Sometimes getting your hopes up while traveling can only lead to a let-down. From Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, we drove west along Utah Highway 12 hoping to arrive at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon before sundown to catch a glimpse of hoodoos at dusk.
At the lodge, we didn’t unload the car or check in. Instead, we darted through the lobby and out the back door, following the short pathway to the rim to see something — anything — at the “golden hour” of sundown. Friends on social media had called it “Jaw-dropping. Gotta get to Sundown Point in time to see the last light of day.”
But not that day. Bryce Canyon with all its pinkish, whitish, glorious formations was socked in. As we said, getting your hopes up can only lead to a let-down.
We rose before sunrise the next morning, threw on our clothes, and headed to Sunrise Point — on the other side of the horseshoe-shaped “amphitheatre” behind The Lodge.
But again, no view. Only fog.
We stood with tourists from Japan, Germany, and the UK. People took pictures, shrugging their shoulders at the site where nothing, at least for that moment, was happening.
And then something magical happened. Little by little, we could make out formations. Slowly at first, but at least something. Bundled up and expectant, we began pointing. “Look there,” we said. “Over here, too,” said someone else. “I can make out a head,” yelled one guy.
Sure enough, outlines appeared. We could make out the spikes of the hoodoos. And jagged rocks. And walking paths where photographers had set up. The fog (hated by all at first) had become a rising curtain showing off nature’s stage.
And before we knew it — maybe only about 30 minutes later, all told — we could see clearly. There they were: the colors, striations, and forms of Bryce.
Fog, as it turns out, can be a good thing.
Travel in the fog,
Rusha & Bert
If you go:
Book ahead at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon. Since it’s the only accommodation in the park, it fills up quickly.
For those with mobility concerns, the many paved pathways and sturdy viewing stations allow all to enjoy the natural beauty of Bryce. And there are benches throughout where sitting and contemplating are welcome!
Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24/7. Click here for Visitor Center hours and holidays.
Check out our series entitled “We Saw Utah” with posts on several of the National Parks. And, as always, thanks for traveling with us!
nationalparkswitht
Fog does make for some dramatic photos! Nice ones! We’ve had this happen to us at the Grand Canyon, San Francisco and Acadia. The fog did eventually lift in all but Acadia…my family still doesn’t believe me that there are mountains on Jordan Pond that look like boobs, lol.
Oh, the Places We See
You are so funny! We saw those boobs at Jordan Pond — and a pretty scene below! You’ll have to return for a better look and to keep up your reputation with family. You’re lucky to have been to all three places. We have as well — and I loved each one for different reasons. Thanks for taking a look.
Joel Henry
Wow. I’ve been to Bryce many times and you certainly got a unique view of it. We had the same thing happen to us at Canyonlands. Ended up driving many miles to get back there the next day so we could see it cleared up. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, the Places We See
Our view was unique, for sure. And it could have ended badly if the fog hadn’t lifted. But we were fortunate to see the show that nature put on that day. Awesome view.
kzmcb
They are breathtaking shots. I never thought I’d plan to go to America but you have convinced me. What, pray tell, is a hoodoo?
Oh, the Places We See
So hope that you can come to the states and see some of our national parks. All are amazingly beautiful, and most have no parallel anywhere else. I’ll be writing about hoodoos in my next post, so stay tuned!
gallivance.net
Great photos Rusha, especially with the fog. We visited Bryce years ago and luckily, it was clear. I’m surprised at this much fog in such a dry place. ~James
Oh, the Places We See
We were surprised, too, and a disappointed at first. There’s total fog and then there’s that mysterious partial fog. Fortunately we got both. Good to hear from you. Hope summer 2017 has been good for you two.
Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread
Lovely photos. The fog has a beauty of its own. 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Judy, a friend of mine who is an expert photographer said those very words to me, “The fog has a beauty of its own.” We go to the beach every summer during the same week, and if it has rained the night before, he’s out early, hoping for fog. Result? absolutely gorgeous, mysterious photos! Glad to hear from you!
Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread
I hope you have a marvelous visit to Pawley’s Island. Just mentioning the beach made me think of eating lunch at Quigleys. 🙂
Green Global Trek
These photographs of the fog lifting are absolutely spectacular!! You have captured some magical moments. Love the progression in the photos. Simply beautiful. I can only begin to imagine how breathtaking it must have been to be there, watching it all unfold in front of you!
Peta
Oh, the Places We See
It was sort of a cold chills kind of experience. We just stood there looking left and right and pointing out different forms that were revealed one by one. An outstanding morning, and one we won’t soon forget.
CompassAndCamera
Wow, I’ve never seen Bryce under fog! How lucky you were to see this!
Oh, the Places We See
We felt quite lucky even though I have no idea what the frequency of foggy mornings may be! I’m taking it, though. It truly is a travel memory for us!
ralietravels
Certainly the most unusual shots I have ever seen of Bryce. They are wonderful.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for the compliment. We weren’t sure what to expect from Bryce. We had seen photos in brochures, but the up-close, personal views put those to shame. The formations are remarkable, and we can’t say enough about the park service. The park is accessible, well-marked, and expansive.
HesterLeyNel
That must have been so awesome! The pictures are marvelous.
Oh, the Places We See
Our hearts were pounding at the opportunity to see Bryce as it unfolded before us. What a pretty place no matter the weather. It really is a trip worth taking.