Onward to Bryce

Since we were staying west of Zion, we had two routes we could take to Bryce Canyon National Park.  We could take I 15 north, then work our way east and north or we could cut off quite a few miles by driving route 9 through the park.  We took the shorter route which involves a heck of a climb with switchbacks and a drive through a mile long tunnel.  The maximum combined length is 50 feet and, although we are just under that, we detached the car for the climb.

The tunnel is one way when large vehicles are driving through and since there are always RVs, it's basically one way.  I snapped this picture of Ron when we passed one of the windows in the tunnel.

Blurry, but effective.

On the upper level of Zion, the formations are generally white cliffs, instead of the red of the lower level.

 

We passed Checkerboard Mesa.

Once out of the park, we went north on US 89 for a relaxing drive along the Sevier River, then turned east on US 12 where we passed through Red Canyon, a precursor of things to come.

We could see by the RV in front of us that this tunnel was a snap.

We caught up to Diana for our stay outside of Bryce and took the car for our first glimpse of the hoodoos at Fairyland Point.  

Do they look like fairies to you?

No matter how many times I visit Bryce Canyon NP, I am always amazed by the beauty of the place.  However, the next morning, I was struck dumb with awe when we viewed the hoodoos in early morning light.  Stay tuned for that.