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Bryce Canyon National Park

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▸Introduction503 chars

Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park in Utah's Canyon Country. Some 35,835 acres (14,502 ha) or 56 mi² (145 km²) in extent, the designated area around the spectacular Bryce Canyon (not actually a canyon, but rather a giant natural amphitheater created by erosion) became a United States National Monument in 1923 and was designated as a National Park in 1928. The park is one of the most popular in Utah, with nearly one million people visiting each year to take in Bryce's spectacular scenery.

▸History605 chars

The area was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 1850s and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded in the area in 1875 and was known to have described the canyon as "a hell of a place to lose a cow". President Warren G. Harding proclaimed Bryce Canyon a national monument on June 8, 1923. On June 7, 1924, Congress passed a bill to establish Utah National Park, when all land within the national monument would become the property of the United States government. The land was acquired and the name was restored to Bryce Canyon. On February 25, 1928, Bryce Canyon officially became a national park.

▸Landscape857 chars

Bryce Canyon consists of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. The erosional force of frost-wedging and the dissolving power of rainwater have shaped the colorful limestone rock of the Claron Formation into bizarre shapes including slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called "hoodoos." The varied colors of the rocks and rock formations contribute to the spectacular views.

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 who visit all three parks in a single vacation.

▸Flora and fauna729 chars

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, 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.

▸Climate480 chars

From April through October the park's weather is relatively mild, with pleasant days, cool nights and occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures drop during winter months, with many clear sunny days reflecting off of the deep snowpacks. The park boasts some of the world's best air quality, offering panoramic views of three states and approaching 200 miles of visibility. This, coupled with the lack of nearby large light sources, creates unparalleled opportunities for stargazing.

▸Visitor information12 chars

Park website

▸By car190 chars

The park's main road is Utah State Route 63, which is accessed from Utah State Route 12. The road into the park is open year-round, although it may be impassable during heavy winter storms.

▸By air990 chars

The small 1 Bryce Canyon Airport, off Utah State Route 12 near the park entrance, only serves general aviation and charter flights.

The nearest cities with commercial airline service are Cedar City and St. George, both of which are served by SkyWest Airlines/Delta Connection from Salt Lake City, with United Express serving St. George from Denver. From Cedar City, you can get to Bryce Canyon via Utah State Route 14 (from Cedar City to US-89, passing near Cedar Breaks National Monument en route), US Route 89 (from UT-14 to UT-12), and finally Utah State Route 12. From St. George, drive up Interstate 15 to Cedar City and follow the directions from there. Alternatively, you can take Utah State Route 9 (from Harrisburg Junction to US-89) through Zion National Park, although this requires paying the $25 entry fee to Zion.

The closest full-scale commercial airports to Bryce Canyon are in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, which are connected to St. George and Cedar City by Interstate 15.

▸Fees and permits2,313 chars

Entrance fees are valid for seven days and include free and unlimited use of the park shuttles during the summer. Entrance fees as of 2020 are:

$20 Per Person

$30 Motorcycle

$35 Private Vehicle

$40 Bryce Canyon Annual Pass

The America the Beautiful Pass, also called the Interagency Pass, provides entry to Bryce Canyon National Park and all national parks, as well as some national monuments, national wildlife refuges, and national forests. A single pass applies for an entire group traveling together in a private vehicle, or up to four people on foot or bike. There are several pass types:

The Annual Pass (valid for twelve months from date of issue) can be purchased by anyone. $80 for U.S. citizens and residents, $250 for non-U.S. residents, $20 for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over, and free for current military personnel (must show a Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID).

The Lifetime Pass (valid for the life of the holder) is available for $80 to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over, and free for veterans and Gold Star families (families of servicemembers who were killed in action). Applicants must provide documentation showing they are eligible. This pass also provides a 50% discount on some park amenities.

The Access Pass (valid for the life of the holder) is available for free to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and permanent disability. This pass also provides a 50% discount on some park amenities.

The Volunteer Pass is available for free to individuals who have volunteered 250 or more hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program.

The free Annual 4th Grade Pass (valid for September to August of the 4th grade school year) allows entry to the bearer and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle. Registration at the Every Kid Outdoors website is required.

