Imagine stepping into a world painted in vibrant hues of red, orange, and pink, where towering rock formations reach for the sky, and ancient canyons whisper tales of time. That’s what awaits me this April as I embark on a month-long journey to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Utah. It’s not just a vacation; it’s a chance to immerse myself in landscapes that feel almost otherworldly, to rediscover a place I thought I knew, and to share the wonders of these natural treasures with you.
Why this Journey Matters
We are full-time RVers, embracing the freedom of retirement by exploring the heart of America. For us, RV life isn’t just about changing scenery; it’s about slowing down and truly immersing ourselves in each place. We’ve learned that the best experiences come from wandering local markets, chatting with shop owners, and discovering those hidden gems that guidebooks often miss. This month in Zion and Bryce is about more than just sightseeing; it’s about connecting with the land, understanding its history, and sharing the magic with a global audience.
Biking Adventures (and Avoiding Bridge Posts!)
One of my favorite ways to explore is on my electric bike. I’ve pedaled through some incredible landscapes, but my most memorable ride was in Alaska, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Of course, I’ve also had my share of mishaps. Let’s just say a distracted moment and a bridge post don’t mix! In Zion, I’m especially excited to bike the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, a 6.5-mile paved road that winds through the heart of the canyon. During our visit, this road is accessible only by shuttle or bicycle, offering a unique opportunity to experience its grandeur at a leisurely pace.
Planning for Shoulder Season
We intentionally chose April, the shoulder season, hoping to avoid the peak summer crowds and share the parks with fellow nature lovers. We’re packing layers of comfortable clothing, prepared for the unpredictable spring weather.
Practical Considerations (and the Unknown)
Living in our 45-foot home on wheels has taught us the art of self-sufficiency. We’ve become experts at conserving water, troubleshooting minor repairs, and finding the best local laundromats. It’s a lifestyle that constantly challenges us, but the freedom it provides is absolutely priceless.
One of the things I love most about our extended stays is the chance to explore beyond the main attractions. I’m already mapping out day trips to little-known ghost towns, quirky roadside attractions, and those backroads that promise hidden vistas. Who knows what treasures we’ll uncover?
We’ll be staying at Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park in Glendale, Utah, a perfect basecamp between the parks. I’m eager to explore the surrounding area and share my findings on Google Maps, helping future travelers navigate this incredible region.
Zion National Park – A Second Look
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Geological Wonders: Zion’s canyons were carved by the Virgin River over millions of years, exposing layers of colorful sandstone. The towering cliffs, some reaching over 2,000 feet, are a testament to the power of erosion.
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Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: This iconic drive, accessible by shuttle and bike, will be my primary focus.
- Trivia Fact: The drive stretches 6.5 miles from the visitor center to the Temple of Sinawava.
- Hidden Gem: The Court of the Patriarchs, with its biblical peaks, is a must-see.
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Pa’rus Trail: A leisurely bike ride along the Virgin River, perfect for wildlife spotting.
- Trivia Fact: “Pa’rus” means “bubbling water” in the Southern Paiute language.
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Kolob Canyons & Kolob Terrace Road: Seeking solitude and panoramic views, I’ll explore these lesser-known sections.
- Trivia Fact: Kolob Arch is one of the world’s largest natural arches, spanning 287 feet.
- Hidden Gem: The Hop Valley Trail offers stunning red rock scenery.
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Canyon Overlook Trail: A short 1-mile round trip hike for breathtaking views of Pine Creek Canyon.
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Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel: Driving through this historic tunnel is a must-do.
- Trivia Fact: Built in 1930, it was once the longest of its kind in the U.S., at 1.1 miles long.
- Interesting Fact: Large vehicles require an escort through the narrow tunnel.
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Human History: The Southern Paiute people have called this area home for thousands of years. Their petroglyphs and cultural sites can still be found within the park. Later, Mormon pioneers settled in the region, establishing communities and shaping the landscape. The main river that carved the canyons in Zion is the Virgin River.
I’ve always admired Zion’s grandeur, but I’ve never felt that deep connection that many others describe. This time, I’m going to approach it with a different mindset. I’m going to slow down, pay attention to the small details, and let the canyon work its magic. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally understand what all the fuss is about.
Bryce Canyon National Park – Hoodoo Heaven
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Geological Wonders: Bryce Canyon is famous for its hoodoos, unique rock spires formed by frost wedging and erosion. These delicate formations create a surreal landscape that changes with the light.
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Scenic Drive: Exploring the amphitheaters filled with hoodoos from Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Sunrise Point.
- Trivia Fact: Rainbow Point, the highest point, sits at 9,115 feet.
- Interesting Fact: Named after Ebenezer Bryce, who called it “a hell of a place to lose a cow.”
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Rim Trail: Panoramic views without the strenuous hike.
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Biking the Red Canyon Path: This paved bike path runs through Red Canyon, just outside of Bryce, and features tunnels carved through the rock and spectacular red rock scenery.
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Stargazing: Dark skies perfect for night-sky photography.
- Trivia Fact: An International Dark Sky Park due to minimal light pollution.
- Hidden Gem: Mossy Cave Trail, with a waterfall and ice cave.
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Horseback Riding: I’m particularly excited for my 3-hour horseback ride down into Bryce Canyon! I’m picturing myself clinging to the mule’s mane, trying not to look down! I’ve ridden horses before, but never on a trail that descends into a canyon. I’m hoping my sense of adventure outweighs my fear of heights! I’ll be sure to report back on how far the ride descends, and if I was too scared to enjoy the views.
- Trivia Fact: Some of the same trails were once traveled by Butch Cassidy.
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Conservation Efforts: Bryce Canyon is working to protect its dark skies, minimize light pollution, and preserve its unique geological formations. The primary process that formed the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon is frost wedging and erosion.
Beyond the Parks
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Scenic Byway 12: A must-drive for jaw-dropping landscapes, passing through Red Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
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Capitol Reef National Park: Exploring the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile wrinkle in the Earth’s crust.
- Trivia Fact: The Waterpocket Fold is a 100-mile wrinkle in the Earth’s crust.
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Cedar Breaks National Monument: Bryce-like formations at a higher elevation.
- Trivia Fact: Over 2,500 feet deep and 3 miles wide.
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Kanab, Utah: Known as “Little Hollywood,” Kanab has a rich history of filmmaking, with over 100 movies and TV shows filmed there. It also offers access to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
Local Finds and Google Maps
My taste buds are already tingling at the thought of finding some authentic Mexican food. I’m a sucker for a good plate of enchiladas, and I’m on a mission to find the best salsa in the area. If you see me with a giant burrito, don’t judge!
I’m a bit of a Google Maps enthusiast. There are ultimate road fixers out there, and I would love to be like them when I grow up. I’m such an infant in this world, but my 2025 goal is to become the ultimate road fixer! I want to be the person that people thank for making sure they don’t get lost on some back road. I am also hoping to add roads that are missing, and to make sure the information is up to date. I want to be the best road fixer that I can be! My main goal when updating google maps is road fixing.
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I heavily relied on ChatGPT and Gemini to write this article. I have found that I love to converse with these AI engines. Something that I discovered is that ChatGPT provided more of an encyclopedia version where Gemini wanted to personalize the article more and encouraged me to add personal stories and thoughts. I started with ChatGPT and then ended with Gemini where I copied the results from ChatGPT to Gemini to ask for its input. I also used Gemini to create the questions/answers for the upcoming #StateChallenge on April 12 AND at that time of the meetup, I’ll be experiencing the area described here in Utah. Hope to see you at the next #StateChallenge!
thank you for joining!