Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park in Utah's Canyon Country. Some 35,835 acres (14,502 ha) or 56 mi² (145 km²) in extent, the designated area around the spectacular Bryce Canyon (not actually a canyon, but rather a giant natural amphitheater created by erosion) became a United States National Monument in 1923 and was designated as a National Park in 1928. The park is one of the most popular in Utah, with nearly one million people visiting each year to take in Bryce's spectacular scenery.

The area was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 1850s and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded in the area in 1875 and was known to have described the canyon as "a hell of a place to lose a cow." President Warren G. Harding proclaimed Bryce Canyon a national monument on June 8, 1923. On February 25, 1928, Bryce Canyon officially became a national park. Bryce Canyon consists of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. The erosional force of frost-wedging and the dissolving power of rainwater have shaped the colorful limestone rock of the Claron Formation into bizarre shapes including slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called "hoodoos."

From April through October the park's weather is relatively mild, with pleasant days, cool nights and occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures drop during winter months, with many clear sunny days reflecting off of the deep snowpacks. The park boasts some of the world's best air quality, offering panoramic views of three states and approaching 200 miles of visibility. This, coupled with the lack of nearby large light sources, creates unparalleled opportunities for stargazing.

By Plane

The small Bryce Canyon Airport, off Utah State Route 12 near the park entrance, only serves general aviation and charter flights. The nearest cities with commercial airline service are Cedar City (CDC) and St. George (SGU), both served by SkyWest Airlines/Delta Connection from Salt Lake City, with United Express serving St. George from Denver. The closest full-scale commercial airports are Las Vegas (LAS) and Salt Lake City (SLC).

By Car / Road

The park's main road is Utah State Route 63, which is accessed from Utah State Route 12. The road into the park is open year-round, although it may be impassable during heavy winter storms. From Cedar City, take Utah State Route 14 to US-89, then Utah State Route 12. From St. George, drive up Interstate 15 to Cedar City and follow the same route.

The eighteen mile long park road is easily accessible to automobiles, although it is closed beyond Rainbow Gate during winter storms. Traffic may be heavy during the summer, and some viewpoints may not have parking available. A park shuttle runs during the peak summer months (May–October), allowing people to park their cars outside the park and then travel to the overlooks along the road. For backpackers there are multi-day trails that run the length of the park, and permits are required for all overnight camping.

• Sunrise Point — Near the Bryce Canyon Lodge, provides an inspiring view of the canyon amphitheater, with best light at sunrise.

• Sunset Point — A short hike from Sunrise Point along the Rim Trail, offering an alternative view with best light at sunset.

• Inspiration Point — Another viewpoint accessible by car or from the Rim Trail, with photography best at sunset.

• Bryce Point — One of the most dramatic overlooks in the park, offering a tremendous panorama of the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape.

• Rainbow Point — At the end of the park road, provides lookouts onto hoodoos and access to park trails including the Under the Rim Trail.

• Natural Bridge — Formed from an eroded hoodoo, an interesting geological feature visible from an overlook.

• Hiking — Bryce has many hiking options that range from easy, fairly level paved trails to multi-day backpacking trips. Popular trails include the Rim Trail (11.0 miles round trip), Mossy Cave (0.9 miles round trip), and Navajo Loop (1.3 miles round trip).

• Horseback riding — Guided horseback rides are available through the park, offering a unique perspective of the hoodoos.

• Stargazing — The park's elevation, dark skies, and clean air make it an exceptional stargazing destination. The park hosts regular astronomy programs.

• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing — In winter, the park offers snowshoe ranger programs and excellent snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.

• Ranger programs — Free ranger-led walks and talks are offered year-round, covering topics from geology to wildlife.

There are limited dining options inside the park. The Bryce Canyon Lodge offers a dining room. Most visitors eat in the towns near the park entrance or in nearby Tropic.

• Bryce Canyon Lodge Dining Room — Inside the park. American fare with views of the canyon. Open seasonally.
• Ida's Farm Restaurant — In Bryce Canyon City. Home-cooked American meals and baked goods.
• Pizza Place — In Bryce Canyon City. Casual pizza and sandwiches.

Water is available at the visitor center and at various points along the park road. The nearest bars and pubs are in the towns outside the park. Carry plenty of water when hiking, especially in summer.

• Budget: Camping at the Sunset or North Campground, inside the park. Fees vary by season. Reservations recommended for summer.
• Mid-range: Bryce Canyon Lodge, inside the park. The only lodging within the park boundaries. Cabins and motel rooms available. Open seasonally.
• Upscale / heritage: Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn, near the park entrance. Full-service lodging with restaurant, gift shop, and gas station.

The park visitor center has a bookstore and gift shop. There is limited shopping within the park. The town of Bryce Canyon City, at the park entrance, has several gift shops and outfitters. The towns of Tropic and Panguitch also offer supplies and souvenirs.

• Zion National Park — About 80 miles southwest. Dramatic sandstone cliffs and the famous Narrows hike.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument — Northeast of Bryce. A vast wilderness area with slot canyons and scenic drives.
• Cedar Breaks National Monument — About 50 miles west. A natural amphitheater at over 10,000 feet elevation with wildflower meadows.
• Kanab — About 80 miles south. Gateway to multiple national parks and monuments.
• Cedar City — About 80 miles west. Home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival and a gateway to several parks.
• Grand Canyon North Rim — About 150 miles south. The less-visited rim of the Grand Canyon with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.