Ahhh...Bryce Canyon, Utah.... strangely majestic land that you only see in Dr Seuss books.... or so you thought. Utah is full of the most amazingly dramatic landscape you will ever see. And Bryce Canyon red dirt hoodoos definitely live up to that promise! The landscape changes throughout the park is such an interesting discovery on how it all was formed. Get out on the trails and feel like you are walking on Mars. But why stop there? Located close to so many other great National and State Parks, visiting Bryce should definitely include a road trip full of adventure along the way!
I took a week to explore Utah (for my third time). Flying into Salt Lake City, traveling down Scenic Byway 12, visiting Lower Calf Creek Falls, Kodachrome State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park. Although terrible on gas mileage, I would recommend renting a Jeep Wrangler so you have the opportunity to take the top off and really feel like you are surrounded by beauty even when driving.
ABOUT
Bryce Canyon half marathon is your typical minimalist race but with huge scenery and options to make this a big vacation to explore the surrounding National Parks. You will not find a huge expo with vendors and swag. You will not find an elaborate starting ceremony. You will not find tons of spectators lining the course cheering you on with posters, support fuel and high fives. You will not find a fancy party with beer and bands at the finish line to celebrate. You may not even find yourself in a photo. Nope. But what you will find is a pretty awesome downhill course in some of the best scenic lands that the US has to offer. A chance to become one with nature and appreciate how massive these land formations really are. Earbuds are not needed here as you find your runners high, clearing your mind just staring off into some of the best scenic overlooks. And while this small town race may not have all the big town hype, you will still be supported by some friendly town folk who in turn, the race supports as their charity.
COURSE
This A to B course starts right outside of the Bryce Canyon National Park at sunrise and takes you down infamous Scenic Byway 12 all the way to Cannonville. Shuttles to the Start are provided for some cities on the outskirts, and Finish line shuttles take you back to Start.
DEFERMENT
This is one of the few races out there that allows a deferment. I deferred from last year once I had the opportunity to run TrailFest (which included Bryce) and I didn't want to run Bryce twice in the same year.
PACKET PICK UP
Packet Pick up was located at the Visitors Center in Cannonville which made it convenient for out of towners if you wanted some tourist information. A spaghetti dinner was located here as well.
ACCOMODATIONS
I stayed at Rubys Campground located right near the Starting Area. Rubys Campground is your typical tourist family campground with both rv and tent (and even tipi) options. However, if it wasn't for being right at the start and needing to be on a budget, I would not recommend it. Spaces seem to be crowded and there was no privacy. Thankfully the tent sites are first come first serve and I chose a spot on the outskirts. Though I could not escape the screaming kids at the pool, nor someone stealing my bathing suit hanging in the tree to dry off.
Bryce is really in the middle of nowhere, with basically Rubys General Store being your only market located for miles. Theres no runners store, no strip malls, not even a liquor store so stock up in the major city you fly into. Utah cant even serve you alcohol without food, and the beer here does not go over 4% (yes they water down the imports too) so plan your after race celebration accordingly.
START
If you are looking for coffee, the one store and gas station are not open this early, so head over to Best Western lobby to score some. Otherwise, plan accordingly.
A gear truck was available and short lines for the porta patties. It was a simple start and we were off with the rising sun.
HYDRATION STATIONS
I carried my Camelpak worried I would be too hot as the days reached into the 90s. However, we were lucky as it stayed overcast the entire time keeping it much cooler. There were plenty of water stations and they were properly stocked and had friendly and costumed volunteers. There was Gatorade but no other fuel on course
RESULT
The race really claims the downhill aspect of their course. The first half had a pretty good downhill and at one point steep enough to really let gravity do all the work. It was fun to feel like you are flying through the canyons. However, after a bit, there were definitely enough straightaways as well as inclines that kept it challenging. I felt good until about M10 despite my 2 GUs I carried. (maybe it was from all the hiking I did the previous 2 days). I honestly don't remember most of the race expect just staring at all the beauty. It felt good to run with a clear head. The Finish was a cute set up with decoration of the Bryce Canyon hoodoos and a goat even followed right behind!
I bypassed the bananas and bagels at the Finish, but grabbed my favorite-chocolate milk and headed to the charity breakfast. For $5 we got the largest pancake ever, hashbrowns, eggs, and bacon! It was a good morning as I got to meet some locals and share my story.
