Day 2: Killarney, Ireland (Castlerosse Park Resort and Killarney National Park)

We spent days 2 through 6 in Killarney (Sunday through Thursday, 4 nights) and it was magical. Ireland's beauty is quiet here in the states in the sense that you don't hear much about it, but it is so apparent when you spend time in this country, especially outside its major city. The greenery, the restaurants, the outdoors, the friendly people, the amazing food, we fell in love with Ireland and it started right here in Killarney.

Between the resort we stayed at, the access to the trails and National Park, the city/downtown area itself, and the launching point to Gap of Dunloe, Blarney Castle, Kinsale, and Dingle Peninsula, this corner of Ireland was our favorite. The town itself is dreamy with busy cobblestone streets, live music, quaint shops, a ton of restaurants with outdoor spaces, and everyone out on the sidewalks enjoying a pint. 

Visiting Shenandoah National Park in a Day (in winter, with dogs!)

For me, visiting a National Park in the off-season is the best season. Our National Parks are gems to be shared by all but visiting these parks in the summer and fall months means you will be in the company of others, many others. Trails will be packed, parking lots full, and it can be a lot harder to enjoy the quiet of the outdoors when you are in a crowd. 

Winter is a great time to visit our National Parks as with just a few "restrictions", you will be able to see a national treasure without the crowds. Shenandoah National Park is a great place in the winter as clearer skies offer sweeping views across the valley. No traffic, parking is a non-issue, and the trails are perfectly quiet. While I know this park is breathtaking in the fall, we figured it was beautiful enough to visit in the winter too - just in a different way. Of course, we had our dogs with us, and as it turns out that Shenandoah National Park is one of the most dog-friendly National Parks in the U.S. (only 10 trails are off-limits). 

Sunset (and wedding photos) at Otter Point - Acadia National Park, Maine

Caddilac Mountain in Acadia National Park is famous for its sunrises.  Hoards of people hike or drive their way to the top of the mountain to watch the sunrise on the eastern seaboard, a claim to fame for being the first sight of sunrise in the continental United States from October to March at least. 

But what you hear less about is a killer sunset in Acadia National Park.  If waking up two hours before sunrise to drive or hike up a crowded mountain isn't how you want to spend your morning, you can catch the other end of the deal - sunset at Otter Point.  

When we were planning our wedding photos with Kat of Swell and Stone, she had the idea of pairing an afternoon hike of The Beehive with a stop at Otter Point after our hike to catch the sunset.  

Beehive Trail (in a wedding dress) - Acadia National Park

Kat Carney - Swell and Stone

The Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park is famous for its insane views, interesting terrain, and traverse across iron rungs. Let's just say the Beehive Trail is short, steep, and oh so sweet. There are handholds and ladders where you need it and while there are narrow ledges and spots that are a bit trickier, it isn't nearly as terrifying as the Precipice Trail. Of course, this hike took us about four times longer than it should have because we decided to tackle the trail in some special yet abnormal hiking attire. Adam wore his wedding suit all while carrying my bouquet in our pack. Let's not forget that he also had to help me manage ladders, rungs, and climbs in a fitted wedding dress (train included). 

Precipice Trail - Acadia National Park's Terrifying Trail

This is probably "post number 243" where I tell you how much I hate heights and then I go on some insane hike that tests my limits and my fears. People are often confused about my fear of heights as they see me standing on top of a mountain summit all the time. You see, I can deal with one edge, but I need one side of safety to feel well, safe. Steep cliffy trails - I can manage. A trail like Angel's Landing where there are steep drops on both side? I am happy to wait back at the quitter's corner. But more often than not, I try to push myself and my fear of heights when traveling somewhere new. This hike in this part was no exception. 

The Precipice Trail is one of Acadia National Park's most famous trails. After we had a taste of the Beehive Trail, we were so excited to travel among the parks rung and ladder trails. We hiked the Beehive Trail for our wedding photos and we were blown away by the amazing views and technical aspects of the trail. We hiked the Beech Cliffs trail to get on another iron rung trail while we waited for the Precipice Trail to open "some time" that day.

