Tuesday 27 May, Bryce Canyon, UT

Ruby's Inn(via Zion NP and Bryce Canyon NP)

Pre-Zion
Ever the explorer and noticing a steep-gradient road to the west of Zion, I had already added this short 60 mile detour to our itinerary:

Kolob Terrace Road
A wonderful barren hilly and primitive rote to the west f Zion which gave up sheer cliffs, fractured strata, a dry canyon, wonderful eroded rock features, some thousands of feet high, and many tortured trees.
Back in the town of Virgin (whose river we crossed several times during today), I saw a young boy walking his lamb (on a rope) to school!
Bizarre!

Zion National Park
This was an unexpected marvel of a national park – a real stunner in terms of small size yet immense features contained within. Despite lack of any information as to where to park and catch the shuttle bus (mandatory from May to October to reduce the impact f visitors on the park’s environs), we found one of the helpful ‘park & ride places.
The shuttle bus service was great, with drivers giving commentary and information about the park and its wildlife. Our first driver (Bent) was Danish, and not a great conversationalist. Our second driver (Matt), was much more lively and informative!
The buses were articulated two carriage units and ran on propane. I think that many parks could benefit from this service. We were able to get off and on at about 9 stops along the route, with an interval of about 10-12 minutes between buses.
The journey from the visitor centre to the Temple of Sinawava (top of the park) took about 30 minutes. With stops and walks our return journey took just over 90 minutes.
What a find!

Bryce Canyon
Arrived around 5pm and had an hour and a half photographing one skyline arch (unimaginatively called ‘Natural Bridge). A shuttle service exists, and like Zion, these are a good idea, but this service ceases at 5 so we missed it and thus increased our carbon footprint!
The park itself contains numerous highly coloured (from the different ages of sandstone), and picturesque pinnacles and spires, many of which stand in amphitheatre arrays to the east of the park road.
Various native American peoples lived in the region where Bryce Canyon now sits, for over 2000 years. Writings and food storage evidence is visible in the cliffs along the length of the park..

Journey Notes and Details
From Las Vegas, northeast on the I-15, past St George.
Right (east) onto UT-9 towards and through Hurricane.
Continue north towards La Verkin, then right (east) towards Zion NP.
After this, continue east to Mt Carmel Junction, then left (north) onto UT89, towards Panguitch.
Right and junction with UT-12 to Bryce Canyon.
Right (south) down UT-63 (park road), and back to Ruby’s Inn
Distance: 331
Duration: 12hrs