Taking the shuttle back was crowded and I opted to sit on the floor instead of wait for another shuttle. Which ended up being fine, as I met a couple that ran their first half marathon ever, and another gentleman like me that doesn't know how to take a vacation without running a race!
SHIRT
The one thing that a little perturbed me about this race was the shirt. I deferred from last year, so my registration automatically just carried over. Little did I know that on this years registration there was an option for shirt OR tank top. I do not wear my race shirts. One day, I hope to have them all made into quilts. But for now, they are all packed away. However, with this not being my first Utah race, I would have totally sported the tank top option. When I told my story at the packet pick up, I was rudely told, 'Oh, well I guess you should have followed Facebook.' (which I do). I guess little do they understand Facebook does not let you see every post. But I know, it all goes back on me, I should have double checked my registration.
The shirt is a soft fabric and the logo matches the medal. And I also like that sponsors are not splattered all over the back.
MEDAL
How appropriate is it that the year I run after I deferred, the medal is PINK!?!
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Small town race with big views! Utah definitely has my heart. The landscape is so unique, its so awesome to experience! This race must be combined with an extended stay if you are traveling to Utah! The minimum you will need to do on top of the race is to enter Bryce Canyon National Park. But I highly recommend to make any trip to Utah a weeks worth! There is just so much to do! See my week long journey below.
Day 1-SLC
If you have a late night arrival into SLC-over night at a local Airbnb along Hwy 15
Day 2-Scenic Byway 12 and Lower Calf Creek Falls- Pack a lunch and drive down Scenic Byway 12 to catch some dramatic landscape changes-highly suggest a 4 wheeler. Take the top off a Wrangler and immerse yourself in the beauty as you drive. For $5 you can take a 6 mile stretch at Lower Calf Creek Falls. The trail is mostly flat but has a lot of sand and sun. Make sure to carry enough water. Grab a brochure which lists 14 different landscape viewpoints with descriptions. Reach the falls, take a swim, enjoy your packed lunch, and head back. Make sure to watch the weather as it is a flash flood zone. There is a small campground, first come first serve, if you want to end your day here. I continued on down the road to Kodachrome State Park for the night.
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| Lower Calf Creek Falls |
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Angels Palace Trail is a short but scenic overlook of the park during sunset/sunrise. I even found a pink ribbon tree up top! There is scrambling and the arrows can be a little difficult to find after the sun sets, so bring a headlamp just in case.
Panorama Trail is a 6 mile flat trail that gives you the most variety of the park. You can make the trail shorter as there are loops. Bring the map, as I got a little flustered without it and never made the full 6 miles as I was trying to beat the dark due to my late arrival. Walk among caves, hoodoos, spirals, and scenic overlooks.
The campsites on the end of the loop are generously spacious and private. Not all campgrounds in Utah have showers. Bu this bathhouse was the absolute best campground shower I have ever seen my entire life of camping complete with a rain shower head and hand held!
The last store you will see is about 11 miles before the park, so make sure you are stocked up.
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| Kodachrome Basin State Park-Panorama Trail |
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Day 3-Bryce Canyon National Park-drive the entire road and pull over at every overlook. Then hike Sunset to Sunrise (less elevation incline this way) and include Navajo/Queens trail to make a 6 mile loop. This is basically an overlook to overlook trail with the opportunity to walk down right to the base of the hoodoos as well.
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| Bryce Canyon National Park |
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| Bryce Canyon National Park-Navajo Trail |
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| Bryce Canyon National Park-Sunrise Trail |
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| Bryce Canyon National Park |
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| Bryce Canyon National Park-Sunset Trail |
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| Bryce Canyon National Park-Wall Street |
Mossy Cave Trail right outside of the Park is a very quick trail that will take you to the base of a waterfall.
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| Mossy Cave |
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| Mossy Cave |
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| Mossy Cave |
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| Mossy Cave |
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| Mossy Cave |
Red Canyon outside of the National Park is definitely worth exploring if you have extra time. (this is where the TrailFest ran last year)
Closest Accommodations is Rubys Campground or Inn or campgrounds in Red Canyon. Rubys Campground is quite large and has first come first serve camp sites. Splurge a little and grab one of their tipees for an unique experience. There is a pool and very large general store connected to the Inn. Watch out for thieves though (or hungry squirrels as my bathing suit drying off in the tree was taken).
