Bryce Canyon National Park

Hoodoos, also called Earth Pyramids, Fairy Chimneys, and Tent Rocks, are thin and tall spires of rock that are naturally eroded and protrude from the bottom of arid badlands and basins. They’re called so because of its eerie, distinct, mushroom-like appearance. If anyone wishes to see what these look like, the highest concentration of hoodoos can be found in Bryce Canyon National Park.

ABOUT THE PARK

The Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its hoodoos that give tourists the “out-of-this-world” feeling, is located in the Garfield and Kane Counties in Southern Utah, United States of America. It lies in on Paunsaugunt Plateau’s eastern edge.

This 35-thousand acre area is accessible for each season of the year. It is reputed that it is the most beautiful during the Summer, but the temperature is ideal in the Fall. In the winter, the hoodoos are blanketed with snow: a spectacular view.

From the fir-spruce forests to the tall plateau to the highly elevated meadows and Ponderosa pines, the park boasts for a breathtaking panoramic view of not only these magnificent canyons and hoodoos but also a sight of three states.

HISTORY

On June 8, 1923, the Bryce Canyon was declared a national monument. Just a day before its anniversary as a national monument, it was renamed the “Utah National Park.” From the U.S. Forest Service administration, it was then transferred to the management of the National Park Service. And after more than four years, on February 25, 1928, its name was changed again and, to this day, is called the Bryce Canyon National Park.

TOP SIGHTS IN THE PARK

The Park’s Viewpoints

The Inspiration Point is a viewpoint that has deserved its name. It is from here that travelers can see Silent City, the hoodoos, Boat Mesa, and much more. The Sunrise Point gives viewers a sight of the fancily named formations such as Sinking Ship and Boat Mesa. Sunset Point features the Thor’s Hammer and is the venue for where the Navajo Loop Trail begins.

Hiking Trails

The Under the Rim Trail is the park’s longest trail, which most take two days to hike as it is 23 miles long. But if the more comfortable option is needed, the Queens Garden Trail is said to be the easiest and still lets visitors get close to the hoodoos.

Natural Bridge

Because of the Claron Formation rock’s erosion from gravity, rain, and ice, the Natural Bridge was sculpted. It is a red arch at the southern end of the park. Its deep red hue serves as the perfect contrast to the Ponderosa forest’s dark evergreens peeking through the arch.

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center guides and ensures tourists that they’d have all the knowledge needed for a satisfactory scope around the park. There are prairie dog maze and interactive consoles here.

Restaurants

To answer to the growls of its guests’ hungry stomachs, there is an array of restaurants nearby the park. The family-friendly The Pizza Place, the fancy Stone Hearth Grille, and the wallet-friendly Bryce Canyon Coffee Company present fine cuisine.

ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK

Guided Tours

People can choose several guided tours, such as those that take them along the best trails, and those that offer vehicles while on the venture around Utah’s canyons.

Hiking Activity

But if it is in the taste to hike it on their own, tourists have many options. The Rim Trail spans the amphitheater’s rim, and the Mossy Cave Trail allows visitors to get up close to the spires and hoodoos.

Mountain Biking

Cyclists may take their bikes up the park and engage in mountain biking. Although allowed only on the paved roads, it will enable bikers to get along and be immersed in their sights.

Horseback Riding

For the equestrians, Horseback riding is a fun activity in the park. Riders embark together to explore the area. The early rancher of the area who is responsible for the park’s namesake, Ebenezer Bryce, had said the canyon was a “helluva place to lose a cow.” The hoodoos and towering structures make this park feel like a thrilling maze and much more exciting when with a horse.

FACTS ABOUT THE PARK

The reason why the Bryce Canyon features vibrant, varying colors are because of the dissolving power of rainwater and erosional force of frost-wedging. Other than the well-known “hoodoos,” people find some structures shaped like slot canyons, fins, and windows. The minerals deposited in various rock types are also responsible for the color differences.

There are over 400 native plant species that grow in the park. Among the many plants that have called this area, home is the Wildflowers. Many animals also move about the canyons such as badgers, marmots, squirrels, chipmunks, foxes, mule deer, black bears, elks, bobcats, and coyotes. One hundred seventy-five different bird species are also found.

The Bryce Canyon National Park continues to mystify travelers and has done so for many decades. The magical, psychedelic colors that line its walls, the lush plants that adorn the area, and the peaceful ambiance have made Bryce Canyon National Park the place to be.