Red Canyon Overlooks ~ Dixie National Forest

Red Canyon is one of the most picturesque places on earth, so it is not exactly overshadowed by the neighboring Bryce Canyon National Park, even though Bryce was recently voted as the most beautiful landscape in Utah. The terrain is similar in these two places, yet dramatically different. Both of these destinations are well worth exploring, yet one is less known to mainstream tourists than the other. Red Canyon in the Dixie National Forest definitely is a prime attraction, yet most visitors only discover this place while on the way to Bryce Canyon. 

Being in the shadow of Bryce Canyon does have a plus side in one respect. Red Canyon tends to be far less crowded than Bryce Canyon during the busy summer season. This is especially true on the Red Canyon hiking trails, because about 90% of the visitors only go to the roadside overlooks to take a few pictures on the way to Bryce Canyon. For example, I did about three miles on the Butch Cassidy Trail one afternoon in Red Canyon and there actually was not one other person on the trail. For those who wish to avoid brief awkward conversations with passing hikers, Red Canyon definitely offers some peaceful trails that go to majestic places.

It is the red rock outcrop tunnels and the towering golden hoodoos that captivate all who drive through Red Canyon. The colorful sandstone rock formations look animated and this adds to the charm. The tiny little green shrubbery on the towering orange and red canyon walls is actually full grown pine trees and once this is realized, the true proportions come into perspective. The clear cobalt blue skies do have a way of making everything look out of proportion and the illusion certainly is real in Red Canyon.

This photo album was shot at a later date and different time of day than the first album that was published a few months ago. The time of day can really make a difference in how well the photos turn out at Red Canyon. There are times when the sunlight blazes so bright that it will send a digital camera through the loops, so timing the visit for optimal photography conditions is best to do. Early morning can be brutal as far as blinding light goes, but mid morning is actually perfect. This will all become evident when spending some time in this place, instead of being in a hurry to get to the neighboring National Park!