Cedar Breaks and Bryce Canyon National Parks

It was another great day.  We had breakfast before we left camp around 9:00 a.m.  The sun was shining and there was a clear blue sky.  We have had several days like this one. 

This was the sky last night at sunset.

We took Highway 14 east of Cedar City.  The entire highway is designated a national scenic highway.  I began to snap pictures right away.

As the highway elevation climbed, we began to see snow.

The snow became deeper as we neared Cedar Breaks.  That didn't surprise us because the last time we were at Cedar Breaks, the park was closed because of snow.

The Visitor's Center and other facilities were closed for the winter, but we were able to look at the overlooks.  

We were told by the lady who took the picture that the snow-covered mountain in the background is Brian's Head.

We missed the aspens turning yellow.  This picture shows that the aspens have lost all their leaves. 

Some of the oaks still have their leaves.

The route took us from the heights and snow of Cedar Breaks to the rolling hills and pasture land.  We think this terrain is beautiful.

Before you arrive at Bryce Canyon, the road goes through Red Canyon.  It is just as dramatic in a smaller way.

This is not the official entrance sign but one at the visitor's center.  We stopped at the official one and there was a van load of Japanese taking pictures.  Each one had to have a picture with each of the others so we decided to leave and get the picture when we leave.

There were two ravens at this stop and they didn't seem afraid.  We got close for this picture.

The cap of these formations is shaped like an alligator.

These people took the easy way to hike into the canyon...a horse.

There were plenty of hikers.  The last time we visited Bryce, we hiked one of the trails.  Going down and walking around the canyon was great BUT coming back up was terrible.    There were no switchbacks, only a trail that went up!

Right outside the entrance to Bryce Canyon is Ruby's Inn.  Ruby's Inn was established in 1916 and Bryce did not become a national park until 1928.  We didn't stop today but have in the past.  It has a campground, motel, store, restaurant, gas station.  It has everything you would need.

The rest of the pictures were taken on the way home.

We got back to camp around 5:30.  Sandy was happy to see us.  It was a great day.  We saw so many beautiful sights.  Carol's knee kept us from hiking much but we were still able to enjoy both parks.  Tomorrow we will go to Zion National Park.