Bryce Canyon is stunningly beautiful and even more so in winter. A fresh blanket of white snow draped over the draped over the red and orange hoodoos adds a magical quality. My very first hike was along the Rim Trail, from Sunrise Point to Inspiration Point and back.

The hike was not strenuous, although slower going over snow. Occasionally my boots would punch through an upper layer of packed snow, putting me knee-deep in a snow bank. Although the snow was powdery and easy to pull out of - and it didn’t leave my legs wet or uncomfortable.

The slower hiking pace was a blessing in disguise. I spent more time on the trail, taking in each turn rather than blazing past each overlook. Each turn had its own unique vantage to offer. Even on a blue-sky day, the color contrast of the warm earth tones against crisp, white snow was mesmerizing. So were the patterns in the windswept snow itself. There was always something interesting to keep my camera occupied.

When I reached Inspiration Point … well, you understand why it has the name it does. The views are awe-inspiring. I was compelled to capture a panoramic view of the vast canyon. I also found beauty in the patterns of erosion, snow, and rock. Great subjects for monochrome work.

As breathtaking as the vistas are along the Rim Trail in Bryce Canyon, more intimate compositions of the hoodoos were also captivating. I wish I had brought an even longer lens for more detailed portraits of these stone monuments.

I am very much looking forward to returning to Bryce Canyon in February 2024 for a photo workshop. I cannot wait to share this wonder of nature with my fellow photographers.