In 2026, the National Park Service offers free admission to all national parks on 10 days:

President's Day (February 16)

Memorial Day (May 25)

Flag Day (June 14)

Independence Day Weekend (July 3-5)

The National Park Service Birthday (August 25)

Constitution Day (September 17)

Theodore Roosevelt's birthday (October 27)

Veterans Day (November 11)

▸By car386 chars

The eighteen mile long park road is easily accessible to automobiles, although it is closed beyond Rainbow Gate during winter storms. Traffic may be heavy during the summer, and some viewpoints may not have parking available. If you're not staying overnight in the park, it is recommended that you park at the shuttle parking area at the entrance and ride the shuttle through the park.

▸By shuttle312 chars

A park shuttle runs during the peak summer months (May–October), allowing people to park their cars outside of the park and then travel to the overlooks along the road. Shuttles run from well before sunrise until after sunset and ensure that a full parking lot won't prevent a visit to any of the park's sights.

▸By foot124 chars

For backpackers there are multi-day trails that run the length of the park. Permits are required for all overnight camping.

▸By bike291 chars

Bikes are not allowed on most of the park trails, but they are useful for avoiding traffic around the sometimes busy viewpoints. Be aware that much of the park lies between 8,000 and 9,000 feet of elevation, making travel by bicycle much more difficult than it would be at lower elevations.

▸By guided tour326 chars

A number of companies provide guided tours of Bryce Canyon that include transportation from the surrounding areas. Some companies will provide bus travel from nearby towns while others begin in Bryce Canyon. Some will provide just a brief tour with small stops, while others may take you on a hike, and arrange all your meals.

▸See1,338 chars

1 Visitor Center. Just past the entrance, the Visitor Center makes a good first stop with park rangers on hand to answer questions, exhibits and a film about the park. Bookstore and gift shop on-site. (updated May 2015)

2 Sunrise Point. Near the Bryce Canyon Lodge, Sunrise Point provides an inspiring view of the canyon amphitheater, with light best at (surprise!) sunrise.

3 Sunset Point. A short hike from Sunrise Point along the Rim Trail, and also accessible by car, Sunset Point offers an alternative view of the canyon amphitheater with best light occurring at sunset.

4 Inspiration Point. Another viewpoint accessible by car or from the Rim Trail, Inspiration View's name is well-deserved. Photography from this overlook is best at sunset.

5 Bryce Point. One of the most dramatic overlooks in the park, Bryce Point offers a tremendous panorama of the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape. It is accessible either by car or along the rim trail.

6 Natural Bridge. Formed from an eroded hoodoo, the natural bridge is an interesting feature, although it may not impress those expecting an enormous natural arch.

7 Rainbow Point. At the end of the park road, Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point provide lookouts onto more hoodoos and also allow access to park trails including the Under the Rim Trail and the Riggs Spring Loop Trail.

▸Hiking2,288 chars

Bryce has many hiking options that range from easy, fairly level paved trails to multi-day backpacking trips. (All map points below are for the trailhead.)

Rim Trail. (11.0 miles round trip). Leading along the cliff edge from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point, this trail is paved in portions and accessible from numerous overlooks. Most park visitors will hike at least a portion of the trail to enjoy the views.

1 Mossy Cave. (0.9 miles / 1.5 km round trip). Accessible from highway 12, this easy trail leads past a waterfall and up to a cave, with views of hoodoos along the way.

2 Bristlecone Loop. (1.0 miles / 1.6 km round trip). This trail starts from Yovimpa Point and leads through a coniferous forest to a nice view on the cliff's edge.

3 Navajo Loop. (1.3 miles / 2.2 km round trip). One of the most popular trails in the park, leading through the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater past formations such as Thor's Hammer and Wall Street. The trailhead is at Sunset Point.

4 Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop Combination. (2.9 miles / 4.6 km round trip). A popular loop trail that starts from Sunrise Point and finishes at Sunset Point, passing through much of the Bryce Amphitheater along the way.

5 Tower Bridge. (3 miles / 4.8 km round trip). A trailhead north of Sunrise Point follows a portion of the Fairyland trail to a natural arch.

6 Hat Shop. (4 miles / 6.5 km round trip). Departing from Bryce Point, this trail descends 900 feet to some interesting rock formations.

7 Swamp Canyon Loop. (4.3 miles / 7.2 km round trip). This loop trail starts from the Swamp Canyon overlook and briefly joins with the Under-the-Rim trail before returning.

8 Peekaboo Loop. (5.5 miles / 8.8 km round trip). A trail shared with horses and leading through formations within Bryce Amphitheater. It is accessible from the Queen's Garden trail.

