Bryce Canyon: Hoodoos, Hustle, and Hiking Hijinks

There are some places that are beautiful—and then there’s Bryce Canyon National Park, where nature basically shows off. Nestled in southern Utah, this geological wonder isn’t actually a canyon at all. It’s a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, filled with a forest of flame-colored rock spires called hoodoos. They rise from the earth like ancient stone totems, jagged and whimsical, like something dreamed up in a fantasy novel.

Want to see the photos Scotty took? Check out the Stills page to see them all.

We arrived early, eager to hit the trails before the sun baked the red rocks and our faces. As we descended into the canyon, the hoodoos closed in around us, glowing gold and rose in the morning light. Every turn revealed something new: a towering formation that looked like it might topple over, a tunnel carved through stone, a winding path cut between rows of silent sentinels. Stunning doesn't even begin to cover it.

But the real story? That happened on the climb out.

We had looped down through the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Trails, soaking in the surreal scenery, when we hit the switchbacks—those leg-burning, soul-questioning zigzags that lead you back to the rim. And that’s when we met them—a group of four hikers who, like us, were clearly feeling the elevation and the incline. What started as casual leapfrogging turned into a trail-long game of teasing, cheering, and survival-mode bonding.

The switchbacks are no joke…

Every time we paused for a breather (which was often—those switchbacks are no joke), they'd pass us with a grin and a one-liner:
“I heard there’s a pizza joint up there!”
We’d catch up on the next turn and toss back:
“Keep going—there’s beer at the top!”
“Whiskey and wine picnic style awaits!”
“Don’t stop now, there’s a hot tub with your name on it!”

All the while, the beauty of the canyon wrapped around us like a living painting. The walls blushed pink and orange, the sky a deep sapphire overhead, pine trees clinging to the cliffs like something out of a dream. Our banter echoed off the rocks, and other hikers smiled as they passed. It was hard, yes, but we were laughing—and that made it unforgettable.

And then… I, Donna, decided this old lady had something to prove.

I could see the rim, and something in me snapped. These lovely, funny, much-younger whipper snappers? Nope. Not today. I dug in, powered up the last stretch, and left everyone behind—including Scott and our friend Kris—determined to be the first to the top, even if it meant my lungs staged a protest.

Gasping but triumphant, I stood at the rim, the hoodoos stretching behind me, victorious. Slowly, the rest of the group rolled in, laughing, high-fiving, and congratulating each other. And of course, the jokes continued.

We ended up in a group photo at the top, a perfect mix of strangers-now-friends. Another hiker—who’d been watching us trade jabs and encouragement all the way up—offered to take the photo and said, “I love how this place makes everyone instant friends.” Couldn’t have said it better myself and invited him into the photo with us!

“We made it!” Celebration photo with new buddies

Bryce Canyon gave us aching calves, dusty shoes, and hearts full of joy. It reminded us that beauty brings people together, and sometimes a little friendly competition makes the view even sweeter.

And yes, next time… we’re packing wine and whiskey for real. Don’t tell the rangers!