Day 5 – Woohoo It’s a Hoodoo at Bryce Canyon

Woohoo it’s a hoodoo! The rock formations in Bryce Canyon are called “hoodoos.” These are tall spires that protrude from the bottom of the canyon and have varying thicknesses, creating interesting shapes.

Bryce and Grand might both be called canyons, but that’s where the similarities end. Whereas the Grand Canyon is so huge that it’s hard to comprehend, Bryce Canyon is more “manageable.”

We decided to hike to the canyon floor. The red rock formations were fascinating, and their appearance changed, depending on our perspective.

We began by looking down on the hoodoos from the top of the ridge. Then, as we descended, we walked beside them. Finally, we arrived at the bottom of the canyon and were looking up at the formations.

The intriguing formations fueled our imagination. We could see everything from a castle to Thor’s hammer. At one point, Ross claimed he saw a bowling pin, while Ethan and Autumn argued it looked more like a fried chicken leg. I think they were getting hungry. Or, maybe they just like to argue. (Probably both!)

The kids also had fun playing and posing for pictures in the the arched “doorways” and rocky crevices.

The steep hike back up the canyon wall was made more bearable by the joy of entering a series of narrow passageways with sheer cliffs. They provided welcome shade and a cool breeze. The walls towered so high they gave the illusion of being in a cave.

The final ascent was a series of switchbacks that were dusty and shadeless. (Again, we’re finishing the hike uphill!)

After the hike, I was tired and suggested that we skip the narrow, windy drive to Bryce Point overlook. Ross said he didn’t mind driving, so off we went. I’m so glad. The view was spectacular and quite different.

After a long and dusty day, I was so relieved to see the yellow flag of the KOA Campground at Cannonville/Bryce. The folks were super friendly. When Shelby learned that we were new RVers, she insisted on leading us to our site with her golf cart. It was nice to feel so welcome.

Kelly’s Comments (If you go …)

KOA Campground at Cannonville/Bryce
The view from our campsite was spectacular. There’s nothing quite like eating breakfast with a panoramic view of colored cliffs. They surrounded us like a halo.