9 Fairyland Loop. (8 miles / 12.9 km round trip). The Fairyland loop trail starts at Fairyland Point and loops into the Bryce Amphitheater near Sunrise Point before returning.

10 Riggs Spring Loop. (8.5 miles / 14.2 km round trip). The Riggs Spring Loop Trail (8.8 miles round trip) from Yovimpa Point has four backcountry sites.

Under-the-Rim. This trail extends 23 miles from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point and has eight backcountry campsites.

▸Photography501 chars

The park is a mecca for landscape photographers, with clear air and incredible scenery making for amazing photographs. Offseason trips may be best in order to avoid crowds, although the best light for photographing the amphitheater occurs during the long days of summer, with the light just after sunrise and before sunset best for bringing out the colors of the rock. Additionally, like much of the Southwest the Bryce Canyon landscape offers great opportunities to experiment with panorama photos.

▸Horseback riding409 chars

Guests wanting to join a guided horse riding trip can do so during the spring, summer and fall.

Canyon Trail Rides, Tropic, UT, ☏ +1 435 679-8665, +1 435 834-5500. 2-hour and 4-hour trips are available on either horses or mules into Bryce Amphitheater along the Peekaboo trail.

Ruby's Inn, ☏ +1 435 834-5341, Brady@rubysinn.com. Half day, full day, and 1 ½ hour rides, including the Thunder Mountain Ride.

▸Buy388 chars

The visitor center has a well-stocked gift shop featuring books, posters, and numerous other souvenirs. The general store (near Sunrise Point) offers food, camping supplies, and more souvenirs. There is also a gift shop within Bryce Canyon Lodge.

Outside of the park is a mind-numbing array of shops catering to tourists and offering treasures ranging from pop-tarts to bumper stickers.

▸Eat349 chars

The general store near Sunrise Point offers basic food supplies. Bryce Canyon Lodge has a dining room offering breakfast, lunch and dinner; reservations for dinner are required.

If you're staying late in the park to watch the sunset, keep in mind that nearly all restaurants close at 9 o'clock; the grocery store stays open for about an hour later.

▸Lodging1,557 chars

The only hotel within the park is Bryce Canyon Lodge, which is between Sunrise and Sunset Points.

1 Bryce Canyon Lodge, 13500 E. Highway 12, ☏ +1-435-834-5351, toll-free: +1-866-834-0043, fax: +1-435-834-5256. Near Sunrise Point, the lodge has 114 rooms, which include motel rooms and cabins. Warm and comfortable beds. On-site restaurant, free WiFi. Open between March and November, with the cabins opening early May and closing mid-October. (updated Feb 2026)

2 Best Western Ruby's Inn, 1000 S. Highway 63, ☏ +1 435-834-5341, toll-free: +1-866-866-6616, fax: +1 435-834-5265, info@rubysinn.com. Rates from $126 per night in the summer, and from $61 per night in the winter.

3 Bryce View Lodge, 991 South Highway 63, ☏ +1 435-834-5180, toll-free: +1-888-279-2304, fax: +1 435-834-5181, bvlinfo@rubysinn.com. Rates from $99 per night in the summer, and from $50 per night in the winter.

4 Bryce Canyon Resort, 13500 East Highway 12 (At junction of Hwy 12 & Utah 63), ☏ +1 435-834-5351, toll-free: +1-800-834-0043, fax: +1 435-834-5256, bcresort@yahoo.com. Rooms and cabins. Winter: $49, Summer:$145.

5 Bryce Canyon Pines Motel & RV Park/Campground, Highway 12 Milepost 10, ☏ +1 435-834-5441, toll-free: +1-800-892-7923, fax: +1 435-834-5330, bcpines@color-country.net.

6 Foster's Motel, 1152 Hwy 12, ☏ +1 435-834-5227, fax: +1 435-834-5304, fosters@color-country.net. Those looking for a resort-style lodging will probably want to look elsewhere, but during busy times Foster's offers a warm place to spend the night that won't bust the budget.

▸Camping2,193 chars

There are two campgrounds within the park. Facilities at the campgrounds include drinking water and restrooms, and pay showers are available during the summer at the general store.

