Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon – 18 September 2025

We had planned to stay in Cannonville, but upon arrival discovered that the back-in RV site they’d assigned us lacked sufficient maneuvering room. After spending about an hour on calls to nearby campsites, we were relieved when they squeezed us into one of their sister sites in Panguitch. That spot was a little farther from Bryce, which meant some of the trails we’d hoped to hike — like Willis Canyon — were now out of reach. Still, given that a big bike rally was happening that weekend, having any campsite was a win.

That afternoon, we explored Red Canyon — a “mini-Bryce” gem with fewer crowds and many dog-friendly routes. Because Red Canyon is part of Dixie National Forest, all trails there are dog-friendly.  We enjoyed walking Birdseye View, Castle Bridge, and other hoodoo-lined trails, each one revealing its own sculpted cliffs and towers.

The next morning we got up early for Bryce Canyon’s sunrise. Clouds rolled in, muting the dramatic light we’d hoped for, so we retreated back to the RV. Later, I and Jax took a stroll through Panguitch historic district, admiring restored brick houses and old motels. On the main street, I spotted an enormous smoker outside a restaurant — Just up Derek’s alley. That evening we returned for a smoky, satisfying dinner.

Morning dawned on Day 3, and this time the sunrise delivered. The amphitheatre glowed as first light hit the hoodoos — fiery reds and golds. From the rim at 8,000 feet, the air was crisp and the views stretched endlessly. We hiked Queen’s Garden → Navajo Loop → switchbacks up to Sunset Point. It was steep, but absolutely worth every step. Bryce Canyon — with its deep history (Ebenezer Bryce built the roads in 1870) and surreal hoodoo landscapes — has just jumped to the top of my Mighty 5 list.