Bryce Canyon National Park

“The best 3-mile hike in the world!”

So the visitor’s guide to Bryce Canyon National Park proclaims. I have to agree. At least in the realm of easy day hikes I’ve done, this little 3-mile loop between Sunrise and Sunset points in Bryce Canyon National Park tops the list. It’s listed as the Queen’s Garden-Navajo Loop Trail linkup.

Bryce greeted us in its best early-December holiday attire with a layer of fresh snow carpeting its floors and capping its canyon walls. Mid-30-degree highs and 20-degree lows kept the park empty save for a few van campers; it was as if the park was rewarding us with spectacular displays, from sunrises that broke through early morning snow clouds, to intense blue sky middays, to sunsets that rapidly shifted the warm daytime glow to cold gusts through the canyons.

If you can time a visit after fresh snow, the colors against a blue sky and orange walls are spectacular.

You start out on top of the world with a sweeping vista of hoodoos, quickly descending between orange fins. Just 5 minutes into the hike, this was my “oh shit this is going to be spectacular” moment.

The crisp contrast between blue sky blue, white snow, and orange rock changes to softer watercolor-like transitions in the orange hues of the walls as you descend.

It’s like walking into a whimsical fairyland or Dr. Seuss book. The view constantly changes, every few minutes presenting a perfect place to meditate or do yoga–except you can’t keep still–your attention’s pulled in every which direction. I was almost anxious trying not to miss anything.

The bottom of the hike has a surreal orange glow from the sunlight echoing off the orange walls on to the snow. And, before you know it, you’re trudging up the switchbacks to the top.

We decided to hit Sunrise and Sunset points during their namesake hours. Sunset was quick over the highest canyon walls, forming a distinct line between warm and cold. Ravens circled above the canyons for about 30 minutes after the sun disappeared but before dark. Their cries echoed between the narrow canyons in the cold, still, dry air.

Sunset point at sunset

Sunrise was surprisingly intense. I had been expecting a softer glow, especially since it was cloudy with light snow showers, but the sun rose straight over the horizon and broke through the clouds.

Sunrise point at sunrise

After sunrise, take a car tour. The park’s main 2-lane road stretches for 18 miles with 10+ pullouts to overlooks and trailheads. Stop at them all. You’ll get vast, sweeping views of miles of orange rock to closer looks at the fins, windows, and spires of each phase of erosion that creates the hoodoos. Go back to your favorite lookouts at different parts of the day for a new view.

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