Day 9: Bryce Canyon, Utah

After our excursion into the belly of Utah to find trilobites, we continued south on I-15, cutting over to the more scenic State Road-89 which passes through Fishlake National Forest. Then we turned east into the canyons and incredible rock formations of southern Utah along Scenic Byway-12 which passes through Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, over Boulder Mountain in Dixie National Forest to its conclusion near the Entrance to Capitol Reef National Park. The byway is dotted with small communities, rich in pioneer heritage, through the heart of the American West.

Our first stop, where we filled up with gas, was Big Rock Candy Mountain. The Big Rock Candy Mountain consists of altered volcanic rock in various shades of yellow, orange, red, and white. But its more well known for its cowboy and hobo destination, and it was written about in a 1928 song by Harry McClintock, also known as Haywire Mac.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYGCpGzFWh0

Nick makes a new friend in the old town of Panguitch...

more driving along byway 12 - then as we get closer to Bryce Canyon, all of a sudden the mountains and rocks start changing...

and its obvious that you have entered the Red Rock Canyons and Dixie National Forest.

Natural Bridge...elevation 8627