Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
According to timedictionary, Bryce Canyon was declared a National Park in 1928. It is named after the Mormon Bryce family, who lived here between 1875 and 1880. Bryce Canyon is located on the Paunsagunt Plateau in the south of the state of Utah, at an altitude of about 2500 m. The park is like a natural amphitheater around a horseshoe-shaped basin and is 146 km2 in size. The plateau has been eroded by water and wind and this has resulted in thousands of red, orange and yellow rock formations, interspersed with deep gorges and pillars in all shapes. These pillars are also called hoodoos. The whole area was formed between 144 and 63 million years ago.
Accessibility
The nearest town is Panguitch, located about 23 miles northwest of Bryce Canyon. Charter flights depart from several places, including Las Vegas, to Bryce Canyon Airport.
Climate
The climate in Bryce Canyon varies greatly. In the summer months, the temperature fluctuates around 30°C during the day: a cap and good sunscreen are no superfluous luxury. Due to the altitude, it can cool down to about 7°C at night. There are also many thunderstorms during this period. There may be snow from October to April; the average snowfall is 2.5 meters per year. The temperature is then around freezing point.
Entrance fees and opening times
The National Park is open all year round and 24 hours a day. In winter, the park may be temporarily closed due to bad weather conditions. Tickets are available at Ruby’s Inn, 1000 South Hwy 63, Bryce, Utah, among others. When you enter the park with your own vehicle, you pay $20 for a ticket that is valid for seven consecutive days. This includes all occupants. The park is also accessible by so-called shuttle from May 15 to September 30. You pay $ 15 for this, the entrance to the park is included. The shuttles depart every 15 minutes from 09:00 to 18:00. The boarding point is in front of the entrance to Ruby’s Inn.
Accommodations
You can spend the night in Bryce Canyon in different ways. Luxury rooms can be reserved in Bryce View Lodge. The view over the Canyon from here is, as the name says, overwhelming.
Ruby’s Inn is located a mile from the entrance to the National Park. With rooms starting at $52, this hotel also offers plenty of facilities, including an indoor pool, to relax at the end of the day.
You can camp at Sunset Campground for about $10 per night. This campsite is open from May to October and advance reservations are not necessary. Sunset Campground, Highway 63, box 17001, Bryce Canyon, UT 84717.
Food and Beverage There is a suitable restaurant for everyone in or near Bryce Canyon. Cowboy’s Buffet and Steakroom is located opposite the Bryce View Lodge. Here you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. For a quick bite, there is Canyon Diner, which includes pizzas, sandwiches, fish, meat, soup and salads.
Attractions
Quite close together in the canyon are the viewpoints Sunrise, Sunset and Inspiration Point, which are definitely worth a visit. Further on you will find the Bryce Point and Paria View. There are several hiking and mountain biking trails in the park.
A special way to explore the canyon is on horseback. Children ages seven and up are welcome and prices range from $40 to $90. The horseback rides depart from Ruby’s Inn, reservations are required. For reservations, contact Canyon Trail Rides, PO Box 128, Tropic, UT 84776, +1 435 679 8665 or +1 435 834 5500.
For souvenirs, clothing, fruit and vegetables, you can go to Ruby’s General Store, near Ruby’s Inn.
Pets It is not recommended to bring pets to Bryce Canyon. Please note that pets must be leashed and supervised at all times.
