Bryce National Park
A lifetime of experience at Bryce National
Park
by Patricia A. Knudsen
My First Visit to Bryce National Park
The first time I went to Bryce Canyon National Park I was seven. My brothers and I were
feeding bread crumbs to the chipmunks. It was the "Fifties" and we didn’t know any
better. We were delighted with the cute little animals. An older, formally
dressed woman sitting on a boulder turned to me and speaking in a Bostonian
accent said, “You are so lucky to see this when you are young. I have waited my
whole life to see this.”
copyright 2007 by Howard A. Knudsen |
I looked into the vibrantly beautiful formations of Bryce and realized what a great wonder the canyon was. Her comment started me on a love of Bryce Canyon and generally of the natural beauty of the world.
My parents took me several times during my childhood.
My Visits as a Parent
And then I remember going with my parents and taking my three sons. How fun it
was to camp in their motor home and sit under the trees and watch my children
play. I enjoyed having them hoot and holler as they ran down into the canyon
with me and my dad.
Tropic and Mossy Cave Trail: Many years later I took my three daughters who were eight, ten and twelve at the time. We stayed down in Tropic, a nice little town at the foot of the canyon. It wasn’t far to drive to the Bryce National Park.
On the drive up to the entrance of the park (but actually part of the park) is the short Mossy Cave trail. It is a smaller version of Bryce National Park with miniature formations, arches, a stream, and a waterfall, and not really a cave but an enclave in the canyon wall. The girls loved what seemed our own little place. We hiked this area three times on our two-day stay.
Riding Horses: The other big highlight of this trip was riding horses down into the Bryce Canyon. We all met in the corral and the wranglers took charge finding the right horse for each person, and telling us what order we would go in.
My youngest daughter was right behind the lead wrangler and the others girls followed. There was a wrangler at the end of the line. It was exciting to ride on the narrow trails and at times to have the trail fall off on both sides.
At one point, a horse decided to lean over the edge and get some grass. The rider was about to slide off the front of the horse, but the wrangler yelled, “YANK the reins” It worked. We all traveled down further into the canyon and were surrounded by the spires and narrow canyons of Bryce. This was a different view point from the back of a horse. One I will never forget.
Cabin Stay with My Husband: Another time just my husband and I went. We stayed in a comfortable cabin with a fireplace. It was just a short walk from the rim and close to the lodge. We walked out early in the morning to Sunrise Point and watched the sunrise.
Later we hiked down into the canyon and climbed out at a point that seemed more like a ladder as I crawled up a steep sand hill. The warm red sand felt good after the cool shadows down in the canyon.
Dinner at Lodge: We ate in the lodge dining room built in the 1920's. We sat by the fireplace with other visitors and talked of our travels.
Later we listened to a lecture about Bryce Canyon. It was a relaxing and fun evening after a strenuous and exciting day.
Recent Winter Trip as a Grandmother: Recently I traveled again to Bryce with my husband, and son, and his family.
copyright 2007 by Howard A. Knudsen |
Ruby's Inn: After settling into Ruby’s Inn (the best lodging in the area), my husband and I hurried to see the sights. It was the first time I had seen Bryce National Park in the winter. The snow made a striking contrast to the reds, pinks, and creams of the formations. And I was again awed with the beauty.
Just before dark my son’s group arrived.
Dinner at Ruby's: After resting, we ate at the Ruby’s Inn Restaurant. The food was very good quality. We all enjoyed it. The children’s food was even first class.
Large Rooms: We went back to our large rooms and we were soon resting in our comfortable beds.
copyright 2007 by Howard A. Knudsen |
Sunset Point: The next morning my son, husband and three of the grandchildren went to the Sunset Point. It was the first time the grandchildren had seen Bryce National Park.
I mainly watched Toby, my two and half year old grandson.
Colors & Castles: Even he was awed by Bryce. I asked him what he saw. He looked and thought.... and said blue. Yes, the sky was very blue... and then he said red and brown.
I told him Bryce looked like castles. He seemed intrigued with that idea and kept talking about castles.
We took pictures for a while and then the men decided we should take the trail down into the canyon.
I went for a while and then decided it was just too icy for my old bones. I walked back out and walked along the rim. Every turn brought a different look at the formation. Always more to see at every angle.
Bring your camera: When they made it back up, I talked my son into walking where I had and taking more pictures. I had given my camera to McKenna, my granddaughter, to take pictures on their hike. When she gave it back to me she apologized for using up so much of the film, but said it was so beautiful she just had to.
Cross country skiing: We went back to our rooms and I tended the children while my son and his wife left to go cross country skiing. They rented skis for seven dollars per person from Ruby’s Inn.
Indoor pool: That evening we went swimming in the large, clean, and comfortable indoor pool at the main lodge at Ruby’s Inn.
Shopping at Ruby's: Earlier we enjoyed shopping at the stores at Ruby’s. They had everything you would need. Also, they have shops with museum quality merchandise. There were tree trunk size petrified wood, western paintings, and prints. There are good quality Navajo rugs, and jewelry and Indian feather headdresses that are all amazing to look at.
Ruby's has a western-style lobby with a large fireplace and comfortable leather couches. They have all the services you need: a beauty salon, a full service post office, a photo studio, etc.
We enjoyed our winter stay.
From My Experience as a Child to Grandma, Every
Trip was Different
Every trip I have made to Bryce National Park has been different. I have seen
it with young eyes and old. I have seen it through the eyes of my husband,
my children, my grandchildren, and strangers. There is always more to see
and experience in Bryce National Park. Bryce Canyon can still take my breath away with
its great beauty, and give me a sense of wonder.
Suggestions:
1. If you want to go horseback riding make reservations early, call 435-679-8665.
2. For Bryce Canyon Lodge and cabins reservations, call: 888-297-2757.
3. Even if you stay somewhere else still go to Ruby's Inn for shopping and activities.
4. Bring your camera to take some great pictures of Bryce National Park.
Return from Bryce National Park to Bryce Canyon home
Return from Bryce
National Park to Utah Trip Advisor home