Bryce Canyon

Shortly after meeting Tim, we took an impromptu trip to Bryce Canyon National Park! Tim had never  been to Bryce Canyon and I had only been briefly. We went in the middle of February and it was amazing! I always recommend that people go in the winter for a few reasons. First, it isn't so unbearably hot! Second, there aren't so many tourists and busses full of people! Third, the contrast of the snow on the red rock is amazing and it doesn't effect the main trails all that much. 

Although the trails are still accessible, there are a few things that I would recommend bringing that you don't think about in Summer:

1. My Katoola Microspikes were a life saver on the narrow trails through the canyon! The snow in the shadows of the canyon walls ices over and gets really slick but with Microspikes it doesn't matter if the ice is slushy or slick, they will help you stick to anything. I use them (I have a size medium) on my big hiking boots and my trail running shoes in all types of snow!
2. Trekking poles are also a must. The trails throughout Bryce Canyon are really narrow and really steep. You have to get into the canyon by a steep trail and then (eventually) get out again on a similarly steep trail. Without poles, that can be a little difficult and dangerous.
3. Make sure to dress in layers! You start and end in the sun but for the most part, the trails that you'll be on are relatively flat and in the shade so you may get cold in the canyon! If it's recently snowed, you might consider getting trail gaiters to keep the snow out of your shoes.

Always make sure to check with the NPS to see if there are any special conditions or events happening when you'll be visiting (I know that in the winter the rangers will sometimes do snowshoe tours)! 

Have fun and stay safe!