The following weekend after my unforgettable sojourn into Zion National Park, I set off to the next destination on my bucket list: Bryce Canyon. The weekend as I planned it would involve oodles of spectacular scenery, a KOA Kabin (one of my favorite “camping” indulgences) in one of the nice campgrounds I’ve seen, a motel with mind-boggling views from the porch, and journeys into Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Capital Reef National Park which would prove to be unexpected highlights.
Our journey started with a trek up a lesser-known trail just after the tunnel exiting Zion National Park. We had learned of the hike from a Mormon elder we met while taking a tour of the Tabernacle in St. George. As you might expect, he wasn’t lying when he said it was gorgeous.
From there it was on to our KOA Kabin. For those unfamiliar with the KOA let me take a minute and tout the virtues of their Kabins (and yes, that’s with a “K”). While you’re not going to have a backwoods, commune with nature kind of experience at a KOA Kampground, you will find yourself surrounded by amenities (barbecue dinners! swimming pools! CLEAN showers!) in typically great locations. And their basic cabins might be the best $50 I’ve spent in the great outdoors.
Anyhow, we had the chance to admire an otherworldly sunset and bask in the warm light of our Kabin, cozied up with a glass of wine and some cheesy bratwursts over the fire – MMMM. CHEESE-FILLED BRATS…
The next day it was on to Bryce and sweeping views of the park’s magnificent hoodoos, which really do look as though they were derived from some alien life force. The colors are brighter, the landscape grander than any photo will ever capture. Lose yourself for a spell amidst the scenery. Stop. Breathe. Take in the present moment. If ever you’ve thought of meditating, this is a prime opportunity to do so. Have a gander at some of my favorite views, below.
I love Montana. I mean, LOVE. KOA kabins have definitely progressed since I was last in one.
You should visit big sky!
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