Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, United States covered some 36,000 acres of land with a beautiful pink formation of land. Although it is called a canyon it is not really a canyon but a cluster of various natural amphitheaters. It was designated in the category of National Park of the United States in 1928.
The beautiful creation of Bryce Canyon is carved mainly because of snow, water, and wind. The geology of Bryce Canyon has changed many times during the past millions of years. If you see the rocky parts of the Canyon, it was once covered under the sea, deserts, mountains, and coastal plain. Millions of years ago, because of the extreme force of mother nature in the form of volcanoes, earthquakes, etc. reshaped the whole area. Today what is remain is the colorful canyon which millions of visitors visit every year from all around the world.
Inside the park
Bryce Canyon is 17 miles long one way with narrow and winding roads and beautiful view point’s all along the way.
Viewpoints:
Sunrise point:
It is one of the most popular viewpoints both because of the spectacular views and the trailhead which goes to Queen’s Garden. It is a must-do trail in the park which is designated as easy to moderate. The trail descends 320 feet (98m) and 320 feet to come up. You will come across several hoodoos which represent this garden and at the end you will be able to depict Queen Victoria with a throne on these hoodoos.
If you decided to hike forward there is a Navajo loop hike which is one of the most popular. Round trip of Navajo loop through sunset point back to the Sunrise Point is about 3 miles. The trail is open from April through October.
Services available are Bryce Canyon General Store, Restrooms, Drinking Water, Showers, Laundry, and Snack Bar.
Sunset Point:
Sunset Point is one of the most stunning views of the canyon. Though it is named as Sunset Point, however, the sunrise is beautiful here. This viewpoint actually projects out a bit from the rim which actually provides a better and more closer look of the hoodoos and canyon.
Inspiration point:
This viewpoint of the park consists of various spectacular views of the main amphitheater. Visitors can also look towards the Silent City where the hoodoos are lying on the backdrop of Boat Mesa.
Bryce point:
Bryce Point is one of the most spectacular scenic vistas of the park from where you can see the whole amphitheater. Sunrise at this point is brilliant and this is what it is famous for. The top of the hoodoo looks awesome as it has been set on fire with the sun’s rays. This point as well as the park is named after a man called Ebenezer Bryce. He was a shipbuilder who in 1870 settled in the valley near the canyon and also helped people construct buildings.
Paria point:
Paria Point is located on the other side of Bryce Point. It is a less visited overlook in the park. At sunset, you can find castle-shaped hoodoos absorbing the last rays of the sun which looks brilliant. The word Paria means “water with elk” or “water with mud”.
Swamp Canyon:
The Swamp Canyon overlook covered both sides by hoodoos and fins. To the south, you can see Mud and Noon Canyon Buttes. The Swamp Canyon remains wet most time of the year and it is also home to Tiger Salamanders and Missouri Iris.
There are two connecting trails that lead hikers to the Under-the-Rim trail and other backcountry camping sites. So the combination of these two connecting trails forms a 4.3-mile Swamp Canyon Loop trail. This trail is great for bird watchers.
Farview Point:
Fairview Point offers spectacular views of the major landmarks from north to south. Starting from the Aquarius Plateau (Pink Cliffs), the Kaiparowits Plateau (Grey Cliffs), Molly’s Nipple (White Cliffs), and sometimes you also get the views of the Kaibab Plateau on which the famous North Rim of the Grand Canyon is located. There is a very short and easy trail from the parking lot which heads north to the Piracy Point.
Natural bridges:
It offers a great view in the park. The Natural Bridges is one among several other natural arches in the Canyon. This natural arch which is made up of red rock looks sculpted and amazing among the backdrop of green Ponderosa forest. These bridges are formed due to million years of erosion by rivers and streams.
Rainbow and Yovimpa Viewpoint:
This is the last viewpoint in Bryce Canyon. Situated at 9,115 feet it is the last viewpoint of the 17 miles park. A short walk along the woods near Yovimpa Point is awesome. It offers large and colorful cliffs and terraces.