Until recently, I had only visited Bryce Canyon National Park in summer. So needless to say, when an opportunity for a winter trip came up, I jumped right on it. And let me tell you, I fell in love with the park all over again.
The hoodoos and other rock formations are spectacular in summer, but with a fresh coat of snow, the red contrast is simply magical. Moreover, since it is off-season, hotel rates are lower and crowds are practically non-existent. That’s a win-win in my book!
I hiked part of the Navajo loop, the part that starts at the Wall Street trail and takes you down into the Canyon. I had my trusty hiking poles and was wearing my Yaktrax micro-spikes (more info here: Home | Yaktrax), as it does get quite icy on the trail. Descending into Bryce Canyon (which is technically speaking not a canyon, but that's a story for a different blog), gives you a different perspective of the hoodoos and rock formations and makes you feel really small.
On this same trip, I also hiked the Mossy Cave trail. This trail is located just outside the park, as you head east on Highway 12. As the name suggests, the trail takes you to... wait for it... a mossy cave! In winter it's not actually mossy, but you can see icy stalactites in the small cave. The trail continues to a spectacular frozen waterfall. All in all, this is a very easy hike that can be enjoyed by the entire family. I do quite a bit of snowshoeing and winter hiking, and I have to say, this is probably my favorite winter hike!
We stayed at the Ruby Inn (more info here: Bryce Canyon Lodging I Historic Ruby's Inn Hotel), which is right at the entrance of the National Park. The Winter Adventure Center at Ruby’s Inn has all the winter equipment needed for your excursions, including snowshoes and cross-country skis.
If you decide to go to Bryce Canyon this winter, please make sure to check the park's website for the most accurate and latest information on road and trail closures (Bryce Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Happy hiking!
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