Bryce Canyon

It had been way too long since we had been away as a family- pregnancy, newborn stage and Covid really threw a kink into our travel plans! We finally got away for a few days- to BRYCE CANYON! Our kids hadn't been before and Chase gets a National Parks Pass because he's a 4th grader, which he is very determined to use this year! 

It ended up being a really quick trip- just three days, but it was still sweet. In fact, due to lack of sleep cooperation from Davis and Lila, I think three days was about right for us. We spent two days hiking in the beauty of Bryce Canyon. Our first day we did the Mossy Cave hike, which was short and beautiful (and a little crowded). 

We set off early the next morning for our big hike into the canyon. Lila started off in the backpack on Ben's back, which didn't last long. I ended up carrying her in my arms for a lot of the hike while she slept- during which time Davis rode in the pack! Then once she woke up I carried her in on my back in the backpack and Davis hiked and occasionally rode on Ben's shoulders. It was a little crazy doing a 4 mile hike with tiny kids- but they all did great!

This is my hiking with a sleeping Lila in my arms- we've done that a few times this summer.

Bryce Canyon is so stunning- I was in awe of the beauty! We did the Queens Garden/Navajo Trail hike. You can do each hike individually, or take a trail that links to the two together and you get to see a lot more of the canyon. I thought we'd take breaks and take it slow- but since it was heating up and our boys were doing well we just kept going. 

This particular formation is called "Thor's Hammer", which was the highlight of the hike for Chase and Hudson for obvious reasons. It was right at the end of the hike, while climbing steep switchbacks and immediately Hudson declared that it made the whole thing worth it!

 We stayed in an airBNB  in Panguitch which was really nice. It was spacious and clean and comfortable. This trip was a little bit of a learning experience for me, since Davis and Lila were so little, and Lila wasn't too happy to be in the car, we spent more "down time" at the airBNB than we normally would have. I should have brought games and more stuff to do! But there were TVs so we watched a bunch of movies and that was fine too. We went out for burgers and shakes one night and found the greatest little burger joint that was so delicious. Otherwise we just ate at the airBNB.

It was so fun to do this trip together! It was exhausting and exhilarating. It was a great bonding experience for our family and so fun to see more of our beautiful state. We'll see how soon we are brave enough to do it again!