Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon National Park does not contain one main canyon, but rather a dozen smaller ravines eroded into the east side of a ridge at the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southwest Utah. This erosion has resulted in thousands of bizarre and fragile rock formations in many subtle shades of pink, white, yellow and red. The Park is named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon farmer who was the first modern-day settler in the region. The park is located about 270 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada and about 270 miles south of Salt Lake City. It is 85 miles northeast of Zion National Park.
Water was initially responsible for creating the rock shapes in Bryce Canyon. Rain and melting snow flowing down the Pink Cliffs towards the Paria River formed ridges, or fins, which subsequently eroded into the spires, pinnacles and other shapes (collectively known as ‘Hoodoos’) which are left standing. In time these too will erode, and the whole process will move westwards as more of the cliff is gradually worn away.
The main ridge forms part of the Pink Cliffs, which are the highest and most geologically recent of a series of escarpments known as the Grand Staircase stretching across south Utah, formed by erosion and uplift of differently coloured sandstone rock layers. The cliffs are named according to the dominant rock colour: (running northwards, from the Grand Canyon) – Chocolate, Vermilion (visible most spectacularly around Lees Ferry, AZ), White (which surround Zion Canyon), Gray and Pink. Most of the Grand Staircase is now contained within the new Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument.
Increased visitation over the last few years has led to the introduction of access restrictions during the summer. Vehicles over 25 feet long are not allowed beyond Bryce Point, a shuttlebus service is provided instead. As with most National Parks, the best way to appreciate Bryce Canyon is to explore away from the main roads. There are various trails along the rim and down through the formations. The Fairyland Loop Trail, an 8 mile, little-used route which descends 900 feet from the ridge road and winds through many of the fins and spires is one of the most spectacular.
Bryce Canyon is reached by the scenic highway UT12 which crosses the northeast corner of the park. The entrance road branches southwards, follows the ridge for 18 miles, and has 14 viewpoints of which Bryce Point is the most famous and gives the best perspective of the extent and variety of the rock formations. The first overlook is Fairyland Point, a pretty side valley with a small-scale version of the main canyon. This is reached before the park entrance station, and so can be appreciated without payment. From the viewpoints it is often possible to see 100 miles south and east towards Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon.
View some related video clips below.
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