We got our Friday going with a run along the rim of Bryce Canyon. We got going early and it was beautiful. The trail scooted a little closer to the edge that I liked so I kept telling Rob to stay left.
THE TRAIL IN FRONT OF ME AND THE EDGE TO THE RIGHT
We started our run at the Lodge and headed to Inspiration Point. Once we got to to Inspiration Point, we turned and took the rim trail back to the Lodge. The run was one for the books. Some hills and some flats with amazing scenery.
THE ELEVATION DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
RIM VIEW
We finished our run and had breakfast at the Lodge. They had Gluten Free griddle cakes with fresh strawberries. I stopped perusing the menu when I saw that. They were delicious.
We spent the rest of Friday hanging out with the girls. We took a ride and went to an area called Fairyland Point. When we got to Fairyland Point, we saw a trail that appeared to drop into the Canyon. We looked at the map and discovered an eight mile loop that would take us into, through and back up the canyon. It would be new territory for us so we were excited. We decided to wait until Saturday to take the hike.
We got up early Saturday and we were at the Fairyland trailhead by 0700. I would recommend an early start to any of the trails. It is cooler and less crowded. We were the first to arrive. We got our pack and we were off.
The first part of the trail ran along a fairly narrow ridge line and, for me, it was a bit scary. The descent was fairly rapid and we had magnificent views of of the canyon and the walls rising high above it.
MORE EDGES
The trail was hilly but not as hard as the Hoodoo Loop.
A BIT OF THE TRAIL
WE AGREED THAT THIS MASSIVE WALL LOOKED LIKE A CASTLE
THE TRAIL RUNNING RIGHT ALONG A RIDGE
A VERY TALL HOODOO
A BEAUTIFUL "WINDOW"
THE TRAIL DOWN LOW
This hike was fantastic! It was eight miles and it covered an amazing amount of territory. We were down, around and back up in less than three hours.
We got back to Lewis and spent the next few hours resting and hydrating.
After lunch, we got the girls in their harnesses and decided to take Clark for a backcountry drive. We were looking for a swimming hole for Penny Lane. It took a bit of time and some decent map skills but we eventually found the east fork of the Sevier River. The water was swift and clear but not deep.
During our drive, we came upon a prairie dog colony. It was huge and they were very active. Penny Lane saw them and she started barking like crazy. The prairie dogs seemed to have heard her and they were scurrying all over the place and sending out warning yips.
ONE OF MANY
After Penny's swim and Annie's involuntary dunking, we got dried off and loaded up.
Even though we'd had a very busy day, Rob had a chat with someone who told him about a trail called the Arches Trail. Rob was told that the trail was in the Red Canyon area and that it was short but allowed for views of several arches.
So, we hopped back into the car and drove to the trailhead.
AN ARCH AND SOME WINDOWS
After one last hill, we finished yet another trail and drove home. We spotted two Antelope along the way.
DEFINITELY SOME SPRING MOLTING GOING ON HERE
We were home for the rest of the day and we broke out the grill and wine and enjoyed dinner with the setting sun.
Another great day in this thing we call life.
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