Zion to Bryce Canyon

Leaving Zion Lodge behind we set off up a very steep road through the canyon and through a 1.1 mile tunnel to start our journey over the plateau to Bryce Canyon.

Very soon the landscape started to change and the colours of the rock and earth became even more vivid.

We stopped for coffee at Mount Carmel Junction, a tiny settlement where the restaurant is famous for its 'Ho Made Pies' (there is a story to this of course..)

As we travelled along the high plateau there was still quite a bit of snow.

Arriving at Bryce Canyon and making our way to the first viewpoint at the canyon rim we were quite unprepared for the size and colours of the canyon.

We drove 18 miles to the end of the national park, a summit called Rainbow Point (around 9,300 feet above sea level) and then visited some of the viewpoints on the way back.  Each viewpoint revealed something new.. 

As the sun went down, parts of the Canyon fell into deep shadow - whereas other areas just glowed.,

Tonight we are staying at Ruby's Inn just outside the National Park.  Another family business like the Thunderbird Cafe which has benefited from the fascination of the extraordinary geology of this part of Utah.