7 North Campground (located just past the park entrance stations on the left), toll-free: +1-877-444-6777. 99 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. North Campground is located across the road to the east of the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and is comprised of 99 sites in 4 loops; A, B, C, D. Loops A & B are for RV campers. Loops C & D are for tent campers. There are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups available. A dump station is available in summer months at the south end of the campground for a $5 use fee. Potable water is available near the dump station. $20 Per Tent Site, $30 Per RV Site (2020 rates). (updated Jun 2020)

8 Sunset Campground (west of Sunset Point, approximately 1.5 miles south of the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center). (April - October) 100 sites, 1 group site. Reservations are available for the summer, but the campground is first-come, first-served in other seasons. Sunset Campground is comprised of 100 sites in 3 loops; A, B, & C. Loop A is for RV campers. Loops B & C are for tent campers. There are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups available. A dump station is available in summer months near North Campground for a $5 use fee. Potable water is available near the dump station. Sunset Campground is close to Sunset Point and has a shuttle stop at its entrance. $20 Tent Site, $30 RV Site (2020 rates). (updated Jun 2020)

Additional campgrounds cluster outside of the park's borders:

9 Ruby's Campground, Highway 63, toll-free: +1-866-866-6616. Just outside the park entrance. Rates are charged based on the number of people per site and begin at $18 for two people, increasing by $2 for each additional person. Rates for RVs start at $26 for two people, also increasing by $2 for additional individuals.

10 Bryce Canyon KOA, Highway 12, ☏ +1 435 679-8988, toll-free: +1-888-562-4710, bvkoa@color-country.net. Open March 15 to November 15, this KOA 12 miles from the park entrance charges $18-24 for a tent site, $21-30 for an RV site, and $36-48 for a cabin.

▸Backcountry246 chars

All backcountry camping is by permit only. Permits can be obtained for a $5 fee at the visitor center and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Overnight camping is allowed only on the Under-the-Rim trail and Riggs Spring Loop trail.

▸Stay safe956 chars

Be especially careful with children around the canyon edges; drop-offs are steep and not all areas are protected by railings. During thunderstorms avoid isolated trees and open areas and, if possible, stay in your vehicle to protect against lightning strikes. There is little danger from mountain lions, but should one be encountered gather small children, back away slowly, and make yourself look as large as possible.

Altitude in the park reaches as high as 9,100 feet, so most visitors will experience some shortness of breath while hiking, and in extreme cases headaches and respiratory problems may be experienced. For those not used to the elevation, pace yourself and take a few days to acclimate before attempting any strenuous physical activity.

Unlike the other national parks of southern Utah, heat is not a major problem due to the park's high elevation. Temperatures rarely reach 90°F (32°C), even during the height of day in summer months.

▸Go next664 chars

Bryce Canyon National Park is near several other well-known parks and monuments, including Monument Valley, Grand Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, and Great Basin National Park.

Zion National Park. Zion National Park is 78 miles west of Bryce National Park and offers incredible scenery amongst sandstone canyons.

Red Canyon. Nine miles west of Bryce Canyon, Highway 12 passes through the floor Red Canyon allowing views up at hoodoos similar to those in Bryce Canyon without the need to climb down to their bases. The road also passes through two man-made arches. There are hiking trails in Red Canyon which are open year-round, weather permitting.

Facts

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage

Media

From Wikipedia2,792 words

WBP editorial3

Seasonal light and photography tricks

The high desert setting means sunlight shifts dramatically over the day. Early spring offers crisp, low-angle light that sculpts the hoodoos in deep silhouette, while the golden hour in late autumn bathes the amphitheaters in amber, accentuating the red and orange strata. Photographers often set up at Sunrise Point before dawn to capture the sunrise flooding the valley floor; a tripod and a neutral density filter allow longer exposures that smooth the occasional cloud swirls without overexposing the rock's subtle hues. Remember the park's elevation—temperatures can drop sharply after sunset, so keep spare batteries warm.

Hiking beyond the main loop

While the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden are the most traversed routes, seasoned walkers can add the less‑trodden Fairyland Loop for a 8‑mile circuit that weaves through secondary amphitheaters and pine forests. Starting at the Fairyland Trailhead, the path climbs gently before descending into a secluded section of hoodoos rarely crowded with tourists. The loop’s varied terrain, from open meadow to shaded canyon floor, offers a broader sense of the plateau’s geological story. Pack a litre of water and a wind‑breaker; the higher sections can feel windy even in summer.

Cultural context for the modern visitor

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The landscape bears the imprint of centuries of indigenous presence, particularly the Southern Paiute, who named many of the natural features and used the area for seasonal foraging. Contemporary visitor centres host modest exhibits that explain traditional ecological knowledge, such as the use of native plants for food and medicine. Engaging with these narratives provides a richer perspective beyond the visual spectacle, reminding travellers that the hoodoos sit within a living cultural tapestry rather than a purely geological showcase.