There is only one grocer, one gas station, and a couple of restaurants to chose from in this area. There is however a cowboy dinner and show as well as rodeo.
Day 4-6-Zion National Park-if you are interested in Observation Point, there is an easier option besides the 11 mile steep route inside the park. Go to Zion Ponderosa Resort outside the park and take a 6 mile, mostly flat, walk to the lookout. A 4wheeler is recommended to get to the trail head and if it has rained, you will need to wait.
Angels Landing is currently indefinitely closed due to a flash flood that happened the week I arrived and with it being a historic trail, it has to be rebuild to certain standards. An excellent back up trail is Hidden Canyon. This slick rock trail is not for the faint of heart. I highly suggest walking sticks to make it up the switchbacks. Chains are available on the steepest parts. Make sure you make it all the way to the top. Three times I thought I was at the top and there was more! Also, don't forget to do the side trail to do some scrambling and see an arch.
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| Hidden Canyon-look closely there's people on that cliff |
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| the switchbacks |
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| the narrowest part |
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The Narrows in Zion is amazing, but make sure you have good sneakers and some sort of walking sticks (there are wooden sticks at the start that others have left behind but I would suggest investing in a cheap pair for $15 at Walmart for this trip) Take the shuttle all the way to the end of the park, walk the sidewalk along the river until you have no other choice but to enter the water. You chose your own course from there. Starting early morning is best so you do not have to rush to avoid any potential afternoon storm. Water levels can and will vary from ankle to knee to thigh deep. You are basically walking against the current on all different sized rocks under the water. The water level was low but strong when I went and there were a lot of sand banks that I was able to walk on instead of the water. The further you go, the more narrow it becomes. Unfortunately due thunder, I did not quite make it to the most scenic part of the trail and had to rush back. Once you are in the Narrows, there is no escaping if there is a flash flood.
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| Zion Narrows |
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| Zion Narrows |
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| Zion Narrows |
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| Zion Narrows |
South Campground is where I was able to snag a spot for my 2nd night in Zion . Reservations start 14 days prior to arrival. They fill up fast and a long line of walk ins were already at the gate at 7am. Snag a spot on the outskirt for your most private and scenic views. There are no showers here, but you can pay for one in town if needed.
Springdale would be your other option if you wanted to splurge for an over priced hotel. Springdale is also the only place you will find dining or grocery. Most of the grocers have great deli or picnic options. Oscars had some of the best (and largest) seafood tacos.
For my last night I booked a glamping tent with AC on the route home near St George.
Day 7-The Scenic Roadtrip back to the Airport-Provo-plan to take the night flight out of SLC and you will have plenty of time for some last minute stops along the long drive back to the airport. Take the Provo Exit and hit Bridal Veil Falls right off the interstate, then the Sundance Exit for Stewart Cascades.
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| Bridal Veil Falls |
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| Bridal Veil Falls |
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| Stewart Cascades |
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| Stewart Cascades |
Take the scenic route 92 back to Interstate 15 for great overlooks, a chance of wildlife viewing, and Timpangos Cave (which I unfortunately did not have time nor energy to do)
Stop downtown for your last meal at Squatters for some great local craft before heading to the airport
OVERALL THOUGHTS
What another awesome Utah experience! Though very hot and stormy in July, I made the most of it and still got to see and hike a ton. The race was just another stop along the my road trip which was unique in of itself! There is still so much more to do in Utah, I cant wait to go back! Of the Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah, I have done them all now except Capital Reef! And oh how they are all so very different from each other! Even outside the National Parks, there is so much gorgeous scenery to be explored that is just as good, if not better! Escape the crowds of the National Parks and you just may find that hidden gem along your route that really could make your entire trip!
13.1-2:24
Half Marathon #87
Pink Feet is on Year 8 of running a half marathon a month, while also completing the 50 states, with the final race each year being The DONNA Marathon in February! Funds raised benefit The Mayo Clinic and Donna Foundation. My mission is to help spread the word of breast cancer prevention, early detection, and living a healthy lifestyle including running and walking. My overall goal is to raise $100,000 for breast cancer charities in which over $66,000 is currently raised. Donations are currently being accepted HERE
Or you can mail a check to:
Donna Foundation
11762 Marco Beach Dr Ste 6
Jacksonville FL 32224
Memo-PinkFeet