Bryce Canyon was not on our original itinerary, but we saw a picture that intrigued us in Page and decided to stop by.

While in Moab, we searched Expedia for a room in Bryce and reserved a room at Ruby's Inn (the only option). We were pleasantly surprised - it is THE place to stay in Bryce: just outside the park gates, a restaurant serving three meals a day, and perhaps the largest store we've ever seen at a hotel. The store sold everything from sculpture and jewelry, to digital camera memory cards, to thermal socks, to beer. We were covered.

We seriously lucked out with our unintended stop in Bryce. Amazing views, scenic hiking, and perfect clouds. It snowed overnight so sunrise the next morning was picture perfect. We're not hikers, but the hiking was great - even spotted deer and elk!

Next stop on the Southwestern Photo Safari: Zion National Park.