Travelogue

Red Canyon State ParkSince our check in time at Ruby's Inn wasn’t until 4:00, we had some time to kill. So, rather than go directly to Bryce Canyon, we passed the turnoff and drove another 11 miles west on Highway 12 to visit Red Canyon State Park, Bryce’s lesser known neighbor, which has some spectacular orange-red sandstone pinnacles, spires and hoodoos of its own.

For most people it’s just a quick stop along the side of the road to take a few photos, which is too bad, because it has a personality of its own with red sandstone spires and formations an even intenser red than you’ll find at Bryce.

Red Canyon State ParkWe didn’t have that much time, so we chose to hike the one-mile long Pink Ledges Trail, which starts from the far side of the Visitor Center parking lot.

It has some moderately steep sections as it climbs through a ponderosa pine forest past red sandstone hoodoos, alcoves, and other formations along the cliff.
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By far my favorite was what looked like an adorable snowman, but rather than the white kind made of snow we are all familiar with, this one was bright red and made of sandstone, Sitting atop of rock surrounded by ponderosa pines. I almost missed him. He was adorable.

There are several other trails in the park and a state campground as well.