Introduction

National park in Utah, United States Bryce Canyon National ParkIUCN category II (national park)Interactive map of Bryce Canyon National ParkLocationGarfield County and Kane County, Utah, United StatesNearest cityTropic, PanguitchCoordinates37°38′N 112°10′W / 37.64°N 112.17°W / 37.64; -112.17Area35,835 acres (145.02 km2)EstablishedFebruary 25, 1928; 98 years ago (1928-02-25)Visitors2,498,075 (in 2024)Governing bodyNational Park ServiceWebsitenps.gov/brca Bryce Canyon National Park (/braɪs/) is a national park of the United States located in southwestern Utah. The major feature of the park is Bryce Canyon, which, despite its name, is not a canyon but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce is distinctive due to geological structures called hoodoos, formed by frost weathering and stream erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rock. The red, orange, and white colors of the rocks provide distinctive views for park visitors. Bryce Canyon National Park is much smaller and sits at a much higher elevation than nearby Zion National Park. The rim at Bryce varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet (2,400 to 2,700 m). The area is in portions of Garfield County and Kane County. It was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 1850s and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded in the area in 1874. The area was originally designated as a national monument by President Warren G. Harding in 1923 and was redesignated as a national park by Congress in 1928. The park covers 35,835 acres (55.992 sq mi; 14,502 ha; 145.02 km2) and receives substantially fewer visitors than Zion National Park (nearly 4.3 million in 2016) or Grand Canyon National Park (almost 6 million in 2016), largely due to Bryce's more remote location. In 2024, Bryce Canyon received almost 2.5 million visitors. The park spans three life zones, with forests and meadows supporting diverse animal life. The park contains 1000 plant species, 59 mammal species, and at least 100 species of birds.

Geography

[edit] The park covers 35,835 acres (14,502 ha) in southwestern Utah, at an altitude of 8,000 to 9,000 ft (2,400 to 2,700 m). The park is about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of and 1,000 feet (300 m) higher than Zion National Park. Bryce Canyon National Park lies within the Colorado Plateau geographic province of North America and straddles the southeastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau west of Paunsaugunt Faults (Paunsaugunt is Paiute for "home of the beaver"). Park visitors arrive at the plateau and look over its edge toward a valley containing the fault and the Paria River just beyond it (Paria is Paiute for "muddy or elk water"). The Kaiparowits Plateau is on the eastern opposite side of the valley. Bryce Canyon was not formed from erosion initiated from a central stream, meaning it technically is not a canyon. Instead headward erosion excavated large amphitheater-shaped features in the Cenozoic-aged rocks of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. This erosion resulted in colorful pinnacles called hoodoos that are up to 200 feet (60 m) high. A series of amphitheaters extends more than 20 miles (30 km) north-to-south within the park. The largest is Bryce Amphitheater, which is 12 miles (19 km) long, 3 miles (5 km) wide and 800 feet (240 m) deep. A nearby example of amphitheaters with hoodoos in the same formation but at a higher elevation is in Cedar Breaks National Monument, which is 25 miles (40 km) to the west on the Markagunt Plateau. Rainbow Point, the highest part of the park at 9,105 feet (2,775 m), is at the end of the 18-mile (29 km) scenic drive. From there, Aquarius Plateau, Bryce Amphitheater, the Henry Mountains, the Vermilion Cliffs and the White Cliffs can be seen. Yellow Creek, where it exits the park in the northeast section, is the lowest part of the park at 6,620 feet (2,020 m). Bryce Amphitheater from Sunrise Point

