The drive out of Las Vegas soon entered some extraordinary landscapes of steep sandstone canyons carved by rivers (Virgin River Canyon) and wind. The route we chose to get to Bryce Canyon National Park—our objective of the day—took us through Zion National Park, the third most visited park in the US. That became very obvious driving through Springdale, the town at the south entrance to the park. Even this late in the season, the place was packed.

But once we were in the park, the views opened up and the crowds thinned out and we were treated to some remarkable sandstone landscapes. The plan was to return to Zion later in the adventure, so we didn’t stop to explore other than to take some photos. Lots of photos. See below.

After exiting Zion, we proceeded to Bryce and spent the afternoon visiting overlooks and hiking the Navajo Loop Trail via the vertically switchbacked Wall Street trail. The hike was short in terms of mileage—just 1.5 miles—but steep on both ends. It winds its way through some indescribably beautiful sandstone hoodoos, vertical sandstone towers, and vistas that seem otherworldly. The late afternoon light made for some dramatic shadows that accented the landscape in stark contrasts.

We backtracked a bit to stay in the attractive small town of Panguitch at the Blue Pine Motel—small, retro, clean, efficient and comfortable. Dinner at the Cowboy’s Smokehouse Cafe was a treat. We’re headed back there for breakfast tomorrow for sure.