4th of July Trip: Day 4 – A Grand Farewell to Utah

Our last day of adventure led us deep into the land of hoodoos, where Bryce Canyon National Park stood as a grand finale to our 4th of July trip. Bill and I spent the day exploring breathtaking overlooks, winding trails, and the scenic highways of Utah. Each stop along the way felt like stepping into a painting—vivid colors, towering rock formations, and a landscape unlike any other. The journey back to Colorado would mark the end of our trip, but not before one last surprise encounter.

Exploring Bryce Canyon’s Overlooks
Bryce Canyon is a place where nature’s artistry is on full display. Hoodoos, the park’s signature rock formations, rise in bizarre yet mesmerizing shapes, each sculpted by time and the elements. We started our day along the Rim Trail, stopping at some of the park’s most famous viewpoints.

Inspiration Point – As its name suggests, this viewpoint left us speechless. The amphitheater stretched before us, an endless sea of towering hoodoos glowing in shades of orange and red. The morning light enhanced every detail, casting intricate shadows along the rugged formations.

Bryce Point – One of the most dramatic overlooks in the park, Bryce Point gave us an elevated view of the countless sandstone pillars below. From this high vantage point, the hoodoos seemed to stretch infinitely, forming an intricate maze of rock spires.

Paria Viewpoint – Unlike other viewpoints that highlight the amphitheater, Paria Viewpoint offered a unique look at a less crowded section of the park. The late-morning sun made the colors pop even more vividly against the deep blue sky.

Piracy Point Overlook – With a name like Piracy Point, we couldn’t resist stopping here. While there aren’t any pirate legends tied to the spot, the views were nothing short of legendary, offering a peaceful respite before continuing along the scenic drive.

Natural Bridge Overlook – Standing on the edge of the canyon, we gazed down at a stunning natural arch, a formation created over thousands of years by erosion. The deep greens of the ponderosa forest below provided a stark contrast to the fiery reds of the canyon walls, making for an unforgettable sight.

Agua Canyon – This overlook stood out for its two prominent hoodoos: “The Hunter” and a smaller one often called “The Rabbit” or “The Backpacker.” We read about how many hoodoos were named decades ago, only to change shape over time due to erosion. Now, visitors are encouraged to use their imagination and name the formations for themselves!

Black Birch Canyon & Kodachrome Basin – From here, we could see Kodachrome Basin State Park in the distance, its landscape painted with vivid colors much like the national park.

Rainbow Point & Yovimpa Point – As the highest elevations in the park, these viewpoints allowed us to see over 150 miles on a clear day. The view from Yovimpa Point extended over the Grand Staircase, a vast geological wonder stretching across Utah and Arizona. Walking the Bristlecone Loop, an easy one-mile trail, gave us a chance to stretch our legs and admire the ancient bristlecone pines—some of the oldest living trees on Earth. The southern end of the park is approximately 1,000 feet higher than the northern end, offering even more dramatic viewpoints and breathtaking scenery.

As the highest elevations in the park, these viewpoints allowed us to see over 150 miles on a clear day. The view from Yovimpa Point extended over the Grand Staircase, a vast geological wonder stretching across Utah and Arizona. Walking the Bristlecone Loop, an easy one-mile trail, gave us a chance to stretch our legs and admire the ancient bristlecone pines—some of the oldest living trees on Earth. The southern end of the park is approximately 1,000 feet higher than the northern end, offering even more dramatic viewpoints and breathtaking scenery.

Looking out over Bryce Canyon, where thousands of hoodoos rise from the canyon floor, creating a maze of vibrant red, orange, and cream-colored spires. The distant horizon stretches into the vast landscapes of Utah

A Scenic Drive Through Utah
Leaving Bryce Canyon, we took in the beauty of the scenic highways. The route heading north was stunning, with the scenery shifting like a living painting—vivid reds and oranges softened into rolling green valleys, and distant mountain peaks framed the endless horizon. The ever-changing landscapes of Utah never failed to impress.

On a whim, we decided to turn off Johns Valley Road and explore an unmarked dirt road. What we found was an unexpected treasure—Pine Lake Campground, a peaceful and picturesque spot tucked away in the forest. As we drove along, a beautiful black horse wandered down the road, adding a magical touch to the moment.

After soaking in the solitude of Pine Lake, we rejoined the main highway and eventually made our way to Interstate 70, signaling the end of our time in Utah. The trip home to Colorado began, but the memories of our adventure would stay with us forever.

A Journey That Sparked a Tradition

As we crossed the Utah-Colorado border, we couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible four-day journey we had embarked on. From the ancient ruins of Canyons of the Ancients to the red rock wonders of Lake Powell, the towering slot canyons of Wire Pass, and finally, the breathtaking amphitheaters of Bryce, each stop had gifted us with new experiences and unforgettable memories.

What started as a spontaneous holiday escape turned into something much greater—an annual tradition. This trip was more than just a road trip; it was a reminder of the beauty that lies in exploration, spontaneity, and the simple joy of wandering off the beaten path. The landscapes we traversed, the people we met, and the unexpected detours all shaped a journey we will cherish forever.

One of the biggest surprises of the trip was how much we fell in love with Utah’s diverse landscapes. The wild beauty of the desert, the towering hoodoos, the narrow slot canyons—all of it called to us. Inspired by this journey, Bill and I made a promise to return every year, each time seeking out new wonders and fresh adventures.

As we drove the winding roads of Johns Valley and stumbled upon Pine Lake, we were reminded that sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones. Whether it was an unexpected wildlife sighting, a quiet moment at a scenic overlook, or simply the joy of experiencing nature together, this trip reinforced why we love to explore.

Though this adventure had come to an end, it marked the beginning of many more to come. Utah, we’ll be back—just as we have been every year since.