Climate

[edit] According to the Köppen climate classification system, the park has a continental climate with warm, dry summers (Dsb). Dsb climates are defined by having their coldest month at a mean temperature below 32 °F (0 °C), all months with a mean temperature below 71.6 °F (22 °C), at least four months with a mean temperature above 50 °F (10 °C), and three times as much precipitation in the wettest winter month compared to the driest summer month. The plant hardiness zone at the visitor center is 5b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −10.0 °F (−23.3 °C). The weather in Bryce Canyon is cooler and receives more precipitation than Zion: a total of 15 to 18 inches (380 to 460 mm) per year. Yearly temperatures vary from an average minimum of 9 °F (−13 °C) in January to an average maximum of 83 °F (28 °C) in July, but extreme temperatures can range from −30 to 97 °F (−34 to 36 °C). The record high temperature in the park was 98 °F (37 °C) in July 2002, while the record low temperature was −28 °F (−33 °C) in December 1972. Climate data for Bryce Canyon National Park Headquarters, Utah, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1959–present Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °F (°C) 59(15) 64(18) 67(19) 75(24) 85(29) 95(35) 98(37) 90(32) 89(32) 80(27) 68(20) 60(16) 98(37) Mean maximum °F (°C) 48.9(9.4) 50.7(10.4) 59.0(15.0) 67.6(19.8) 75.7(24.3) 84.1(28.9) 87.8(31.0) 84.6(29.2) 79.6(26.4) 70.8(21.6) 58.4(14.7) 49.3(9.6) 88.4(31.3) Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 36.9(2.7) 38.8(3.8) 45.8(7.7) 53.5(11.9) 63.1(17.3) 75.1(23.9) 80.0(26.7) 77.5(25.3) 70.1(21.2) 58.2(14.6) 45.8(7.7) 36.8(2.7) 56.8(13.8) Daily mean °F (°C) 26.9(−2.8) 28.6(−1.9) 34.5(1.4) 41.2(5.1) 49.9(9.9) 59.8(15.4) 66.0(18.9) 63.7(17.6) 55.9(13.3) 45.0(7.2) 34.3(1.3) 26.9(−2.8) 44.4(6.9) Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 17.0(−8.3) 18.4(−7.6) 23.3(−4.8) 28.9(−1.7) 36.6(2.6) 44.6(7.0) 52.1(11.2) 50.0(10.0) 41.6(5.3) 31.9(−0.1) 22.8(−5.1) 17.0(−8.3) 32.0(0.0) Mean minimum °F (°C) −0.4(−18.0) 1.1(−17.2) 7.1(−13.8) 15.5(−9.2) 23.1(−4.9) 31.0(−0.6) 40.8(4.9) 39.7(4.3) 27.8(−2.3) 18.4(−7.6) 4.7(−15.2) −1.0(−18.3) −4.7(−20.4) Record low °F (°C) −26(−32) −26(−32) −11(−24) −3(−19) 13(−11) 21(−6) 28(−2) 23(−5) 16(−9) 0(−18) −12(−24) −23(−31) −26(−32) Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.91(49) 1.70(43) 1.27(32) 0.77(20) 0.91(23) 0.47(12) 1.55(39) 1.94(49) 1.78(45) 1.73(44) 1.28(33) 1.34(34) 16.65(423) Average snowfall inches (cm) 19.8(50) 18.1(46) 13.2(34) 5.9(15) 1.5(3.8) 0.2(0.51) 0.0(0.0) 0.0(0.0) 0.0(0.0) 3.0(7.6) 9.7(25) 15.3(39) 86.7(220) Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 6.3 7.6 6.2 5.7 5.5 3.2 8.8 10.2 7.0 5.3 4.7 6.2 76.7 Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 6.3 7.2 5.5 3.3 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3 3.4 5.7 34.0 Mean monthly sunshine hours 217.0 226.0 248.0 300.0 341.0 360.0 341.0 310.0 300.0 279.0 210.0 186.0 3,318 Mean daily sunshine hours 7 8 8 10 11 12 11 10 10 9 7 6 9 Mean daily daylight hours 9.9 10.8 12.0 13.2 14.2 14.7 14.5 13.6 12.4 11.2 10.2 9.6 12.2 Percentage possible sunshine 71 74 67 76 77 82 76 74 81 80 69 63 74 Average ultraviolet index 2 4 6 8 10 11 11 10 8 5 3 2 7 Source 1: NOAA Source 2: Weather Atlas (sun data)

