Capital Reef and Bryce Canyon

November 10

Started the day with a couple hour drive to Capital Reef National Park, approximately one hour of scrubland and then back into the cool rocks.




We made a stop for the Hickman Bridge hike, quite scenic.

Napping spot

Hurry up Rudy!

Hickman Bridge

 

Then checked out some petroglyphs along the road.
 

We finally made it to the Visitor Center in the tiny orchard settlement of Fruita, which compared to some other National Parks', was small and very geology focused - I liked it! Next was the surprisingly enjoyable scenic drive toward Waterpocket Fold, ending at Capital Gorge, which we hiked through, and then up to 'water tanks' - interesting little ecosystems found within desert canyons.

Waterpocket Fold - I think my panoramas may be improving...maybe

Along the drive...

'Tank'

These rocks are just awesome

Walking into the gorge

With sundown, we found some dispersed camping just outside of park. Cooked up some barley and veggies, then watched some Gotham.

November 11
Back to Capital Reef to explore more of the trails. We started with a run/hike of Chimney Rock loop.

Making our way up along Chimney Rock

Canyons behind Chimney Rock

Chimney view from the top

Next were short, easy hikes to Sunset Point and an overlook for the 'Goosenecks' on the Fremont River.

Hard to get a full picture of the goosenecks

Plenty of ledges for people to hang out on at Sunset Point

A nice spot mid-day too!

We then headed to the Grand Wash trailhead to run/hike to Cassidy Arch (named for Butch - apparently he had a hideout within these canyons).

Big views during the hike

Cassidy Arch

Rudy went back to the van, and then the Visitor Center while I tacked on a few more miles by running the Frying Pan and Cohab Canyon trails.

More amazing views from the Frying Pan Trail

Cohab Canyon

Looking down on the town of Fruita

We were done with fun for the day and got in a little more driving to dispersed camping in Fisherman's Bench Recreation Site on the Otter Creek Reservoir.

iphones don't do the supermoon justice

Dinner was simple, but still delicious pasta. We got in a little game of Trivial Pursuit - Rudy rocked it, then took in some more Gotham.

November 12
A chilly and slow morning. We got to Thunder Mountain trailhead after 11, but it was just getting above 50F, so wouldn't want to get out much earlier anyhow! Rudy rode out and back on the advanced Thunder Mountain Trail. I checked out the less advanced Cassidy Trail and Losee and Casto Canyons - Cassidy was still a little tough for me, only one little crash, but I looped around maybe a bit too far and was pretty spent after the 4 hour ride!

Losee Canyon Trail

Cassidy Trail vista

A whole other landscape along the same trail

The area was pretty quiet for a Saturday - the trails weren't spectacular, but decent enough, so we must be entering the off season. We found a camping spot near Casto Canyon, ate some bean and corn burritos, and watched some Gotham.

November 13
A beautiful, sunny morning always make it seem nicer than the actual air temperature! Just a little driving brought us to Bryce Canyon National Park. After a quick tour around the Visitor Center, we ran/hiked the Peek-a-Boo loop), with lots of hoodoos and windows...and a few people, it is a Sunday after all.

That's a lot of hoodoos

A steeper section of trail

Not the best picture, but Rudy loved the ET rocks

people

Wall of Windows

We took a break with some lunch and stopping by the three overlooks of Inspiration Point, then another run/hike of Queens Garden and Navajo Canyon.

Two Bridges

Running through some windows

Queen Victoria in her garden

Something over there is Thor's Hammer

We made a final stop at the Fairyland Canyon viewpoint, then continued toward Grand Staircase-Escalante, stopping to camp in Dixie National Forest.

Fairyland Canyon

Rice and lentils for dinner, then Thor for entertainment - there may be a superhero binge starting...