Zion, Bryce & Grand Canyon

I don't really know what to write about these national parks because words and pictures just don't do them justice. The last three days we have hiked, driven and climbed over some of the most amazing landscapes I have ever seen. I thought the drive down the Californian coast was incredible but driving from view point to view point in Zion and Bryce was scary and inspirational in equal measures. 


We also drove through Red Canyon on the way to Bryce and for anyone who has been on or seen Big Thunder Mountain at Disney will know what it looks like. It literally is a real life version that the ride was no doubt based on. The red 'hoo-doos' forking up from the cliff walls and hanging over the road were preparation for the incredible amphitheatre style valley of Bryce Canyon. It was was made even more spectacular by a distant thunderstorm that worked its way across the horizon above the 9,000ft high mesas. 


Today we drove almost 300 miles from Bryce to Grand Canyon but left early and arrived around 12.30 PM as we also went through a time zone meaning we gained an hour. After the spectacular views we had seen the previous days we were a bit desensitized to the sheer size of the canyon and whilst the mile deep gauge was breathtaking in its size, it's not quite as majestic or inspiring as Bryce.


After spending a few hours around the canyon you begin to forget just how big the thing is and it all becomes a bit hard to comprehend...probably why we climbed so close to the edge to get some amazing photos. Check them out (along with a performing squirrel) on the right!