Leaving Hatch, our tailwind from yesterday was still in full force and we coasted north 10 miles to the junction with highway 12. These morning miles and yesterday’s afternoon miles might have been the easiest I’ve ever had on any tour. The prevailing winds have historically never been on my side and to have a 20 mph tailwind is pure luxury.
Before long we had to say goodbye to our tailwind as we turned west towards Bryce Canyon and other National Parks and Forests. Highway 12 has a bike path paralleling it for most of the way to Bryce Canyon as we climbed up to 8000 ft. Soon we arrived in the park and found a single empty campsite among the hundred in the park – apparently 2 pm is “late” for getting a campsite!
After setting up camp we hiked the “Fairyland trail” that dips down into the canyon and winds through the hoodoos for which the park is famous. It truly is a different kind of scenery and I’m glad we were able to stop by the park! However, after a few miles on the trail, we’d find ourselves rounding another bend in the trail to be greeted by another astounding view of hoodoos – telling all of the amazing views apart soon became difficult. The wind picked up and threatened us with rain but we only got hit by a few drops.
Our loop hike finished right behind our campsite and we cooked dinner just in time for the rain to come on in full force and we took shelter in our tents and called it an early night.
Notes from Donald: “I like hoodoos.”
Today’s mileage: 30 miles
Total: 846 miles
I like hoodoos, too. We saw them at Chiricahua national monument. Also, appreciating yet another national forest on your route!