Day 3: From Lake Powell to Bryce Canyon

Day 3 of our 4th of July holiday vacation was a journey through contrasts—serene waters, towering canyons, and fiery sunsets. We awoke to the tranquil beauty of Lake Powell, explored the sculpted corridors of Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch, and made a spontaneous stop at the historic Paria Movie Set and Pahreah Town Site. As the day unfolded, we found ourselves basking in the golden glow of Bryce Canyon’s amphitheater, mesmerized by the towering hoodoos and endless views. Each stop revealed a new layer of history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery, making this a day we would never forget.

A Sunrise Over Lake Powell

We woke up to a magnificent sunrise over Lake Powell, the golden light reflecting off the water’s surface. There’s something special about camping along the shore, waking up to the sound of gentle waves lapping against the sand. The day was already heating up, so we packed up camp and set off for our next adventure.

Exploring Wire Pass Canyon and Buckskin Gulch

This was an extraordinary surprise. I hadn’t expected to visit Buckskin Gulch this year, but it has been on my bucket list for years. Entering the canyon through Wire Pass was a magical experience.

The towering slot canyon walls of Wire Pass rose high above us, glowing in vibrant red and orange hues. The smooth, winding corridors created a mesmerizing experience as we navigated through the passageways, feeling completely immersed in the grandeur of the desert landscape.

We climbed down a natural log ladder in Wire Pass, a unique feature of the canyon, and just before reaching the confluence with Buckskin Gulch, we discovered an incredible panel of ancient petroglyphs. The intricate carvings provided a glimpse into the history of those who once traveled these canyons.

The Wire Pass hike is 3.5 miles round trip, with half of that leading to the confluence of Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch. Upon reaching this meeting point, we marveled at the sheer scale of the canyon, where towering sandstone walls seemed to stretch endlessly toward the sky. The canyon walls often soar hundreds of feet above the wash, making hikers appear tiny in comparison. The play of light and shadow along the smooth sandstone made every step an awe-inspiring moment.

Read more details about our Wire Pass Canyon hike here!

A Stop at Paria Movie Set and Pahreah Town Site

After leaving Wire Pass, Bill and I made a spontaneous stop at the Paria Movie Set and Pahreah Town Site. Nestled along the banks of the Paria River, this remote location holds a fascinating history. Once a thriving pioneer settlement in the late 1800s, the town of Pahreah was abandoned due to frequent flooding. What remains today are colorful, striped badlands that contrast beautifully against the blue sky.

This area is also famous as a filming location for classic Western movies and TV shows. Throughout the mid-1900s, Hollywood built a rustic movie set here, which appeared in films such as The Outlaw Josey Wales and Sergeants 3. Though the original set was lost to fire, the landscape itself remains an incredible sight—its layered sandstone formations telling a story millions of years in the making.

We wandered around the remnants of the old townsite, imagining what life must have been like for early settlers and film crews alike. The solitude of the area, surrounded by multicolored cliffs, made it feel like stepping into another era.

A Scenic Drive Through Red Canyon

As we left Pahreah Town, the midday heat was intense. Bill suggested an impromptu detour—Bryce Canyon National Park, about two hours away. Along the way, the landscape unexpectedly transformed, and suddenly, we were surrounded by the fiery red rock formations of Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest. The hoodoos and towering spires, shaped by centuries of wind and water, looked like something from a fairytale. Some formations stood like ancient guardians along the road, while others clustered together, forming a labyrinth of sandstone. Though we didn’t have time to explore, we made a mental note to return someday and wander through this mesmerizing red rock wonderland.

*The vibrant red rock formations of Red Canyon, a preview of Bryce Canyon’s beauty.*

Sunset at Bryce Canyon National Park

As the sun began its descent, Bryce Canyon transformed into a glowing masterpiece. The towering hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires carved by time—seemed to flicker like torches, their deep reds and oranges intensifying in the golden light. Shadows stretched dramatically across the amphitheater, adding depth to an already otherworldly scene.

We arrived at Sunset Point just in time to witness nature’s grand finale. The horizon was ablaze with fiery hues of crimson, amber, and violet, casting a warm glow over the rugged formations. Every passing moment felt like a painting coming to life. At the northern end of the park, we stopped at Fairyland Point, where the landscape stretched endlessly, fading into the twilight. It was a view that made us pause, grateful for the adventure that led us to this breathtaking place.

*Bryce Amphitheater illuminated by the last rays of sunlight, a truly magical sight.*

A Spontaneous Hike Down Wall Street

Just when we thought the day’s adventures were complete, the legendary Wall Street switchbacks beckoned us. Carved into the canyon’s steep walls, they twisted and curved like a spiral staircase leading into another realm. We eagerly set off, descending through a mesmerizing passageway of towering sandstone cliffs. The air felt cooler here, a welcome relief from the day’s heat, and the silence was profound—only the sound of our footsteps and the occasional whisper of the wind filled the canyon.

At the canyon floor, we stepped into what felt like a hidden sanctuary—colossal hoodoos rose around us like ancient guardians, their vibrant hues shifting with the fading light. Among them stood a trio of Douglas fir trees, improbably reaching toward the sky from the depths of the canyon. It was humbling to stand beneath them, surrounded by the immense walls sculpted by time. The ascent back through Bryce Amphitheater was just as breathtaking, each step revealing a new perspective of the park’s surreal beauty.

*Looking down into Wall Street, the winding switchbacks framed by towering cliffs.*

As we wandered through Bryce Amphitheater, the beauty of the landscape felt almost surreal. The towering hoodoos stood like ancient sculptures, illuminated by the final golden rays of sunlight. Reflecting on the day, I marveled at how each stop—from the still waters of Lake Powell to the depths of Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch, the cinematic charm of Paria Movie Set, and the fiery cliffs of Bryce Canyon—told its own unique story. Every twist and turn of the day had revealed something spectacular, leaving me eager to discover what new wonders Day 4 would bring.