Beech Cliff Trail - Acadia National Park

We had just finished hiking the Beehive (in full wedding attire) just the day before.   It's easy to say we were in love with the park and were swooning over Acadia's iron rung trails that combine tricky hikes with sweeping views of coastal Maine.  Beehive blew us out of the water and I guess you could say we were quickly becoming rung trail junkies.  These famous trails offer hikers a chance to hike along cliff edges and up steep rocky paths to mountain summits via sets of iron ladders and rungs.  Our next plan was the most famous and challenging of the rung trails.  We set out bright and early for the Precipice Trail first only to realize the trail was closed with an opening date of "some time today".  Instead, we hiked a more tame iron rung trail with the intention of completing the Precipice Trail hike first thing tomorrow morning.  This little detour is how we found ourselves on the quiet side of the park and up the ladders to the views along the Beech Cliff Trail. 

Jordan Pond Loop Hike - Acadia National Park, Maine

 It feels like a lifetime ago that Courtney and I packed up our dogs Olive and Leni alongside our camping gear and summer clothes into my (then) boyfriend's Subaru. We had originally planned this trip with the guys but when work and commitments prevented them from joining, we decided to head north without them for a girls weekend in Acadia National Park (lady dogs included).  Acadia National Park is the only national park here in the northeast and simply put, is a New England treasure.  We had talked about making this long weekend happen and finally put our words into action as we drove north along the coast of Maine.  We stopped in Portland, Maine for a lobster roll and traveled farther north along the scenic route, driving route 1 all the way into Bar Harbor, Maine.  

Guide to Banff in the winter - itinerary, tips, video, and cost

Turning 30 in Banff National Park

The last post of a series is always the best and saddest.  It's the best because I have already spent weeks recapping an amazing trip, detail by detail from what I did to what I ate.  I also get to share a fun video so you can see for yourself just how amazing these places are.  Sad because I can no longer talk about this beautiful destination and the amazing outdoor activities in the area.  But with one return flight home comes another trip planned somewhere else and this month was no different.  After landing back in the U.S. A I was on a plane next week for the American Southwest.  But before we get into saguaros and sunshine, let's talk about snowy Banff National Park one last time.

Visiting Banff National Park

I bet you now by know my trip to Banff National Park in the wintry month of February was purposely planned to celebrate my 30th birthday.  I wanted a unique destination, affordable pricing, and to see somewhere as beautiful (and popular) as Banff in one of its quieter seasons.  If you still need some convincing as to why you should head to Canada in one of her coldest months, then here are six reasons why.   If you are sold and want to see the beauty of Banff under a thick layer of snow, keep reading as I share fun facts on the park and area, information on getting to Banff, need to know details, and what I spent for 6 days, 7 nights in Alberta. 

(Outdoorsy) Long Weekend in LA County & VIDEO

Being a weekend warrior is kind of my thing.  I like to cram as many crazy activities into a weekend as possible.  Because I have a full-time job (and horses, and friends, and family, and a routine) it can sometimes be hard to get away for longer periods of time.  But - you don't need a whole week to get away all the time.  Sometimes, you just need an extra long weekend.  

In this case, four days will get you a lovely taste of southern California from hiking and biking to eating and drinking your way around LA County.  If you are looking for a post on Rodeo Drive or how to hike to the Hollywood Sign, this is not it.  This is more of an outdoorsy/less touristy long weekend in the area.  I flew into LA and never really went to LA because, in all fairness, that city just didn't interest me.  Instead, I spent some time in surrounding Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, and Joshua Tree.  Here is how I spent my four days (Friday to Monday) in LA County.

VIDEO 

Joshua Tree National Park in 1 day

So you want to go to Joshua Tree National Park? 

Oh, and you only have one day.  

You came to the right spot. 

In true KW fashion I am also always trying to cram as much adventure into a day as possible.  Welcome to the guide that will get you into and through the park in one day while seeing some of the bigger sites.  In one day you can fit in an auto tour of the park with a short but steady hike, a cactus stroll and a chance to climb around some rocks shaped like skulls.  With a lot of sites right off the main drive and an early start and a plan, you can get a good taste of Joshua Tree in just one day.  

