BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK |
Bryce Canyon National Park is located approximately 70 minutes north of Zion National Park. Depending on the season visitors enjoy many activities near the park - such as rodeos, chuck wagon rides and entertainment, horseback riding and helicopter rides. If you have time you can venture past Bryce Canyon to Kodachrome Basin State Park for the afternoon.
There are numerous trails to hike and therefore countless photo opportunities in Bryce Canyon National Park. You'll find many trails that lead from the top of the park down in and among the formations. The park employs a shuttle system to aid visitors in their enjoyment of the park, help avoid traffic congestion, and provides better backcountry access. Travelers may park outside the park and ride the shuttle in.
Overlooks are marked on the map you are given at the entrance of the park. The main road in Bryce Canyon goes from the Gate on the North for 20 miles to the South end of the park. As you stop at the overlooks you will be looking to the East into the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and across the Bryce Valley toward Powell Point, which rises to over 10,000 feet.
Bryce Canyon is made up of 37,277 acres of majestic rock formations, spacious canyons and includes a wide variety of wildlife and many different types of trees, plants and flowers. With a rich Native American history, Bryce's earliest explorers were Anasazi and Fremont Indians. The canyon is named after Ebenezer Bryce, who aided in the settlement of southwestern Utah and northern Arizona.
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Bryce Canyon hosts a huge selection of colorful Clarion limestone, sandstones, and mudstones into thousands of spires and pinnacles. These formations are called "hoodoos," and they were created by thousands of years of erosion. The word "hoodoo" means to cast a spell, and was meant to infer that the beauty of Bryce Canyon casts a spell on all who explore the canyon. Countless plateaus and valleys make up Bryce Canyon. Just past the main gate you can stop at the visitor center and view the various displays on the geology and other information about the park.
Plants and trees are abundant in Bryce Canyon. Scores of Ponderosa pines and fir-spruce forests blanket the canyon. More than 400 species of plant life grow in the park, including wildflowers like the bellflower, gentian, yarrow, gilla and sego lily. Small mammals, birds and mule deer populate the area, and an occasional black bear or mountain lion can be seen prowling around. |
We do not offer recommendations on any roads or activities. We do recommend that you check road conditions if you choose to set out for any scenic drive or hike by contacting the corresponding visitor center, state tourism office or the BLM. Roads may be slippery when wet, and weather may call for extra water, food, clothing or appropriate camping gear. Please do not touch or attempt to feed any wildlife you come across, and ask federal or state officials before removing any fossils or artifacts, because in some areas a hefty fine can be imposed. Please be prepared for any emergency. Many of these areas are quite remote and cell phone service is limited. Have a safe and fun journey!
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