Play in Bryce Canyon Country this winter with non-ski activities
By Soni Brown
Bryce Canyon Country is known for its spectacular views, trails and the scenic routes that make the area a favorite for winter adventure. Although skiing is the predominant winter pastime in the region, there are plenty of non-ski activities to enjoy. Here are a few to start.
Snowshoeing
When the snow depth is between 12 and 18 inches, park rangers offer a two-hour tour designed for all skill levels from beginner to expert. The tour takes you through spectacular hoodoos and scenery along Bryce Canyon National Park rim, including the China Wall Basin of Fairyland Loop Trail. Appropriate clothing and footwear are required, but the snowshoes and poles are available for free for those joining Bryce Canyon’s Snowshoe Rangers.
Full moon hikes
Let an expert ranger guide lead you on a scenic snowshoe tour around Bryce Canyon during the full moon. The hike after sunset takes place from November to March and has a limited number of spaces. Sign up for the hike at the visitor center auditorium at 4 p.m., or email brca_information@nps.gov for more information, including dates and weather conditions.
Antiquing
Around the Escalante area, you can easily spend more than a day soaking up natural history and stories of outlaws and explorers from the Gilded Age. Escalante’s Main Street has an abundance of small town shops where you can look for pioneer-era and late 1800s antiques.
Finish your antiquing trip by heading east to Panguitch. Use Scenic Route 12 from Escalante, and stop along the numerous overlooks immortalized by the photographer Ansel Adams. Main Street in Panguitch has several buildings on the National Historic Registry that make for great photos. Check out the wide collection of saddles, spurs, cowboy boots, vintage clothing, and Western cowboy memorabilia in the small shops.
Follow Bryce Canyon Country on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date information. Visit brycecanyoncountry.com for itineraries and vacation ideas.
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