Bogley

Richard Barron · Joined: 09 Jul 2005 Posts: 1182 Location: Byng, OK, USA

I am looking to take a week of vacation this month, maybe with our son Mitchell, who is 15. I don't like hiking in the desert heat, so I was thinking that Bryce Canyon might be a good destination. Since it is at 7000 feet, is it cooler than the lower desert areas in July? Is there enough hiking to keep us entertained? Also, how crowded do you imagine it will be? Finally, what's the best route to get there coming from the southeast? Thanks in advance. -Richard

tanya · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 5829 Location: Las Vegas

Bryce is beautiful but brutal in the summer due to the fact you are hiking in full sun most of the time. Do early morning and later afternoon hikes. Mosey Cave is a fun and short one with a refreshing waterfall. Nearby is Willis Creek a slot canyon with a cool stream.

http://www.zionnational-park.com/bhike.htm

nearby

http://www.zionnational-park.com/gshike.htm

Jaxx · Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Posts: 1850

weather linkage: http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/weatheroutlook.htm

Looks pretty good, still hot when in the sun though. I haven't been there forever. Be sure to post a TR when you get back so I know what to do with my kidders when we go down! :five:

Richard Barron · Joined: 09 Jul 2005 Posts: 1182 Location: Byng, OK, USA

Thanks, Tanya! Is there affordable lodging nearby? Otherwise, we would probably camp. -R

Don · Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Posts: 753 Location: Utah Valley

Richard Barron wrote: Thanks, Tanya! Is there affordable lodging nearby? Otherwise, we would probably camp. -R

You could camp nearby at Red Canyon (http://www.utah.com/nationalsites/redcanyon.htm) and be sure to put a Red Canyon hike on the agenda.

Win · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 438 Location: Toquerville

Good tip on Red Canyon and Willis Creek.

I'd put a trip to Cedar Breaks on the list. You could do the short Alpine Pond hike and Spectra Pt in an easy day. Drive up on Brianhead, too. Cascade Falls is nice but the trail is closed for the season. Cedar Break is at at 10,000 ft and it's always comfortable in Summer. (great photo ops, too) :cool2:

Win

trackrunner · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1011

Richard Barron wrote: I don't like hiking in the desert heat, so I was thinking that Bryce Canyon might be a good destination. Since it is at 7000 feet, is it cooler than the lower desert areas in July?

While still summer and sunny, I'd say yes the high elevation would make it "cooler" compared to other places during the same time. Averages at Bryce 83 degrees is pleasant compared to the lower desert areas in the upper 100's.

YMMV
:rockon:

tanya · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 5829 Location: Las Vegas

The trails in Red Canyon have never thrilled me much but the camping is less crowded.

Info
http://www.zionnational-park.com/red-canyon-hiking.htm

Take a look at this too, the best things for first time visitors in the area to not miss.

http://www.zionnational-park.com/bryce-canyon-vacation.htm

Scott Card · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1517 Location: Provo, Utah

Hey Richard, You must be in Bryce at sunrise. It is truly spectacular. Darn near spiritual! When I was there last time me and only two or three others were the only ones on the trails for the main event.... sunrise. The lighting and shadows are something else. Have fun. :2thumbs:

DiscGo · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 4046

Have you never been to Bryce Richard?

Richard Barron · Joined: 09 Jul 2005 Posts: 1182 Location: Byng, OK, USA

DiscGo wrote: Have you never been to Bryce Richard?

The farthest west in Utah I have been is Capital Reef. Bryce, Cedar Breaks, Zion, Escalante, and the Wave are all on my A list.

tanya · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 5829 Location: Las Vegas

Richard Barron wrote: DiscGo wrote: Have you never been to Bryce Richard?

The farthest west in Utah I have been is Capital Reef. Bryce, Cedar Breaks, Zion, Escalante, and the Wave are all on my A list.

Cedar Breaks and hiking on Highway 14 (DNF) that is where its cool to hike. Bryce is up high but that dang sun is a killer during most of the day. I love Ashdown Gorge of all the hikes in the area the most.

http://www.zionnational-park.com/dixie-forest-ashdown.htm

For Sheer Beauty... Bryce is amazing. You walk the rim early in the morning or late in the day and its simply gorgeous!

Richard Barron · Joined: 09 Jul 2005 Posts: 1182 Location: Byng, OK, USA

Will I be able to get a tent camping site in the park? If not, what would be my best bet for camping or cheap lodging? Thanks. -R

tanya · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 5829 Location: Las Vegas

Richard Barron wrote: Will I be able to get a tent camping site in the park? If not, what would be my best bet for camping or cheap lodging? Thanks. -R

Try for the rustic lodge cabins for sure. If not then do Ruby's Inn. The Best Western at the entrance. There are a few motels scattered on either side of the park entrance on HIghway 12 between Highway 89 and Tropic. Cannyonvillie is a cute town too and the GSENM VC is there. The nearest town is Panguitch.
http://www.zionnational-park.com/bmap.htm

trackrunner · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1011

tanya wrote: Richard Barron wrote: Will I be able to get a tent camping site in the park? If not, what would be my best bet for camping or cheap lodging? Thanks. -R

Try for the rustic lodge cabins for sure. If not then do Ruby's Inn.
http://www.zionnational-park.com/bmap.htm

I understand the Ruby's Inn has tent camping space too.