Hike up Ryan Mountain - Joshua Tree National Park

Views from the summit 

What would a KW trip to a National Park be without a hike?  It would be a sad one of course.  Thankfully, we had just enough time to squeeze in one of the park's most popular hikes before the rain came in.  One of the first things I (almost) always do when visiting a new National Park is stop at the Visitor's Center.  I love to look at the exhibits, check out the shop, and best of all, talk to the rangers.  

Skull Rock - Joshua Tree National Park, California

One thing I really wanted to do while in LA was, in fact, leave LA and drive nearly three hours to the nearest National Park, Joshua Tree.  As I mentioned in my last post I wanted to see California but I really had zero interest in LA or your typical city/touristy sights (no Hollywood Sign or Beverly Hills for me).  

Any chance I have to visit a National Park I jump on it.  One of the first things I did when I planned my California Trip was to see the closest National Park to LAX and Joshua Tree won the ticket.  Joshua Tree isn't the most glamorous of National Parks but for all the desert lovers out there (yep, that's a thing) it is a fantastic park.  From the famous Dr. Suess like Joshua Trees to spectacular hikes and rock formations, Joshua Tree National Park deserves at least a day in your Southern California Itinerary.  I am working on a "24 hours in Joshua Tree" post but for now, I wanted to post about my favorite stops, sights, and hikes within the park.  

Cuyahoga National Park - Ohio

First Impressions:  Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the most confusing National Park I have ever been to.  I am up for our beautiful country taking a special plot of land, putting it in the National Park System, and preserving and protecting it for years to come (especially one so accessible, close to I-90 and the city).  But after visiting at least 10 National Parks in the last few years, ranging from the amazing canyons of Zion in Utah to the rocky shoreline of Acadia in Maine, I was just confused about this park in the middle of the two in Ohio. 

For starters, the National Park kind of blends in with the town.  There was no grand "National Park" entrance sign that I love to pose with, commemorating my trip to another National Park.  There weren't even signs within the town directing you to the park.  It kind of felt like, wait, there is a National Park here? Oh, I guess this is it?

The visitors center was not this grand building at the entrance of the park, but instead, in an old historic house.  While I love the history of the building and its location in the park, it wasn't that inviting COME ON IN and learn about how beautiful our park is.   The park boundary lines are not well defined, instead following the Cuyahoga in patchy sections that mark traveling through the park confusing and difficult.  I went in with low hopes after hearing a few people's opinion of Cuyahoga (well, from a few Ohio natives now living in SLC).  They said its pretty and all, but it really should just be a state park.  And after spending time in Utah's Mighty Five, I could see their point. 

Badlands National Park - South Dakota

Badlands National Park  - Ben Reifel Visitor Center 

(Park Headquarters) 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750 

First Impressions:
 Badlands National Park was the stop I was most looking forward to along the "KWmovesEast" journey.  The Badlands are located 75 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota and right off my route along I-90.  We left Mount Rushmore via Keystone, route 16A to 16 to Interstate 90, the highway that would be our long haul across the country.  The Badlands are beautiful in a very "unique" way. You won't find an abundance of animal or plant life for that matter. Or amazing hiking trails taking you to peaks, ledges, and waterfalls. But instead this dramatic landscape with beautiful neutral colors set against an angry gray sky with lightning striking in the not too far off distance.

Mount Rushmore National Monument

Mount Rushmore National Monument  - Black Hills, South Dakota 

I admit--- I was really 50/50 about visiting Mount Rushmore.  I mean, it's an iconic American landmark, it should have been a simple yes.  But  - there are a few buts.  National Park passes don't work here (technically the monument is free but parking is notd... but that really makes no sense), so we ended up paying 11$ in parking for each vehicle. The drive was a little out of the way to drive to the monument instead of sticking to the highways, and the trip was already short on time and heavy on the miles and deadlines. And most importantly, it was not a pet-friendly place. Oh and then there was the "Eh, cool but underwhelming" from nearly everyone I asked.  Despite the back and forth battle, I ultimately decided to see Mount Rushmore because let's be honest, it is an icon and I don't know when I will be back in South Dakota again. 

