Last week while creating a list of destination points around Bryce Canyon, I decided to take a road trip along the rim to see each of the overview locations, scout for campsites, and get a general feel for trailhead locations and road conditions.

I got an early start, leaving Cedar City before 8:00 am. On my drive up Cedar Canyon, I noted a truck pulled off the road's side with the hood up. A clear sign of engine trouble. Knowing cell service is not available in this section of the canyon, I pulled to the road's side. The stranded motorist was grateful, he had contacted Triple-A for a tow, but due to COVID-19, the driver was only allowed to take one passenger and the tow. He was looking for a way to get his family and friends to the dealership.

I had time, so I offered to take his friends to the dealership. Leaving Cedar City for the second time, it is now after 9:00 am. I'm okay with the delay, knowing today is a leisurely road trip with little to no hiking. I had identified several mountain peaks, but reaching the summit is not the critical point of this trip.

Turning left on UT-89, I soon spot three hitchhikers. As I pass, they do not appear to be regular hitchhikers but looked more like stranded tourists. I turned around to inquire about their destination. They were also heading to Bryce Canyon, so they climbed in, and again I head toward my goal.

The fourth member of their group and car owner had decided to leave them stranded at their rental home near UT-14. The hitchhiking group was headed to Bryce Canyon to pick up a rental car. The rental car company located in Tropic turned out to be a single-car that an individual was renting for the day and could not allow them to drive it home to California.

I suggested they contacted Enterprise Car Rental company in Cedar City, UT, and arrange to pick up a car that evening. If they were willing, they could drive with me for the day, and I would drop them off in Cedar City in time to pick up their rental car.

The group readily agreed, and we began our Bryce Canyon Overlook tour. By now, it was too late to stop at all the overlooks, and of the pictures I took, I failed to note the exact location. A return trip is going to have to occur to connect my photos with the information I obtained.

Swamp Canyon Overlook view of Swamp Canyon Butte and Mud Canyon Butte

The drive was beautiful, and the traffic as expected was light. We ate lunch before returning to Cedar City in time for them to pick up the rental car.

Full CalTOPO Bryce Canyon Road trip map located here.