Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is located in the corner of southwestern Utah. The park covers an area of 56 square miles (sq km 145). It is a sister protected area to neighboring Zion National Park.  Together, they create some of the most pristine and stunning wilderness found across the country.

The remoteness of the park makes it visited less than its neighbor and other national parks in the northwestern region of the United States.  However, the incredible collection of hoodoos and other picturesque rock formations makes the visit worthwhile.

The varying colors of red, orange, and white intertwined across the hoodoos, rock formations, and canyon walls create awe-inspiring landscapes.  The Bryce Canyon ridge ranges in height from 8,000 to 9,000 feet (2,400 to 2,700 m).  It is technically not a canyon.

The hoodoos, as some of the pinnacle attractions, reach heights up to 200 feet (60 m).  The hoodoos drape across many of the amphitheaters’ walls serving as nature’s own spectators. 

The Paria River meandered throughout the Paunsaugunt Plateau over the years creating these amphitheaters that blanket the park.  Many of the amphitheaters are decorated with colorful hoodoos.  Over 400 endemic plants are found within the park boundaries with three different ecological zones.

Bryce Canyon is home to a nice variety of wildlife as well as spectacular landscapes.  Some of the popular species include badger, black bear, bobcat, elk, fox, mule deer, porcupine, prairie dog, and pronghorn.  The wildlife is topped off with around 170 species of birds.

There is an 18-mile (29 km) scenic drive across the park.  The drive is amazing on its own, however, it delivers people to Rainbow Point.  Rainbow Point, at 9,105 feet (2,775 m) is the highest part of the park with panoramic views to visitors who make the journey.