After a late check in the night before and breakfast at the lodge, we did the Bryce Canyon scenic drive. All of the stops are on the east side (left) going up the drive, so we headed straight to the top, spent some time at the overlook then made all of the stops on the way back, which were on the right, so we did not have to keep crossing traffic. The drive really gives you a sense of how beautiful and unique the rock formations are, and I highly recommend doing the drive. From the visitor center to Rainbow point (the southern tip) and back is 34 miles, and took us about 2 hours, stopping at every pullout. Most overlooks are just a few minutes walk form the parking area.

Although seeing the formations from the rim was beautiful 4 of us decided to get off the rim and hike down into the canyon for some up close views of the hoodoos. After reading some reviews we decided to do the trail in a clockwise direction. We left sunrise point at 3pm and headed down into the canyon on Queen Garden trail. We traversed switchbacks through some manmade arches and gorgeous hoodoos to Queen Victoria rock formation, which looked like the sorting hat from Harry Potter to me! 😂 (see photo below) As you continue your descent, the bottom of the trail is cooler, is on mostly level ground and passes through a pine and juniper forest. You have two options for the ascent, Two Bridges or Wall Street. We took the Wall Street option. Wall Street is a slot canyon that you enter on your ascent with some places being 20 feet wide and the walls towering at 100 feet high. After the slot canyon, you will ascend a steep section of switchbacks on your way up to sunset point. A great view of Thor’s Hammer as you reach the summit. The hike was approximately 3 miles and took us 2 hours to complete.

I would suggest doing the hike in the morning, I think the sunrise would be amazing with this hike. Plus it would be so much cooler. Take plenty of water, enjoy the moment and take in your surroundings.