Photo Trail, Birdseye Trail, Red Canyon - Wilson Peak - UT, quad

Four trails exist between this location and the Red Canyon Visitor Center. The first trail is not listed on the placard separately, but shows the map as "Photo Trail." A short hike up near one of the massive stone structures and is excellent for photo's as the name would imply. Several trails spider from this spot, but they extend beyond the "End Trail" sign and are not part of the trail system. The Photo Trail connects with the "Birdseye Trail" further up the hillside, and one can loop back to the Trailhead or continue to follow the Birdseye Trail into the canyon. The Birdseye Trail is .7 in length and is a Point to Point trail connecting with the "Hoodoo Trail" near the large bus pullout before the Visitor Center. One can continue to follow the Hoodoo Trail to the Visitor Center or cut across the road and walked back along the bike path, creating a loop back to the Trailhead.

Short trails lead to impressive views up close and personal

Short trails lead to impressive views up close and personal

The Birdseye Trail contains some massive cavern structures that I have not seen in Bryce nor any of the surrounding canyons. A hardened crown sits atop the softer material that makes up the hoodoos, often causing a toadstool effect. The head is exceptionally thick and sits across the tops of several hoodoos, creating massive cave-like formations.

Birdseye Trail view

Birdseye Trail view

Easy walking, the Birdseye Trail is cut out of the hillside and follows roughly the same elevation as it traverses through the canyon, before dropping down to the valley floor. The placard lists it as "Moderate Terrain," which I believe is due to the narrow nature of the trail.

Massive Cavern like structures

Massive Cavern like structures

Caltopo View of Photo Trail and Birdseye Trail Loop

Caltopo View of Photo Trail and Birdseye Trail Loop