Bryce Canyon with breathtaking rock formations – hoodoos
According to Act-test-centers, the famous Bryce Canyon National Park with its unique geology, consisting of the colored rock pyramids, the so-called hoodoos, is located on the eastern edge of the Paunaugunt Plateau in the Colorado Plateau. Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwest Utah, USA. About 430 km northeast of Las Vegas and about 430 km south of Salt Lake City at an elevation of 2400 to 2700 meters. This puts it higher than nearby Zion National Park or Grand Canyon National Park.
In 1850 the national park was settled by white settlers. It was named Bryce Canyon by a settler who lived at the time, named Ebenezer Bryce.
Bryce Canyon National Park was declared a national monument in 1924 and a national park in 1928.
The park offers visitors a scenic 18-mile drive south of Bryce Canyon. There are over 14 lookouts in Bryce Canyon National Park, with Bryce Point lookout being the most famous. Here you have the best view of the extent of Bryce Canyon with its colorful rock formations. From the lookout it is possible to look 100 miles south and east across the Paria River Valley to Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon.
Bryce Canyon’s colorful limestone cliffs were formed by erosion from rainwater, wind, and snowmelt. This created many different formations such as gorges and impressively high rock pyramids.
The colorful rock pyramids, also known as rock needles, are up to 60 meters high. Stunning rock formations in shades of pink, white, yellow, orange through red stretch in a narrow ribbon for 30 kilometers, the famous Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. The famous Thor’s Hammer Formation, between the colorful limestone rocks, is often sought after.
The main ridge of Bryce Canyon forms part of the Pink Cliffs. The Pink Cliffs are the geologically newest formations, they are also referred to as the Grand Staircase and stretch far into southern Utah. Each cliff is named for the color of its rock: Chocolate, Vermilion, White, Gray, and Pink.
You can get to know many colorful formations better by hiking on the many hiking trails through Bryce Canyon. The recommended Bryce Canyon trails are the Fairyland Loop Trail, off-road, Bristlecone Trail, at the south end of the park, the Navajo, Peekaboo, and Queens Garden trails. But also the Hat Shop Trail, which leads to a group of unusual pinnacles, and the Mossy Cave Trail with a waterfall.
Other activities you can do in Bryce Canyon include: A ranger program; a guided moonlight hike, an astronomy program, an entertaining geology lesson and horseback rides.
Weather & Climate in Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is located at an altitude of 7,900 meters. At the visitor center, Bryce Canyon even rises to a height of 9,115 meters (Rainbow Point). It is about 300 meters higher than Zion National Park, which is 80 kilometers away.
The climate in Bryce Canyon consists of lower temperatures and frequent rainfall.
Due to the altitude of Bryce Canyon, there can be up to six months of snow a year. It is very attractive for the visitor when the intensely red colored rock peaks are decorated with a snow cap.
The current face of the numerous amphitheaters is formed by the weather in Bryce Canyon. In the park, the rock formations will continue to erode due to the many freezes and thaws.
The park is especially beautiful at sunrise, when the rapidly changing light and shadows make the landscape even more magical.
Entrance Fees & Opening Hours into Bryce Canyon National Park
Entry to Brice Canyon National Park is $25 per private vehicle. Fees for a single person on foot, bike, motorcycle or non-commercial group are $12 per person. Those under the age of 15 enter Bryce Canyon National Park for free. Admission is valid for seven days and includes unlimited use of the shuttle buses. The shuttle buses are in use from mid-May to the end of September. The bus stops at 11 locations and runs every 12 minutes on average.
The park is open all year round, 24 hours a day. However, there may be temporary closures due to snowstorms.
Camping and lodging in Bryce Canyon National Park
Reservations for camping and accommodation are recommended. Camping fees are in addition to entrance fees and are charged per night. If you don’t want to camp, you can also stay at the Bryce Canyon Lodge in the park.
Directions to Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
Bryce Canyon is only accessible by one road, Scenic Highway UT 12, which traverses the northeast corner of the park.
Address of the attraction Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon
Utah
http://www.nps.gov/brca
