The theme of the day was hiking. We (Nate, Melissa, and Mathea) got dropped off at Sunrise Point and proceeded to hike to Sunset Point. The two are about a half mile apart, but our chosen trail took us down into the canyon on a solid 3 1/2 mile hike. We started on the Queen's Garden Trail and finished on the Navajo Loop Trail. The hike started with a 320-foot slow descent to the canyon floor, and ended with a steep but beautiful set of switchbacks straight back up to Sunset Point. Mathea did VERY well and was enchanted with the views.
Queen's Garden Trail
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 Her Majesty |
Navajo Loop Trail
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When we got to Sunset Point, we had a nice picnic lunch and a bit of a rest. Then Nate decided to do another 2 1/2 mile hike from Sunset Point past Inspiration Point and on to Bryce Point. This was a rim trail, but Bryce Point is quite a bit higher than Sunset Point so it was a good hike.
Along the way, Nate met up with a couple who had started out from Bryce Point intending to hike one-way to Inspiration Point. They had no water, and the husband was already panting a bit and looked very red (and wasn't sweating any more) 1/4 mile into their intended hike (they fell for the old desert "it's RIGHT THERE!" trick, and there are no mileages on the sign, it was actually a mile and a half). Inspiration Point has no water available, so they would have had to ride the shuttle to Sunset Point for a drink. Nate shared a bottle of water with them and convinced them to get back on the shuttle and try the easier hike between Sunset and Sunrise points on the rim trail (1/2 mile, all level terrain, and very pretty).
Rim Trail - Sunset Point to Bryce Point
 From Sunset, with Inspiration just right of center, and Bryce Point to the left. |
 It really is a rim trail! |
 Inspiration Point is camera center, Bryce Point to the left. |
 Approaching Inspiration Point. |
 The trail you see in the canyon is part of the Navajo Loop we hiked. |
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 Looking back at Sunrise and Sunset Points. |
 Some parts of the trail were off the rim. |
At the end of the hike, Nate met up with everyone else at Bryce Point.
Bryce Point
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 Looking back from Bryce Point toward Inspiration, Sunset, and Sunrise Points. |
 Zoom in on Inspiration Point. |
We next drove out to a brand new viewpoint called Paria View.
Paria View
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Then it was back for a stop by the Visitor's Center, a quick photo in front of the entrance sign, and a little shopping in Bryce Canyon City.
Finishing up the day
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