We flew from SFO to Las Vegas, picked up an SUV, and drove toward Zion. We packed light because we were moving around most days: a stay near Zion, a few days at Ofland near Escalante, and a lot of driving between hikes.
Zion and Red Canyon
On the first full day, we hiked Watchman Trail in Zion and Pink Ledges Trail in Red Canyon, stopped at Mossy Cave, and then drove to Escalante.
Watchman Trail was a good first hike because Zion immediately feels tall. The photo is basically what I remember: the top of the cliff in sun, the lower canyon still in shadow.
Pink Ledges Trail was smaller, with formations closer to the trail and pine trees breaking up the orange rock.
We stopped at Mossy Cave on the way to Escalante.
Ofland
Scenic Byway 12 took us from Mossy Cave toward Escalante.
At Ofland, we stayed in an Airstream for a few days. It was super cute.
From Ofland, we hiked Lower Calf Creek.
Lower Calf Creek felt like a break from the first day. We walked along the canyon floor with more green and water between pale and red walls.
Bryce Canyon
The next day we did the Figure 8 loop in Bryce Canyon.
Before we even dropped into the loop, the overlook had rows of hoodoos, the rim behind them, and more layers fading out in the distance.
Once we were down in it, I felt small next to the columns. Up close, I could see the lines, crumbling edges, and openings in the rock.
Bryce was easily my favorite part of the trip. I kept thinking about the visible layers and erosion afterward.
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