History

[edit] Native American habitation[edit] Little is known about early human habitation in the area. Archaeological surveys of the Paunsaugunt Plateau indicate that people have lived in the area for at least 10,000 years. Basketmaker Anasazi artifacts thousands of years old were found south of the park. Other artifacts from the Pueblo-period Anasazi and the Fremont culture (up to the mid-12th century) were found. The Paiute Native Americans moved into the area around the time that the other cultures left. These Native Americans hunted and gathered for most of their food, while supplementing their diet with cultivated plants. The Paiute developed a mythology surrounding the hoodoos. They believed that they were the Legend People whom the trickster Coyote turned to stone due to their bad deeds. One older Paiute said his culture called the hoodoos Anka-ku-was-a-wits, which is Paiute for "red painted faces". European American exploration and settlement[edit] Ebenezer Bryce and his family lived in this cabin below Bryce Amphitheater (c. 1881). In the late 18th and early 19th century the first European Americans explored the area. Mormon scouts visited in the 1850s to gauge its potential for agriculture, grazing, and settlement. The first major scientific expedition was led by U.S. Army Major John Wesley Powell in 1872. Powell, along with a team of mapmakers and geologists, surveyed the Sevier and Virgin River area as part of a larger survey of the Colorado Plateaus. His mapmakers used many Paiute place names. Small groups of Mormon pioneers followed the explorers and attempted to settle east of Bryce Canyon along the Paria River. The Kanarra Cattle Company began grazing cattle there in 1873. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent Scottish immigrant Ebenezer Bryce and his wife Mary to settle land in the Paria Valley to apply his carpentry skills. The Bryce family settled right below Bryce Amphitheater—the main collection of hoodoos. Bryce grazed his cattle inside what are now park borders, and is reputed to have said that the amphitheaters were a "helluva place to lose a cow". He built a road to the plateau to retrieve firewood and timber, and a canal to irrigate his crops and water his animals. Other settlers soon started to call the canyon at the end of road "Bryce's Canyon", and the name stuck. A combination of drought, overgrazing, and flooding eventually drove the remaining Paiutes from the area and prompted the settlers to attempt to build a water diversion channel from the Sevier River drainage. That effort failed, leading most settlers, including the Bryce family, to abandon the area. Bryce moved his family to Arizona in 1880. The remaining settlers dug a 10-mile (16 km) ditch from the Sevier's east fork into Tropic Valley. Creation of the park[edit] Bryce Canyon Lodge was built between 1924 and 1925 from local materials. These scenic areas were first described to the public in magazine articles published by Union Pacific and Santa Fe railroads in 1916. Forest Supervisor J. W. Humphrey among others promoted the scenic wonders of Bryce Canyon's amphitheaters, and by 1918 additional articles helped generate public interest. Ruby Syrett, Harold Bowman, and the Perry brothers later established lodging and "touring services". Syrett later served as the first postmaster. By the early 1920s, the Union Pacific Railroad became interested in expanding rail service into southwestern Utah to accommodate tourists. Visitor center in winter Conservation advocates became alarmed by the damage overgrazing, logging, and unregulated visitation was inflicting on the canyon. A protection effort soon began, and National Park Service Director Stephen Mather responded by proposing that Bryce Canyon be made into a state park. However, the governor of Utah and the Utah State Legislature lobbied for national protection. Mather relented and sent his recommendation to President Warren G. Harding, who on June 8, 1923, established Bryce Canyon National Monument. A road was built the same year on the plateau to provide access to outlooks over the amphitheaters. From 1924 to 1925, Bryce Canyon Lodge was built from local timber and stone. Members of the United States Congress started work in 1924 on upgrading Bryce Canyon's protection status from national monument to national park to establish Utah National Park. A process led by the Utah Parks Company for transferring ownership of private and state-held land to the federal government started in 1923. The last of the land was acquired four years later, and on February 25, 1928, Bryce Canyon National Park was established. In 1931, President Herbert Hoover annexed an adjoining area south of the park, and in 1942 an additional 635 acres (257 ha) was added. This brought the park's total area to the ultimate 35,835 acres (14,502 ha). Rim Road, a scenic drive from the northern entrance to Rainbow Point, was completed in 1935. Post-1950[edit] The USS Bryce Canyon, named for the park, served as a supply and repair ship in the U.S. Pacific Fleet from September 15, 1950, to June 30, 1981. Park administration was conducted from Zion National Park until 1956 when Bryce Canyon's first superintendent started work. Bryce Canyon Natural History Association (BCNHA) is a non-profit organization, established in 1961. It runs the bookstore inside the park visitor center and support interpretive, educational, and scientific activities. Bryce Canyon Lodge achieved National Historic Landmark status in 1987, preserved as an example of National Park Service architecture from the 1920s. Responding to increased visitation and traffic congestion, NPS implemented a voluntary, summer-only, in-park shuttle system in June 2000. The Rim Road was reconstructed between 2002 and 2004. As part of that reconstruction, the roadbed was revegetated with native grasses, to fight invasive species. In 2019, Bryce Canyon was given Dark Sky Park status by the International Dark-Sky Association.

