Rock Solid Relief: A Hiker's Guide to Nature Calls in Bryce Canyon

On a crisp morning in Evanston, Wyoming, Ericka and I eagerly packed our bright pink pickup with all the essential camping gear – tent, sleeping bags, cooking supplies, and plenty of snacks – carefully arranging each item to maximize space and accessibility. Our loyal dog Sampson, tail wagging with excitement, hopped into the backseat, sensing the adventure ahead. As the sun began to rise over the rolling hills, we closed the truck bed, double-checked our map, and set off from Evanston, the open road beckoning us toward the rugged wilderness. The anticipation of nights under starlit skies, crackling campfires, and the fresh scent of pine filled the air as we left behind the bustle of town for the serene embrace of nature, ready to embrace every moment of our camping journey.

As we drove down Interstate 15, anticipation built with each passing mile, eager to spend Easter Break immersed in the breathtaking beauty of Bryce Canyon. The four-hour journey unfolded through a stunning tapestry of diverse landscapes – rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and expansive desert vistas – each more captivating than the last. The open road offered a sense of freedom and excitement, setting the perfect tone for our adventure ahead. As the crimson and orange hues of Bryce Canyon came into view, we tossed our work worries out the window and got set for the solace of nature.

With the sun dipping low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape, we pulled into Sunset Campground and found our allotted space nestled among towering pine trees. With excitement, we quickly pitched our tent on a soft, grassy patch, the flaps fluttering gently in the evening breeze. Eager to familiarize ourselves with the area and gather some useful information for our upcoming explorations, we walked over to the nearby visitor center. The center buzzed with fellow campers sharing stories and getting maps, while knowledgeable staff offered tips on hiking trails, local wildlife, and the best path to Sunset Point. The atmosphere was welcoming and filled with the promise of nature's wonders just waiting to be explored, setting the perfect tone for our camping trip ahead.

Visiting Bryce Canyon in April provided a greater sense of privacy due to the smaller crowds, but we soon discovered that the spring temperatures in high desert areas can still be quite chilly. As the cold intensified, we decided to spend the night inside the covered bed of our pickup, resting on the clever raised platform that Ericka had designed to optimize storage space. Sheltered under the fiberglass canopy, we were shielded from the harsh wind, while Sampson lay on the floor, his body heat adding to our comfort. In the middle of the night, Ericka found herself wedged uncomfortably between me and the wall of the truck topper, a confined space that unexpectedly triggered a panic attack. Trapped in such a small area with barely any room to move and surrounded by darkness, her breathing grew quick and shallow as anxiety took hold. I woke to her frantic attempt to climb over me in search of a less restrictive spot where she could calm down. For the remainder of the night, she chose to sleep on the floor of the truck alongside Sampson.

The next day, Ericka, Sampson, and I set out early for a day hike along Bryce Canyon’s enchanting Fairyland Loop, our excitement palpable as we anticipated our first glimpse of this otherworldly landscape. The crisp morning air was filled with the scent of pine and fresh earth, and as we stepped onto the trail, the towering hoodoos – those iconic spire-shaped rock formations – began to reveal themselves, glowing softly in the gentle light of daybreak. Each twist and turn of the loop offered breathtaking vistas, from vast amphitheaters peppered with orange and red rock to serene pockets of forest that provided welcoming shade. Along the way, we marveled at the intricate patterns carved by millennia of erosion, stopping frequently to snap photos and soak in the surreal beauty that made Bryce Canyon feel like a hidden fairy-tale world.

We had hiked about two miles down from the north rim of the canyon when nature suddenly called with an urgent demand – I had to pee desperately. My first instinct was to check the map for any nearby facilities, but to my dismay, there was none in sight. The realization hit me hard, and panic began to set in as I found myself in the middle of nowhere without modern plumbing. While Ericka looked on with amusement, I grappled with my embarrassment and tried to formulate a plan. Just then, Sampson lifted his leg and demonstrated a solution to my problem. Taking his suggestion to heart, I scanned the surroundings for a secluded spot. With relief I spotted the perfect hoodoo and ducked behind it for a quick squat. After the deed was completed, I mourned the absence of toilet paper, pulled up my shorts, and rejoined Ericka to continue our journey.

Following an exhilarating day spent hiking amidst the stunning scenery of Bryce Canyon and marking our territory behind its iconic hoodoos, we built a roaring campfire and began preparing our dinner. As the sun sank beneath the horizon, bathing the canyon’s striking rock formations in a warm amber light, the tempting scent of chicken roasting in the Dutch oven blended with the crisp, pine-infused air. Cooking over the open fire lent a charming rustic quality to our meal. Each mouthful was a celebration not only of the hearty flavors from our campfire-cooked feast but also of the fulfillment from a day fully embraced in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, making the evening meal a perfect culmination of our adventurous journey.

For the remainder of our vacation at Bryce Canyon, we boldly immersed ourselves in the rugged beauty of the park, hiking through its breathtaking trails with a fierce sense of adventure. Each path offered a unique glimpse of the canyon’s surreal landscape – towering hoodoos, crimson cliffs, and sweeping vistas that seemed pulled from a dream. Along the way, nature’s call was met with practical solutions, as we respectfully found discreet spots to relieve ourselves, embracing the raw, untamed spirit of the wilderness. Every step brought a deeper appreciation for Bryce Canyon’s diverse flora and fauna, and the quiet serenity that enveloped us made each moment unforgettable. From sunrise hikes to twilight strolls under starlit skies, we delighted in the park’s natural wonders, fueling our love for each other and making memories that would last a lifetime.

On the drive back from our unforgettable visit to Bryce Canyon, we found ourselves reflecting not only on the breathtaking natural scenery but also on the valuable lessons we picked up along the way – most  notably, the often neglected but crucial necessity of bringing toilet paper on hikes. While the canyon’s stunning hoodoos and awe-inspiring vistas bewitched us, it was the practical realities of outdoor adventure that made a deeper impact. We chuckled as we remembered our first hike, which left us to drip dry after each act of nature, a clear reminder that thorough preparation is just as important as enthusiasm when exploring remote areas. This journey demonstrated that the richest travel experiences stem not only from witnessing extraordinary places but also from the wisdom gained through overcoming the obstacles they present, ultimately making future excursions more enjoyable and less stressful.