley and Table Cliffs Plateau form its backdrop.
Bryce Point gives you the southern-most view of the Bryce Amphitheater. As you can see, the hoodoos are very clearly defined. You're pretty high here and the air is noticeably thinner as you hike around.
Inspiration Point is just about the center point of the amphitheater. When you look down on these pinnacles and spires, it's just breath taking. Unfortunately I don't think the camera captures the incredible colors which I understand change with the sun.
We decided we were starting to run a little short on time, so we skipped Sunset and Sunrise Points. There are over 50 miles of hiking trails throughout Bryce. With my arthritic knees, we knew I wouldn't be able to hike to the bottom of the canyon and back up, so we decided a trail ride was a good opportunity to get a close-up look at the beautiful rock formations. Brent had the camera, so there are no pics of him. Although, we did purchase one taken while on the ride, but I didn't take time to scan it in. All I will say is that the cowboy said he tried to match up personalities of the riders and the mules. Brent's mule, Bonnie, ate everything in sight and farted throughout the whole trip. Hmmm, that cowboy knew what he was doing! LOL!
Here's a pic of me and my mule, Jewels. Jewels was a clever, sweet, even-tempered girl! 
A great picture of our guide, Brandi, down among the hoodoos.
A great picture of our guide, Brandi, down among the hoodoos.
This formation is known as Thor's Hammer. Brent did a great job snapping these pictures. Between the movement of the mule and the bright light, he had no idea if the pics would turn out or not. I think he did a pretty good job.
The end (so to speak) of a fantastic 1-day trip to Bryce Canyon.
Stay tuned for more of our trip.
2 comments:
I thought Bonnie was Brent's farting mule?
Yes, sorry! My mule's name was Jewels. Fitting for me, eh? LOL!
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