Bryce Canyon
268 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT
1928
Established:
Size:
35,835 acres
Visitors:
2,354,660 in 2022
Summary
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is renowned for its breathtaking landscape of intricate rock formations known as hoodoos, carved by erosion over millions of years. The park's main amphitheater, Bryce Amphitheater, showcases a mesmerizing array of colorful spires, arches, and cliffs, illuminated by the ever-changing light of dawn and dusk. Visitors can explore the park's network of trails, which wind through pine forests and along the canyon rim, offering panoramic views of the otherworldly scenery below. Beyond its geological wonders, Bryce Canyon is also a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to spot mule deer, mountain lions, and a variety of bird species. Whether marveling at the surreal rock formations, stargazing under the vast desert sky, or hiking among ancient bristlecone pines, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a truly unforgettable experience amidst the wonders of the American Southwest.
Wildlife
Bryce Canyon National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife that thrives in its unique high desert ecosystem. Among the park's inhabitants are mule deer, often seen grazing in meadows or wandering along the canyon rim, while elusive mountain lions roam the more remote areas. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including California condors, peregrine falcons, and Steller's jays, soaring above the hoodoos or nesting in the park's ponderosa pine forests. Smaller creatures such as golden-mantled ground squirrels and chipmunks scurry among the rocks, while reptiles like the plateau lizard bask in the sun. As visitors explore Bryce Canyon's trails and overlooks, they are treated to glimpses of the park's rich and diverse wildlife, adding to the allure of this spectacular natural wonder.
Sounds of the Park
Things to Do
Visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and more. In the winter months, activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available as well.
When to Visit
Bryce Canyon National Park has a dry continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation is relatively rare year-round. The park is typically busiest during the summer months (June-August). For mild temperatures and lower crowd levels, visit during the late spring (May) or fall (September-October).
Ties to Stephen Mather
Bryce Canyon National Park has a Stephen Mather plaque just outside the park's main visitor center. Bryce Canyon was designated as a national park in 1928, during Mather's directorship of the National Park Service. Despite this, Stephen Mather initially wanted Bryce Canyon to be a state park given its small size.
Fun Fact
Though hoodoos can be found on every continent, Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest density of hoodoos on earth.