Hoodoo via Horseback
April 2023
Morning comes early here. Up at out the door by 8am and on our way to Bryce Canyon National Park. Everyone in extra layers as we know that we are heading to an area much colder than Bryce. Beautiful mountain views great us all around as we approach the park with an occasional hoodoo sprinkled across the horizon. Parking found easily and racing to get to our first location of the day so we don’t miss our tour. We meet our guides with Canyon Trail Rides. Horse and mules picked for us based on experience and tentatively mounted. Before you know it we are lined up and riding down into the Canyon along a winding and sometimes narrow path. That first look at the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon is something you can’t describe in vivid enough detail to do it justice. The fiery reds were somewhat hard to focus on for some of us as some of our horse liked to walk the ledge.
Once down into the canyon we learned some of the science and history behind the canyon. During our 2.5 hour meandering ride we were able to watch the landscape change and adjust to the various elevations we were exploring. What an introduction to Bryce and everything she had to offer. We regrouped for lunch and explored the rim while making our way to Sunrise Point where we got our poles for the steep decent down Queens Garden Trail to Queen Victoria, a unique hoodoo that takes on her likeness. Along the way we stopped to pick out hoodoos that looked like various other people and objects. Our reward at the base was not only a specular Queen Victoria but a desert garden full of scurrying chipmunks. The climb back up was definitely not for the faint of heart and many breaks were made. With plans for some late night star gazing in the park we had time for a stop at Mossy Cave right outside the park that ends in a cute little waterfall and ice formations seen in the mouth of the cave.
With appetites at an all time high we made our way to a neighboring town where IDK barbque was on the menu. From brisket sandwiches to twisted nachos, there was not an empty stomach left in the group.
Once every one was full we made our way to Natural Bridge. A massive 85 ft arch carved out millions of years ago into gorgeous red iron oxide rocks. I only saw this in pictures because we were greeted by the local turkey we named Linda. I spent my time on the ground coo and communing with the turkey and completely forgot and missed the view. (note: there is a fine for feeding the wildlife and we suspect that is what has happened with her) This part of the park was essentially empty and we were able to back up and watch the sunset over the mountains. With Linda wandering around us we watched as the sky was washed with shades of pink, purples and blues. With no traffic and no other people around us it was easy to imagine you were the only person on earth.
Sunset in the distance, we were off again to Sunset Point to do a little stargazing. Extra layers put back on and places taken for the greatest show on earth. Although we were too early for views of the Milky Way , we were treated to a blanket of stars in a velvety cloudless night sky. Glimpses of shooting stars amongst the twinkling night sky made you forget the cold of the night and remember what you missing in the city lights.
Sleep came quickly and easily at the end of this longest day.