Wind Cave National Park - South Dakota

It's been a crazy few weeks.  Between packing, loading a moving truck, driving across the country, unloading a moving truck and unpacking.  Let's just say that I went to bed at 8:30 pm last night from all the emotions, stress, and physical effort of this haul.  I am so excited to recap my trip across the country and wanted to start with a few of my favorite stops along the way.  And then we will fill in the gaps, I promise!  But the first big stop I am sharing with you today is Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Moki Dugway and Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges National Monument is never the first park you hear about when someone mentions Utah.  I bet many travelers haven't even heard of this place, and I will admit, it was a new name to me. Utah's Mighty Five (the five National Parks) really steals the spotlight in the NPS system for the state of Utah.  However, tucked away in the southeastern corner of the state, by the four corners of Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado lies Utah's first National Monument. 

First impressions:  This National Monument is definitely worth a visit.  The problem is, it's pretty far from Salt Lake City (about 5.5 hours).  While there isn't a ton to do at this park (with only one long hike and three natural bridges), there is a lot of history with the Indian ruins, and the beautiful natural bridges do not disappoint.  Another issue is this parks location from civilization.  It is really far from the nearest town.  But with that being said, if you want to see the stars, this is THE place to do it.  The park is cheap, at only $10 a car and your NP Pass will work here. However being a National Park, dogs are only allowed in the parking lots and not on the trails. 

 Because of its location, I will likely never be back to this park. BUT I definitely think its worth visiting once for its natural bridges, solitude and star gazing.  Pair this park with at trip to Goosenecks State Park and Monument Valley, and a visit to the four corners to make for an awesome Southeastern Utah adventure.  

Golden Spike National Historic Site. Promontory Summit, Utah

March has been the month of the Utah Bucket List. It was about some classic Utah sights that I really needed to nail down and add to my priority list. Visiting the Spiral Jetty on the northern edge of Great Salt Lake was definitely on that list. Only problem is that it seems a little crazy to drive nearly 2 hours to look at a bunch of rocks in a spiral formation. And while the drive is beautiful through Northern Utah (and I have been dominating the libraries selection of free audiobooks) it is still almost 4 hours round trip to see the jetty.  But, you can easily justify the trip if you throw in another Utah classic, like visiting Golden Spike National Historic Site.  

Two awesome Northern Utah sights, one tank of gas.

Navajo/Queens Garden Loop, Bryce National Park

Happy Hump Day!

We are still talking about Bryce because it was just that amazing.  If you have time for only one hike while in the park, this is it.  This hike takes you down into the Hoodoos.  See the trail in the picture below?  That is you, walking along and admiring those crazy beautiful hoodoos.  The trail is called the Navajo/Queens Garden Loop.  This hike actually combines two hikes, the Navajo Loop and the Queens Garden trail to create an epic 3 mile hike you will always remember. 

Trails at Bryce Canyon National Park

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The trail stars out at either Sunrise Point or Sunset Point.  Because it is a loop, you can start at either end.  However, looking at the elevation chart above, I highly recommend you start at sunset point.  Why?  Look how steep that is!  If you go down the steep sunset point, you can climb out on the more gradual sunrise point.  

Descent down Sunset Point Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

As  you descend into the amphitheater, you have some amazing views of the hoodoos, especially Thor's Hammer.  When you hit the switchbacks, you will see famous "Wall Street" in front of you. 

Navajo/Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Navajo/Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Wall Street Navajo/Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Thors Hammer Navajo/Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

There are some iconic Hoodoos in this portion of the hike!  Mystic Arches/Thors Windows was my favorite.  I really loved the texture and color of the rock.  This piece looked like a beautiful crumbling sand castle to me. 

Mystic Eyes Arches/Thors Windows

The scenes down in these hoodoos are amazing.  You should feel like you are walking along in a different planet.  Just when you get used to these crazy rocks, you enter a foresty area.  

Mystic Eyes Arches/Thors Windows

Navajo/Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Queens Garden Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

When you hit the forest, you travel along the flat section of the trail that is known at the Queens Garden Trail.  You can finish the Navajo Loop for a shorter hike, or continue on to Queens Garden Trail to ascent up into Sunrise Point. 

Queens Garden Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Navajo/Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Navajo/Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Navajo/Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Navajo/Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

After a beautiful walk among the hoodoos, you start to ascend back out and up to Sunrise Point.  The climb is steep in parts but those views make the effort allll worth it in the end. I promise. 

