My Take on My First Trip to Bryce Canyon
I have never been to Bryce Canyon National Park, so the thought of my wife’s suggestion we take a few days while I was off work was a good idea. Our first step was getting all the items we will need for the trip and camping.
Needed Camping Supplies
I got into the storage containers of all our camping gear. We own three different tents, from a multiple three room dome tent, a rectangle tent and a three person tent that could be used for a backpack trip. Being it will only be a few day of camping the small tent will work great for us.
I never looked, but thinking that Arizona was in a Stage Two fire restriction in mid June, Utah would be close to it, the need for open flame cooking is out of the question.
The propane stove and a couple of bottle of propane are enough. I bought dehydrated meals thinking with no campfire for cooking, no sense bringing tons of dishes and pots.
Our sleeping bags, pillows and a couple of blankets just in case it got to cold at night. One item we bought prior to the trip was memory foam sleeping pads. This has the been one of the best camping investments. I have a separate post on them.
The Drive
The drive from our house in Arizona to Bryce Canyon is about nine and a half hours. We got a late start and all the camp site may have already been taken, we opted to get a hotel room for the night. We drove by the Navajo Bridge on the way up. This route takes you by Lee’s Ferry in the Marble Canyon, the Vermillion Cliff Nation Monument into Utah.
Kanab, Utah, is the town is the center point from driving up thru Page, Arizona. It is a great place to stop get fuel and a bite to eat. It is only about an hour and a half to the Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon City
Upon arriving in Bryce Canyon City, the town reminds me of one of those tourist town where one corporation owns the town. The conveniences are there for your needs. There is a gas station with a small convenience store which opens at nine in the morning however, that may change as the park gets busier. The general store is the place for your bigger needs. A small grocery store as well as the normal souvenirs for your memories. There are RV and tent camping spots around the area if you rather stay in your own accommodations.
Camping Spot
We got up early on our first morning from the hotel. Our plan was to go to get our complimentary breakfast, but when we got there the line was huge. We wanted a camping spot which was a priority over the food. June most of the sites are first come. We first stopped in the north campground and seen a few spots, but also wanted to check out the south campground.
We found the the south campground was full and people seemed to be more leisure in their activates. Back up to the north campground. We found a spot that the people had just left earlier. I had my wife stay at the site while I when to secure it. The park offers either cash or debit/credit card for payment. fill out the form and place it in the secured box. By the way, carry a pen with you. They do not have them there or the pens grow legs and take a hike.
North Camp Area
First I want to say is that the north and the south campgrounds look similar in fashion, but my remarks are only the north campgrounds. There is a community bathroom with running water and electricity. you can recharge your devices if needed.
The bathroom has two heat panels to help take some of the cold off the toilets. There is also a deep sink outside to wash your dishes. The lights are on a motion sensor, so there is no need to try to find the light switch. There is water spigot in several areas in the campground. All water is potable (drinkable).
In hindsight, we would have looked more for a different site. In mid day our tent was in direct sun. Our campsite was about one hundred feet from the Rim Trail. On day two we had a visitor. Deer had walked off the Rim Trail and came within fifty feet of our tent. It was much better then chasing the sun rise or set.
Some of the Accommodations
The north campground area is where you will find a lot of accommodations. The parks main lodge and cabins are located here. The corral is not far away if you would like to ride a horse into the canyon. Down the road is a general store. Need ice, firewood or a shower, the general store is close by and not necessary to drive out of the park to get a few items. They even have a laundry mat if you need clean cloths.
Wildlife
One of the things I saw was the lack of wildlife. Don’t get me wrong, there was wildlife there, but we never saw much. We saw two bucks and about five does, one prairie dog. A few Ravens and very few small birds. I imagine the wildlife seen all the people and ran to the hills, or for the greener grasses and water.
I stated earlier that we had a doe walk into our camp. On our last day we stopped at one of the view points that we did not see on the first day and saw a doe with twins. Yes I said twins. Sorry no photos to provide the proof.
Conclusion
Being that Bryce Canyon is the smallest park in the National Park system, you can visit all the view points in one day. There are thirteen points to stop to look over the edge or start a hike. We stopped at twelve of them. The only view point we did not visit was Mossy Cave Trailhead.
I will do another post on the (view points) we stopped to see and what I liked about them. We did hike on the Navajo loop and Queen’s garden trails. I will write a post on the hike. There will be a video the view point and our hike.
I would hate to say I’ve been there done that with Bryce Canyon NP. It maybe nice taking my grandkids to see the park but beyond that we might go back for a different season like when it snows.
I hope you enjoy the park. From what I have read and heard that most people that visit Bryce, will make it a point to visit Zion National Park at the time. They only an hours drive from each other.