On day 17, we explored Bryce Canyon in Utah. This park is much smaller, but definitely worth the visit! I feel it’s just as beautiful as Glacier, just different.

We learned from a fellow camper that you can download apps to guide you through the parks instead of paying for a tour. We tried the app, “Action Tour Guide” for Apple today. The app is free, but you pay for each tour you download. They vary in prices, and there are bundles of parks you can buy together at a discount. We paid $14.99 for Bryce Canyon, and we loved it. There were 32 “stories” that they automatically told as we drove. You download the tour ahead of time and use it in airplane mode offline since the parks don’t usually get service. You can pause and restart any story anytime you want. We paused often to get out, walk the trails, and explore. They explained each overlook, the history, wildlife, plants, etc. I loved everything about this app and highly recommend it. On a trip like this, we can’t go on every tour there is, so this gives you an expensive, yet informative tour. (The only negative for me was its non-Biblical geology facts.)

Bryce was GORGEOUS!! It is 18 miles to drive through the park with many overlooks and trails along the way. Once you go through the 18 miles, you have to turn around and go back those same 18 miles. So, if you miss anything, you will get another chance to see it. I couldn’t take enough pictures, and I never got used to the view. As always, the pictures don’t capture the true beauty.

It took us about 3 hours to drive through the park and includes all the time we took to stop and walk around the overlooks and explore. It costs $35 for a 7 day pass to the park or $80 for a year pass to all of the national parks. This was our 3rd park, so the $80 pass has already saved money. The driving here was much easier than in Glacier. There are twists and turns and some cliffs, but overall it’s an easy drive.

There are shuttles provided with hop on, hop off abilities and stops throughout the park. The shuttles start outside of the park with free parking. The shuttles vary, but most are large busses. The park also offers bike rental and horseback riding tours. You can see the horses in a couple of my pictures.

Our campground was only 15 minutes from the park, so it was easy to get to. I’m still very impressed with this campground. It’s been a great place to stay (Bryce Pioneer Village RV Park for $55 a night).

We started the day with some huckleberry pancakes. I’m really starting to like huckleberries!

We ended the day having a late dinner while listening to live country music at the restaurant here at the park.

Tomorrow we’re headed to Zion!