Navajo/Queens Garden Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Eventually you will reach the top of the Queens Garden Trail and you will be at Sunrise Point.  Follow the trail half a mile along the ridge to Sunset Point and you are back where you started. 

End of the loop hike, Start of Queens Garden Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

This hike has been called the "best 3 mile hike in the world" and although its not official, I might have to agree.  Hiking down between the hoodoos was a top 5 Utah experience.  Bryce Canyon National Park was my favorite park, and ending the day with this hike was the icing on the cake.  If you go to Bryce, PLEASE please PLEASE do this hike!

Happy Hiking!
Katie 

Other posts from this trip:
Capitol Reef National Park
Driving Highway 12
Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike Escalante

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Here we are.  

My last Utah National Park in the five park "Mighty Five" tour.
and I am not ready to be done with Utah's National Parks  

Before I get started I need to clear the air.  While these pictures are so beautiful, and a great representation of each park, they cannot compare to the real thing.  No pictures can do this amazing park justice.  (Can you tell Bryce was one of my favorites?).  I just hope that I have inspired you to pack your bags and check out America's National Parks for yourself.  All 58. 

Welcome sign to Bryce Canyon National Park 

Now, Bryce. 

I went into this National Park really open minded and unexpecting (and in the off season for less crowds!).  This girl does NOT do crowds and I have visited every Utah National Park outside of the busy summer months.  

 Things you should know:  Bryce is at a higher elevation than the other National Parks.  Because of this, Bryce has a shorter season than the other parks and will be a lot cooler and have snow during the cooler months due to its high elevation.  Dress accordingly!  Also, there is a 30$ fee per car to enter the park.  We use our National Park pass that lets us into ALL the National Parks and forests for 80$ a year.  If you don't want to drive through the park, there is a shuttle that runs throughout the park during the summer months, ending in October.  

I knew Bryce was known for some pillar looking rocks called hoodoos and that is about it.  My oh my was I in for a surprise.  Just the same as every National Park, we pulled into the park, flashed our America the Beautiful Annual National Park pass. and headed into the visitors center.  We confirmed that the one dog friendly hike in the park was Sunrise Point to Sunset Point, and made our way to the trailhead. 

Bryce Canyon National Park 

We bundled up and headed for the dog friendly hike starting at Sunrise point.  The distance between sunrise and sunset point is 1/2 mile and brings you  along the rim and to two overlooks where you can catch amazing (amazing) views of Bryce (with your dog!)  

Fun Fact:  Even though its called Bryce Canyon, its not actually a canyon... Bryce is a giant natural "amphitheater".  The hike from sunrise to sunset point trail gives you amazing views along the edge of this amphitheater.  No fence included.

Amphitheater at Bryce Canyon National Park 

Okay, walk up to the rim and and look down.  I was not expecting anything this crazy beautiful.  It was absolutely amazing seeing this park, this view in person.  This amazing rock formation as far as the eyes can see. 

Views at Bryce Canyon National Park 

Bryce Canyon National Park 

Bryce Canyon National Park 

Bryce Canyon National Park 

Wind, water and time formed this amphitheater. 

Bryce is so unique because of its "Hoodoos".

"Hoodoos are tall skinny spires of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins and "broken" lands. Hoodoos are most commonly found in the High Plateaus region of the Colorado Plateau and in the Badlands regions of the Northern Great Plains. While hoodoos are scattered throughout these areas, nowhere in the world are they as abundant as in the northern section of Bryce Canyon National Park. In common usage, the difference between Hoodoos and pinnacles or spires is that hoodoos have a variable thickness often described as having a "totem pole-shaped body." A spire, on the other hand, has a smoother profile or uniform thickness that tapers from the ground upward.

