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Given how hot it was in Zion for this time of year, I was not expecting how lovely and almost cool it was in Bryce. Note that Bryce is the top (highest altitude park) of the Grand Staircase National Monument. Bryce is a bit more spread out, there were less people crowding everywhere, and you could drive yourself and go at your own pace. If you are sensitive to altitude changes, you may want to hang out at the campground for an afternoon before hiking. Because we drove in the morning from Zion and did Bryce the same day, by late afternoon and several short hikes, I ended up with an altitude headache.

Overall, Bryce was gorgeous and I wish I had been able to stay up for sunset (after 9PM) to get sunset pictures. Everything I read said that for epic sunset pictures to visit Inspiration Point or Paria View.

The National Park map as well as the sign posts throughout the park do a great job of directing you to view points with parking lots and turnouts.

Our stops included:

  • Swamp Canyon
  • Piracy Point
  • Farview Point
  • Natural Bridge
  • Agua Canyon
  • Ponderosa Canyon
  • Black Birch Canyon
  • Rainbow Point
  • Yovimpa Point
  • Inspiration Point
  • Paria View

Day 3 is onward to Capitol Reef via The All American Highway!

Day 2 Campground:
Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground – Rating: ★★★★★

Ruby’s was a fantastic place to stay. You really can’t get any closer to the park entrance. While not quite as fancy a campground as Zion River, it felt much more nature-y. There were no cement or gravel pads and the ground wasn’t perfectly level, but there was a beautiful array of pine trees and spacious sites that made it feel much more like camping. Bathrooms and showers were clean and functional. They also have camper sinks for those who are tent camping. It is a BIG campground, so expect some people noise especially near the tent areas, but other than that, the area was quiet and beautiful.

Link: https://www.brycecanyoncampgrounds.com