Bryce Canyon National Park: Hike Through Hundreds Of Hoodoos In Utah
If you didn’t know any better, driving through Southern Utah might leave you feeling as if you’d left the planet. The rugged terrain and unique rock formations are, at times, outright otherworldly. Bryce Canyon National Park showcases the stunning geology of this part of the country, and it’s a natural wonder well worth exploring.
Bryce Canyon is a sea of red rocks, pink cliffs, and endless vistas. It’s a hiker’s paradise, a fantastic place to camp, and boasts incredible views and top-notch stargazing. It’s really no wonder that an estimated 2.7 million people visit each year.
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Bryce Canyon National Park is located in Garfield County and Kane County, on the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah.
Rather, it is a series of more than a dozen natural amphitheaters. And although it is close to Zion National Park, at 35,835 acres, it's much smaller.
Bryce Canyon is the perfect showcase for the stunning geology of the area, and it's easy to see why it's one of the most photographed parks in the country.
According to the experts, the ideal time for getting the best photos is sunrise, with sunset being a close second. The morning and evening light casts the park in a soft glow.
While the complimentary park shuttle is fantastic, you can also see plenty of the park without leaving your car.
There are quite a few scenic drives that showcase some of the best parts. The Natural Bridge, pictured here, is one of seven natural arches found in the park. It's one of the major points of interest on Highway 63.
Agua Canyon, which can also be reached by car, is a viewpoint that overlooks several prominent hoodoos.
The park has two campgrounds, North and Sunset, located in close proximity to the Visitor Center. Sunset Campground accepts reservations up to six months in advance, while North Campground is first-come, first-served.
For the last two decades, Bryce Canyon has also hosted the Annual Astronomy Festival in June.
It's a must-see for anyone interested in astronomy. Guests will enjoy a variety of astronomy-themed activities and programs offered both day and night, plus hear from a keynote speaker.
Bryce Canyon National Park truly is a national treasure.
If you ever find yourself exploring Utah, don't pass up a chance to see this enchanting place.
Hikers, backpackers, and all nature lovers will be smitten by Bryce Canyon National Park. For more information on planning your visit, check out the NPS-Bryce Canyon website.
General Information:
Accessibility: Parts of the park, such as the Visitor Center and select campgrounds, are wheelchair accessible. For the complete breakdown of the park’s accessibility, see this page.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted at campgrounds, in parking lots, on paved roads, paved viewpoint areas, on the paved trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, and on the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point. They are not permitted on unpaved trails or viewpoints, in public buildings, or on public transportation vehicles. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Parking: There are vehicle parking lots near the Visitor Center, the Shuttle Station Parking Lot in Bryce Canyon City, and park campsites. Bryce Canyon also has a park shuttle (at no additional charge) to minimize vehicle congestion. Additional shuttle information can be found here.
Seasonal Access: The park is open 24 hours a day throughout the year, though there may be temporary closures due to excessive snow or other weather-related conditions. Visitor Center and Fee Booths are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Cost: A pass must be purchased before entering the park. Entrance fees are $35 for a private vehicle, $30 for a motorcycle, $20 for a pedestrian, and $40 for an annual pass. All entrance fees other than annual passes are good for 7 consecutive days.
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
