Bryce Canyon National Park

A series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Shaped by wind and rain into thousands of colorful spires, fins, pinnacles, and mazes. The unique formations of claron limestone, sandstones, and mudstones called "hoodoos" are whimsically arranged and tinted in a variety of earthy hues. High-elevation meadows, ponderosa pines, and spruce-fir forests border the rim of the plateau, beyond the border of the park is a panorama that includes parts of 3 states.

Bryce lies at a much higher elevation than nearby Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon, varying from 8,000 to 9,000 feet (2,440 to 2,740 m), whereas the south rim of the Grand Canyon sits at 7,000 feet (2130 m) above Sea Level. Bryce Canyon National Park therefore has a substantially different ecology and climate, offering a contrast for visitors to the south west (who often visit all three parks in a single vacation).

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Take a peak at Bryce Canyon National Park through Travelbudz.

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Flora and fauna

Bryce Canyon is home to 59 species of mammals including mule deer, elk, gray fox, black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, marmots, ground squirrels and pronghorn antelope. 175 different species of birds have been documented to frequent Bryce Canyon National Park, including swifts, turkeys, red-tailed hawks, swallows, jays, ravens, nuthatches, ravens, eagles and owls.

When visiting, do not, under any circumstances, feed the wildlife or allow wildlife to obtain human food. Animals which obtain food from humans often become aggressive, will sometimes get ill or even die due to a change in diet, and most seriously stop foraging for natural foods and frequently starve to death in winter months when human food is no longer available.

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Facts:

Established: 1923 as a National Monument, 1924 as a Utah National Park, and renamed Bryce Canyon National Park in 1928.
Location: South-central Utah, near Tropic.

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Activities

Camping, cross-country skiing, guided trail rides, hiking, picnicking, snowshoeing, stargazing, van touring. Facilities include a visitors center with slide program, Gift shop, books. Overlooks, trails, picnic areas are also available.

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Lodging/Camping:

Camping:

North (102 sites; $10; flush toilets, showers)
South (102 sites; $10; flush toilets, showers)
Sunset group site $30; flush toilets, showes; reservations required 435-834-4801.

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Fees/Permits:

Private, non-commercial vehicles must pay a $20 entrance fee that is good for 7 days. Holders of the National Park Pass ($50), which allows access to all National Parks for one year, do not have to pay this fee. For individuals (applies to motorcycles, bicyclists, or individuals traveling on foot) the fee is $10 for 7 days (National Park Pass holders are again exempt). The entrance fee includes free and unlimited use of the park shuttles during the summer.

Regulations:

No bikes on trails. No trailers beyond Sunset Campground. No hunting. No pets on trails, leashed pets only elsewhere.

Hours:

Park open daily. Visitors center open daily, hours vary seasonally.