At Bryce Canyon, hoodoos range in size from that of an average human to heights exceeding a 10-story building. Formed in sedimentary rock, hoodoo shapes are affected by the erosional patterns of alternating hard and softer rock layers. The name given to the rock layer that forms hoodoos at Bryce Canyon is the Claron Formation. This layer has several rock types including siltstones and mudstones but is predominately limestone. Thirty to 40 million years ago this rock was "born" in an ancient lake that covered much of Western Utah. Minerals deposited within different rock types cause hoodoos to have different colors throughout their height" NPS.gov

Thors Hammer and Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park 

Formational Process:

"Hoodoos are formed by two weathering processes that continuously work together in eroding the edges of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The primary weathering force at Bryce Canyon is frost wedging. Here we experience over 200 freeze/thaw cycles each year. In the winter, melting snow, in the form of water, seeps into the cracks and freezes at night. When water freezes it expands by almost 10%, bit by bit prying open cracks, making them ever wider in the same way a pothole forms in a paved road." NPS.gov

Trails at Bryce Canyon National Park

Not only do you get to see amazing views from above, but you can actually hike down into and between the hoodoos.  See that trail in the picture above and below? You can walk right down into the amphitheater.  But that hike was so amazing that you are going to have to check back in Wednesday to hear all about my hike in the hoodoos.  YES! I hiked in the hoodoos!

Bryce Canyon National Park

After taking in the amazing views of the amphitheater, we decided to drive the 19 mile (one way) scenic drive to the end of the park. Like all of the National Parks, you can see some of the best sites from your car and from the scenic overlooks. Drive along the scenic way and stop at all of the overlooks.  Gorgeous views just steps outside of your car is the beauty of our National Parks.  

Colored hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park

The colors of the hoodoos gave them another dimension.  The layered stacks of white and red rocks are absolutely surreal.  One of my favorite parts about Bryce were all of the benches.  Everywhere you walked, you could see a beautiful natural bench with the most incredible view.  Just imagine sitting on this bench with that view.  Only thing that could make it better would be a hot cup of cocoa. 

Benches and views at Bryce Canyon National Park

Benches and views at Bryce Canyon National Park

Again... these benches! 

Taking in the views from one of the benches 

Tree at Bryce Canyon National Park

Trails in the amphitheater at Bryce Canyon National Park

We decided to hike the Bristlecone Loop trail.  Just a beautiful quick 1 mile loop hike around the park with some gorgeous viewpoints.  Bryce Canyon is an amazing mix of red rock and ponderosa pine.  Deep green of the pine and reds of the rocks all day every day.  

Bristlecone Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park

Bristlecone Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park

Bristlecone Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park

Natural Bridge at Bryce Canyon National Park

Another stop along the scenic drive was THIS.  A beautiful natural bridge/arch found within just steps of your car as you drive along the scenic route. 

As you drive back down from the end of the scenic drive, each view will just get better than the next. By this point in the day, the sun had changed and the hoodoos were so different with the setting sun.  

I can't get enough of the hoodoos.  Some of the Hoodoos are named and the names are quite interesting.  Below you will find "Thors Hammer".  You can also find The Hunter, fairyland hoodoos, and Queen Victoria. 

After a long day exploring Bryce, hiking Sunset Point to Sunrise Point, driving the 36 mile round trip scenic drive, taking pictures, and completing an amazing 3 mile hike (I am talking about Wednesday!), we packed up to head back to the city.  

Extras:  In case you forgot anything during your time in the park, down by the lodge, you will find an adorable general store with everything you could need to hike, camp, and spend the day in the park.  Everything from sunscreen to food snacks and beer can be found here.  There are also bathrooms and showers here by the lodge.  Lastly.....remember, it is a National Park so all the trails (except for Sunrise to Sunset) are off limits to dogs.  We chose to visit the park in October when the weather was nice and chilly and we could leave Olive in the car for short spurts to hike a few of the trails.  

After leaving Bryce, we passed through the Red Arch Road Tunnels and headed back for SLC. Red Canyon borders Bryce and has some beautiful views if you have time on your way out of Bryce. 

Southern Utah is so amazing.  5 National parks all relatively together, and all so unique.  The scenery is so different and diverse than northern Utah.  I love the desert, the rock, the canyons, and the crazy waterfalls.

Bryce took my breathe away.  

My favorite of Utah's National Park.  

Bryce needs to be on everyone's to do list.  

Other posts from this trip:

Capitol Reef National Park

Driving Highway 12
Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike Escalante

Queens Garden/Navajo Loop Hike (Bryce)