Photo by: Jacob Lips
Bryce Canyon National Park sits on 35,835 acres of land in southwestern Utah. Technically, this land formation is not a canyon, which is described as a deep gorge between cliffs due to erosion caused by rivers. The park is known for its geological structures called hoodoos, which are rock formations due to stream erosion from the river.
Nevertheless, it has been called a canyon and its natural beauty is not diminished by its name. Some 2,679,478 million people visited this park in 2018, which makes it one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.
History
Unlike canyons, which are formed due to river erosion, hoodoos are formed due to headward erosion, which carved the natural amphitheater formations on the rocks.
There are not a lot of historical reports indicating human habitation in the area, probably because of its kind of landform. Still, there's proof that people have lived at the Paunsaugunt Plateau, some 10,000 years ago.
European-American explorations of the region began in the 18th Century and continued till the early 19th century. Mormon scouts inspected the area for agricultural viability. The place was named after one of them, Ebenezer Bryce was the first person to be documented, who lived in the region, in 1874. Eventually, the area was declared unsuitable for residential purposes.
Scientific and geological studies were carried out in the area, during the early 1900s. Media coverage brought national attention to the unique natural land formation, in 1918. On June 8, 1923, Bryce Canyon was declared a national monument. It finally became the Bryce Canyon National Park on Feb. 25, 1928.
Photo by: Jacob Lips
Things to do
Viewing/photographing the natural amphitheaters
The beautiful spires carved on the high plateau is a work of natural art. Visitors should check out the Bryce Amphitheater, which is the most famous among them. Four viewing areas give visitors a panoramic view of the Bryce Amphitheater: Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point. The gorgeous hoodoos are breathtaking and the memory is etched for eternity. The mentioned viewing decks are also the perfect place to click pictures of the natural amphitheaters. There are also other viewpoints along the expansive park.
Hiking & sightseeing
Hiking trails range from easy to strenuous, and there are various backdrops that hikers will enjoy while trekking—hoodoos and forests.
The Mossy Cave goes through a mossy grotto, while the Sunset to Sunrise gives a scenic view of the Bryce Amphitheater. The Rim Trail has a great view of the hoodoos from above, while the Bristlecone Loop provides a more breezy walk through spruce-fir forests. Queen’s Garden is the easiest trail and ends with the view of Queen Victoria.
For moderate trails, there is the Navajo Loop, which gives hikers a great view of Thor’s Hammer as well as Two Bridges and Wall Street. Tower Bridge leads to the Chinese Wall, while the Hat Shop gives a great view of some balanced-rock hoodoos.
For more strenuous hikes, there is the Fairyland Loop that gives a great view of the Chinese Wall, Tower Bridge and picturesque hoodoos. Some of the most strenuous trails are a combination of various other trails.
Camping
There are two campgrounds in the park: North and Sunset, both at a first-come, first-served basis. The former is closer to Bryce Amphitheater, while the latter is surrounded by ponderosa pines.
Horseback riding
There are two- to four-hour guided tours around the area on horseback. This is another way to check out Bryce Amphitheater.
Winter activities
The snow will not stop Bryce Canyon National Park from operating. Winter also provides a different vista of the Bryce Amphitheater. Visitors can ski and snowshoe at the park, which becomes a winter wonderland. Some of the hike trails are still available for winter hiking. There are minimal areas for sledding, but it is allowed. There are also astronomy programs during winter, which allows visitors to marvel at the park’s beautiful night skies.
Flora and fauna
There are around 400 plant species that thrive in the park depending on elevation. Among the plant life in the lower areas are antelope bitterbrush, juniper, manzanita, pinyon pine, and serviceberry. Middle elevation features aspen, cottonwood and water birch, among others. The highest elevations have bristlecone pine and lumber pine.
The forests surrounding the park also provide a peaceful habitat for a diverse fauna: badgers, black bears, bobcats, foxes, elk, mule deer, porcupines, and woodpeckers. Among the endangered species in the park are the California condors, southwestern willow flycatchers and Utah prairie dogs.
Photo by: Jacob Lips