Autumn glow along the Virgin River in Zion.
A couple weeks ago I took my family on a quick trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. It has been a few years since I’ve been to Utah and I couldn’t take it any more so I packed everyone into the van and we made the long drive out there. The plan was originally just to go to Zion but we were able to tack on a day at Bryce as a considerable bonus.
Everything was fantastic, the only hang up being my two sons both got sick. They were tough though and despite some real low points for them, they really pushed through the sickness and managed to have a lot of fun. I was grateful we decided to dispense with camping for this short trip and we just stayed at the lodge in Zion. It was convenient in general but even more so as a place for the sick kids to recoup after an outing. Thankfully, neither my daughter nor my wife and I ever got the bug.
Needless to say, even with the sudden colds, everyone had a magnificent time. How can you not in the midst of such incredible scenery? This is one of the most beautiful places on the planet!
Aside from just being there and enjoying the awesome geology, the best part of the trip was the fall color and the great light. Bryce, being higher and more open didn’t have as much color but the light on the hoodoos was terrific. Zion, on the other hand, has lots of cottonwoods and I had been hoping since I planed the trip we would catch them in their autumn display. We did and it was glorious. Even though the days were short in Zion Canyon, the light just seemed to make everything glow. It’s not something easily forgotten.
One thing I did not expect was how full and cold the river was. The heavy winter continues to have a lingering effect. It did make for a fantastic companion during our stay in the canyon.
We reluctantly left early in the morning when only the silhouettes of the canyon walls were visible against the morning darkness. Sad at our leaving, we still looked forward to the drive across the emptiness of Nevada, something my family takes a lot of joy in. My daughter in particular is always on the lookout for mustangs. We had seen several from afar but on the way home, she finally got an up close encounter. It was the highlight of her trip. Of course, she had to name them all and the white stallion is now among her most favorite horses.
This trip is going to have to tide me over until 2025. We’re probably not going back to the desert next year, as we are turning our sights towards Washington and Idaho in 2024. It is amazing how diverse this country is and I am grateful for it. There is near infinite diversity in this land and exploring it is a privilege and blessing.
Hike Mt. Shasta 
Awesome! Thank you so very much for sharing your adventures!
Oh, my… that top picture of Zion took my breath away. I’ve never seen a more beautiful picture of that place, which I’ve never seen in the fall.
Thank you! We sure got lucky with the color. That with the low angle light made it feel like the enchanted forest at Convict Lake!
Yes! Thank you for mentioning that.
Bryce Canyon is one of my favorite memories growing up. That and Arches are two of the hikes I credit with sparking something in my soul. I still haven’t made it to Zion, but it is very high on the list.
How can something not be sparked in a place like Bryce? There’s just nothing else like it (well, the Cedar Breaks, but still…). Moab is along the same lines. I hope you make it to Zion soon. I feel like it’s the only place that can compete with Yosemite Valley.
fantastic photos!! Some I’d like to paint in watercolor with your permission of course..
Thanks for the lovely views of our beautiful country that not everyone has seen!
Cheers!
Patricia
Gorgeous photos!! Some I’d like to paint in watercolor with your permission of course..
Thanks for the lovely views of our beautiful country that not everyone has seen!
Cheers!
Patricia
Your journey is inspiring. Your family is lovely.
Beautiful collection of photos and memories:). Bryce and Zion both glow in their own way and you had some nice conditions for both!
Thanks! I was hoping to get some color at Zion but was still surprised at how perfectly we timed it. A little bit of planning but a lot of good fortune!
I’m not sure from your posting if you visited Zion/Bryce in early Nov or mid October? I know Autumn can vary widely on timing, but would you be willing to share? Your images are stunning both on that trip and everything I’ve had the fortune to stumble upon just now, as I try and decide if some time near Shasta on a drive we have planned to the NW in mid-Oct (to later Oct) might present any colours. Again, not sure if late October often the right timing around Mt Shasta? Or is mid Oct safer? (though less likely to have the mtn freshly dusted, some years, is clear). Also is Truchas Ridge/Echo Point reachable in a non 4wheel drive car? We just don’t have one. And, you mention some ok views can be had right from town. Is that Shasta itself? Or one of the other sweet towns nearby? Have a good friend who just moved btwn Shasta & Weed, so will tie-in a visit. Thx for any add’l info. Seeing Mcloud River Falls area also interests me…but I have bad knees, so am not sure whether it’s too demanding a hike. Happy Autumn!
We were in Bryce and Zion during the first week of November. We did try to time it for the color but still couldn’t believe how perfectly we nailed it. Mount Shasta is not great in terms of fall color but there are pockets and areas where it is really good. Generally, I would say last two weeks in October and first two weeks in November are the target, but even that is a bit of a sliding timeline. With regards to Truchas Ridge and Echo Point, it is accessible to normal cars but it is on private property. You are in luck with McCloud Falls! All three falls have drive-to vistas. A longer hike can be had connecting all three but they can all be seen with very easy walks from the car! Middle Falls is the best and, if able, it is worth the hike down to the bottom if you can.