Bryce Canyon, Utah
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon is by far the most beautiful U.S. canyon I have ever seen. Majestic does not begin to describe the walls as the sun highlights them at different times of the day. While the rock formations do not adhere to the strict definition of the word “canyon,” the splendor of its white, red and orange cliffs are unforgettable. Whatever you do, do not forget your camera!
What attracts many visitors is the night sky. It is one of the darkest areas in North America in which people of all ages can admire the more than 7,000 stars. In fact, asteroid 49272 was named after this canyon. Park rangers host public stargazing events including views through their large telescopes. It is a great place to take the kids.
The park is located in southwestern Utah, is open year around and accessible by vehicle. From the edge of the plateau, visitors can see the valley and the winding Paria River below. Yet the view from below is far more coveted.
The various sections of the park are like amphitheaters, some as large as 12 miles (19 km) long, 3 miles (4.8 km) wide and 800 feet (240 m) deep.
Bryce Canyon was once the home of the Paiute Indians.
Pioneer Ebenezer Bryce and his family homesteaded there in the mid 1800s, thus the name. Their log cabin has been preserved and can be seen in the valley. Eventually drought and flooding drove both the Paiutes and the white settlers away.
Rock hounds will have a field day examining formations such as Hoodoos, Thor’s Hammer, arches, natural bridges, walls, windows and the Grand Staircase. At the end of the scenic drive is Rainbow Point which is the highest part of the park at 9,105 feet (2,775 m). The park covers 56 square miles (145 km2), is less well known than other U.S. Canyons and thus less visited. Yearly temperatures average 9 °F (-13 °C) in January to 83 °F (28 °C) in July, but can get both hotter and colder at times. Average snowfall is 95 inches. Visitors are warned that at that altitude, the sun can burn in any season.
Mule deer are the most common wildlife but there are also foxes, bobcats, mountain lions and black bears. There are over 400 native plant species including Blue Spruce and Douglas-fir trees.
Bryce Canyon offers thirteen viewpoints over the amphitheaters, eight hiking trails, horse riding and ten miles of ski trails. There are two campgrounds and Bryce Canyon Lodge contains 114 rooms. The Bryce Canyon Natural History Association runs the bookstore inside the park visitor center and there are shuttle buses in summer.
The USS Bryce Canyon was named for the park and served as a supply and repair ship in the U.S. Pacific Fleet from September 15, 1950, to June 30, 1981.
By Marti Talbott
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