Thursday, September 5 – Bryce Canyon, Utah to Kanab, Utah

This is what it looked like outside when we left Ruby’s Inn at Bryce Canyon at 7 am.

The “building” in the center front is where we waited for the shuttle bus at Ruby’s Inn the day before.

We backtracked a bit as we went by Red Canyon on the way to Zion National Park.

We saw these two female mule deer about fifty minutes into our trip to Zion.

We saw two flocks of turkeys shortly after this.

Beauty along the way.

A light rainbow

A large herd of bison in a field – that appeared to be with a farm.

Zion and Bryce are totally different – but beautiful. We viewed Bryce from view points – looking down on the canyon. In Zion you drive through the canyon. Notice the red “blacktop”.

What a fun surprise to come upon bighorn sheep on the road – about 8:15 am.

When I got out of the car to get a better shot of the sheep on the road, I gasped in surprise when I saw this big daddy looking up at me from canyon below.

A short tunnel through a huge rock.

Next we went through an unusual tunnel – 1.1 miles long and no lights. There were a few side openings to let in some light.

We went to the Visitors Center to take advantage of the shuttle system.

Zion’s shuttle system is different from that at Bryce – mostly because much of the view of Zion comes from driving into the park. Zion’s shuttle system gave some unique views, but it was mostly used by hikers. Some were complicated, difficult hikes and others were easier.

We got out of the shuttle only a few times when there appeared to be a view without hiking.

This is a view – similar to the one above. The Organ, The Great White Throne, and Angels Landing. Most names were given to these mountain points many years ago – by American Indians.

The Great White Throne

One of our shuttle (double) busses. We enjoyed listening to each driver tell us about Zion.

Beauty at our feet.

We saw this sage brush lizard at the visitors center – after viewing a very interesting video at the museum – on the history of Zion.

Leaving Zion – the same way we came in – on our way to Kanab, Utah.

Someone asked me which park I liked best – Bryce or Zion. There are things I like better about each, so it is impossible to make a decision.

One thing I am sure about – photos do not adequately describe the beauty of either.

On the way to Kanab, Utah, where we had a motel reservation, we came upon these cattle next to the road.

After checking into our motel in Kanab, we walked across the street to Wild Thyme Café (Internet photo) for supper. I had a delicious penne.

Kanab is just a few miles from Arizona’s northern state line, so this was our southern most destination. It may also have been our most western stop. We eventually went to The Great Salt Lake, but did not go to the western edge of the lake. So I am not sure of the exact longitude of these two destinations.