Geology

[edit] Main article: Geology of the Bryce Canyon area Erosion of sedimentary rocks has created natural arches. The Bryce Canyon area experienced soil deposition that spans from the last part of the Cretaceous period and the first half of the Cenozoic era. The ancient depositional environment varied. Dakota Sandstone and Tropic Shale were deposited in the warm, shallow waters of the advancing and retreating Cretaceous Seaway (outcrops of these rocks are found just outside park borders). Other formations were created, but mostly eroded away following two major periods of uplift. The Laramide orogeny affected the entire western part of what would become North America starting about 70 million to 50 MYA. This event helped to build the Rocky Mountains and in the process closed the Cretaceous Seaway. The Straight Cliffs, Wahweap, and Kaiparowits formations were victims of this uplift. The Colorado Plateaus rose 16 MYA and were segmented into plateaus, separated by faults and each having its own uplift rate. Thor's Hammer This uplift created vertical joints, which over time preferentially eroded. The soft Pink Cliffs of the Claron Formation eroded to form freestanding hoodoo pinnacles in badlands, while the more resistant White Cliffs formed monoliths. The dominant bright orange colors are from hematite (iron oxide; Fe2O3); the yellows from limonite (FeO(OH)·nH2O); and the purples are from pyrolusite (MnO2).

Ecology

[edit] Bryce Canyon has extensive fir forests. More than 1000 plant species live in the park. The park spans three life zones, depending on elevation. The highest areas have Douglas fir, blue spruce, and quaking aspen. Mule deer, elk, and grouse eat young fir shoots here. Squirrels and Chipmunks are also found in this area The mid elevations are dominated by Ponderosa pine forests, with greenleaf manzanita and Rocky Mountain juniper also occurring in these forests. The lowest elevations are arid and have Colorado pinyon and Utah juniper trees. The seeds of the pinyon are consumed by pinyon jays and Clark's nutcrackers, which help the pinyons reproduce. The park has 59 mammal species, more than 45 species of butterflies and moths, over 100 species of birds, and a large number of insect species. The forests and meadows support diverse animal life, including ringtails. Larger mammals include deer, antelope, elk, and mountain lions. Birds of the park include peregrine falcons, ospreys, jays, and hummingbirds. Eleven species of reptiles and four species of amphibians have been found. Reptiles include the Great Basin rattlesnake, short-horned lizard, side-blotched lizard, striped whipsnake, and amphibians include the tiger salamander. A mule deer fawn The park forms part of the habitat of three wildlife species listed under the Endangered Species Act: the Utah prairie dog, the California condor, and the southwestern willow flycatcher. The Utah prairie dog is a threatened species that was reintroduced to the park. The largest protected population is found in the park. Also in the park are the black, lumpy, very slow-growing colonies of cryptobiotic soil, which are a mix of lichens, algae, fungi, and cyanobacteria. Together these organisms slow erosion, add nitrogen to the soil, and help it to retain moisture.

Activities

[edit] Snowshoes are required for winter hiking. Bryce Canyon has eight marked and maintained day hikes: Easy to moderate hikes Mossy Cave (one hour, State Route 12 northwest of Tropic) Rim Trail (5–6 hours, anywhere on the rim) Bristlecone Loop (one hour, Rainbow Point), and Queens Garden (1–2 hours, Sunrise Point) Moderate hikes Navajo Loop (1–2 hours, Sunset Point) Tower Bridge (2–3 hours, north of Sunrise Point) Strenuous hikes Fairyland Loop (4–5 hours, Fairyland Point) Peekaboo Loop (3–4 hours, Bryce Point) Several of the trails intersect, allowing hikers to arrange routes for more challenging hikes. The park has two trails designated for overnight trips: the 9-mile (14 km) Riggs Spring Loop Trail and the 23-mile (37 km) Under-the-Rim Trail. Horseback riders in the park On clear days the Navajo Mountain and the Kaibab Plateau can be seen 90 miles (140 km) away in Arizona from Yovimpa and Rainbow points and the Black Mesas of eastern Arizona and western New Mexico can be seen 160 miles (260 km) away. The park has a 7.4 magnitude night sky, one of the darkest in North America and patrons can see approximately 7,500 stars. Park rangers host public stargazing events and evening programs on astronomy, nocturnal animals, and night sky protection. The Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival, typically held in June, attracts thousands of visitors. In honor of this festival, Asteroid 49272 was named after the national park. The two campgrounds are North Campground and Sunset Campground. Loop A in North Campground is open year-round. Additional loops and Sunset Campground are open from late spring to early autumn.