Displaying over two thousand feet (650 meters) of vertical relief, the
park experiences three climate zones including spruce/fir forests,
Ponderosa Pine forests and Pinyon Pine/juniper forests. The range of
zones promotes biodiversity. Over 100 species of bird inhabit the Bryce,
as well as dozens of mammals and thousand of plant species. Due to the
clarity of the atmosphere near Bryce, it is one of the best areas in the
United States for star gazing and amateur astronomy – so bring your
binoculars or telescope, if practical,
As is usual for the National Park Service, Bryce has a marvelous Visitor
Center that can help get you on track for a great visit, including a
useful film that overviews the park.
Areas that you should see include
these viewpoints: Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce. Rainbow point
is also spectacular, if you have time. While you can drive to these overlooks during an
18-mile scenic drive of the park, you should take the time to hike along
the rim or though one of the amphitheaters. If you prefer you can take a
horseback or muleback ride through the area by Canyon Trail Rides, the
only company
licensed by the Park Services to perform this function. See this
website
for the official provider of trail rides in Bryce (as well as in Zion
National Park and the Grand
Canyon).
There are a large number of hikes available in the park. If you
are considering walking the canyons of Bryce, see its
official website for more
detail
By the way, the name Bryce came from a Mormon settler
named Ebenezer Bryce. Ebenezer
apparently was not lured by the beauty of the areas amphitheaters. In a
quote that is probably apocryphal, but humorous anyway, he is reputed
that have said only this about Bryce Canyon “Helluva place to lose a
cow.”
Bryce Canyon National Park is relatively small and
located in southwestern Utah in a remote location.
Many travelers are disappointed by its size, but we think the views are
spectacular and unique. See the National
Park Service website for a great deal of
useful information on visiting Bryce Canyon National Park.
Most of the Park is at or above 8,000 feet elevation, so be sure you
can handle the altitude if you choose to visit. As noted previously,
much of the Park can be observed from the scenic road, but there is no
substitute for hiking to see the details of Bryce Canyon's amazing
ampitheaters.
The entrance fee to the park is $25 per private vehicle, $12 for
pedestrian or cyclist. Admission is for 7 days. Discounts are available
for seniors (aged 62 and older).
Open year round, 24-hours per day. Roads may be closed on a temporary
basis in winter due to storms and year round due to road maintenance.
The Visitor Center and fee booths are closed on Christmas and
Thanksgiving Day.
For those interested, the Park has a
shuttle in
summer, which, although not mandatory ,is highly recommended.
Bryce Canyon has two campgrounds, both near the Visitor Center.
More information on camping can be found in this section of the Park's
official
website.
Normal
precipitation varies slightly though the year and snow is
possible from September through May. The warmest months are June,
July and August and these are considered by many as the best time of
year to visit the Bryce Canyon National Park, although thunderstorm
activity peaks in July and August.
The nearest major airports to Bryce Canyon is Las Vegas, Nevada (254
miles) or Salt Lake City, Utah (272 miles).
Lodging is available in the park from the Xanterra Parks and resorts
which operate the Bryce Canyon Lodge from April 1 to October 31.
See this official website for more information on lodging including making online reservations
http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/lodging.htm.
The Best
Western Ruby's Inn, a landmark of sorts and located in Bryce Canyon
City, is a favorite stop for many. It is located relatively close to the park
and open year around. Other lodging is available in Tropic (12
miles), Escalante (50 miles) and other local towns.
Zion
National Park is nearby (about 78 miles) and Canyonlands National Park
is approximately 130 miles. (We do not cover
Canyonlands National Park
because access is limited to 4-wheel drive vehicles and even then the
roads to the Park may not be passable).
The North Rim of the
Grand Canyon is approximately 160 miles south and if you want to see
the South Rim, you should know that it is a 300 mile drive from
here.
Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area can be
accessed from Page, Arizona (156 miles south). The access here is by
boat and if you think there may be houseboat vacation in your future,
consider spending a a week exploring Lake Powell's amazing scenery. For more information on
this delightful area visit the
Bryce
Canyon Country website provided by the Garfield County Office of Tourism.
