Pic: Wall of Windows. Bryce Canyon NP, UT
I tend to overpack a bit due to various factors (ambitious itinerary, traveling solo, use the same 60L pack for half-day hops as for multi-day trips) but I was nonetheless surprised at how little I saw other folks carrying. The rim of Bryce Canyon varies from 8000 to 9000 feet of elevation, which is more than enough altitude to affect a flatlander. Add late spring sun, high desert dryness, and exertion and you have a recipe for a Bad Time.
Hence, I was happy to see a ranger hanging out at a busy and confusing 4-way intersection on the Navajo Loop Trail, dispensing directions and accosting European teenagers: “Where are you headed? I’m a little worried about you since you’re not carrying much — er, any — water.”
During a lull in traffic I greeted the garrulous ranger and learned that dehydration was the most common emergency that park staff handled. I told him about my trip so far and solicited advice about upcoming Capitol Reef. I also told him about the Utah Chuckle, which is a term I invented to describe this common scenario: you are hiking in Utah, agape at the beauty around you. Then, you come around a corner and shake your head and chuckle because you’ve just found something even more indescribably beautiful.
Bryce Canyon gave me quite a few Utah Chuckles.
Pic: Hoodoos from Peekaboo Trail. Bryce Canyon NP, UT
I’d like to give a shout out to the Junior Ranger program in general and the Hike the Hoodoos Challenge in Bryce Canyon specifically. I encountered enthusiastic young participants at every park I visited, interacting with rangers and learning science in the outdoors. Plus, collecting stuff is fun for kids of all beard lengths:
Pic: These five selfies earned me an “I Hiked the Hoodoos” badge! Bryce Canyon NP, UT
Danger Beyond This Point 