Bryce Canyon National Park Bryce Canyon, UT (801) 834-5322

Bryce Canyon National Park is located in Southwestern Utah east of Cedar City.

Bryce Canyon is not a canyon at all, but a spectacular amphitheater carved by erosion in the 50 to 60 million year old rocks of the Pink Cliffs. These cliffs are the uppermost step in the Grand Staircase that rises to the north between Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Parks. The Staircase is a series of cliffs, all retreating to the north as the superimposed rock layers of southern Utah are eroded. The layers were uplifted and are now being eroded by the action of water. The pink cliffs are what give Bryce Canyon it's unique beauty. The park consists of a 35 mile paved road that leads you to a number of viewpoints in the park. The park's famous badland pinnacles, spires, and monuments can be seen best from Fairyland View, Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points and Paria View. The most southern point on the road is Yovimpa Point which is the highest point in the park at 9105ft.

The best way to see the natural beauty of Bryce Canyon is to hike along the trails that run through the principal parts of the park. But if you have only a limited amount of time you can see spectacular views of the diverse colors and formations by driving to Faryland View, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, and Paria view. The trip takes about one hour.

Along the trails of Bryce Amphitheater you will see a great variety of unusual eroded rock formations, some named for features or persons they were thought to resemble. Most of the colors come from the oxidation of minerals, especially iron which give the reds and yellows. The purples and lavenders are from the manganese. Dazzling light plays upon the rock to immerse you in an immense and vivid light show.

DAY HIKES:

• Rim Trail, the easiest trail is the 1/2-mile (one way) section of Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points. Other sections (which extends 5.5 miles between Fairyland and Bryce Points) have steeper terrain.
• Fairyland Loop (8 miles round trip)
• Peekaboo Loop (4.8 or 6.8 miles round trip)
• Queen's Garden (1.8 miles round trip)
• Navajo Loop (1.5 miles round trip)

BACKCOUNTRY HIKES: The Under-the-Rim Trail extends 23 miles from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point and has eight backcountry campsites. The Riggs Spring Loop Trail (8.8 miles round trip) from Yovimpa Point has four backcountry sites. Both trails drop below the rim of the plateau and lead through forested areas. A backcountry permit is required for allovernight hiking.

MULE RIDES: In spring, summer and fall, Canyon Trail Rides wranglers lead 2-hour and half-day horse and mule rides into Bryce Amphitheater along a dedicated horse trail and the Peekaboo Loop Trail. For information, visit their web site at www.onpages.com/canyonrides/. For reservations, write or call Canyon Trail Rides, P.O. Box 128, Tropic, UT 84776, (435) 679-8665 or (435) 834-5500.

CAMPING: Bryce Canyon has two campgrounds, North and Sunset, with 218 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no hook-ups, but a sanitary dump station is available seasonally near North Campground. Loop A of North Campground has a heated restroom. Sites fill by early afternoon during the summer months so pick you site as soon as you reach the park.

One group site is available in Sunset Campground by reservation only from approximately May 15 through October 10 (depending on weather). Maximum size limit of 30 people and eight vehicles. Minimum of seven people. Site is assigned by lottery held on February 1 of each year. All requests received after February 1 will be granted on a first-received, first-served basis. Reservations are accepted by mail, phone, or FAX (435) 834-4102. Call (435) 834-4801 for more information.

Bryce Canyon's backcountry is a primitive area and managed according to regulations that protect its wilderness values. Backcountry camping is allowed on a limited basis and ONLY at designated campsites. Under no circumstances are campfires allowed in the backcountry. A backcountry permit is required for overnight backcountry camping. Permits must be obtained in person and are issued at the park visitor center from 8:00 a.m. until two hours before sunset. No reservations are accepted.

LODGING: AmFac Parks and Resorts, Inc. operates the Bryce Canyon Lodge, with 114 rooms including lodge suites, motel rooms and cabins. The season begins April 1 and runs through October 31. The dining room at Bryce Canyon Lodge is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations are required. A gift shop and post office are also available at the Lodge. Make lodging reservations on-line at www.amfac.com. Or you can write to: AmFac Parks and Resorts, Inc., 14001 East Iliff Ave., Suite 600, Aurora, CO 80014, or call (303) 297-2757 or fax (303) 237-3175 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time.

Additional lodging is available throughout the area. Reservations are recommended.

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Last updated July 18, 2000