"Bryce Canyon was set aside as a national monument in 1923. In 1924, Bryce Canyon National Monument was declared Utah National Park. In 1928 an act of congress increased the amount of protected land to double what was already protected by the new national park. This addition of land was accompanied by another name change. Bryce Canyon National Park was officially designated on February 25, 1928." Taken from the Nation Park Service web site.

Bryce Canyon resides in southwestern Utah and abuts Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (created by Presidential Proclamation by President William Jefferson Clinton on September 18, 1996). A land of vivid colors, whimsical geological formations, and breathtaking vistas; this park is stunning to say the least. Although a small park by western standards, it is part of a larger protected wild land complex that stretches out as far as the eye can see. Hiking through Bryce is something like hiking through a wonderland.

On this day, weather was predicted in the form of thunderstorms and occasional heavy showers. We were not disappointed. As the photo shows, the clouds were dark and ominous off-and-on all day long, with occasional showers. The thunder and lightening was also spectacular, but potentially deadly, so we took refuge when the storms really began to rumble. I'll never forget the awesome landscape laid out before us, the feeling of energy in the air, as we watched the storms roll across the sky. The trees swayed and the wind howled, and all the while we enjoyed the ride.

During the hike we encountered a few small groups of enthusiastic hikers, but had much of the place to ourselves. The only way to make this day any better would be wildlife sightings. Yea, we saw the ubiquitous ravens and crows, some deer on the way in, squirrels, hawks, and other small creatures, but nothing to really make our blood pump. Hold on now, after we finished the hike we decided to make one last trip down to the southwestern end of the park before heading to our campsite. We left the vehicle for a short hike and saw something soaring in the sky only a hundred yards or so up. It looked like a vulture, but much too large. My god, it was a California Condor! Two of them actually. We got out our binoculars and enjoyed the show. They soared around in circles riding the thermals. The updrafts were so strong that the condors soared high up into the sky and virtually out of sight within just a few minutes. What a sight!

If you haven't experienced Bryce Canyon National Park, you do not know what you are missing. If you decide to give it a try drive slow and enjoy the scenery. Better yet, get out and experience this park on foot if you can. Either way, you won't soon forget the experience.

Happy trails!