Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park, 35,835 acres (14,513 hectares), SW Utah; est. 1924. The Pink Cliffs of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, c.2,000 ft (610 m) high, were formed by water, frost, and wind action on alternate strata of softer and harder limestone; the result is colorful and unique erosional forms, including miniature cities, cathedrals, and spires. The Basket Makers were probably the first Native Americans to inhabit the area, and many of their artifacts are exhibited. See National Parks and Monuments (table).

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Bryce Canyon National Park

Park, southern Utah, U.S. It is not a true canyon but rather a series of natural amphitheatres below which stands an array of limestone and sandstone columns. Its geology is related to that of Grand Canyon and Zion national parks, since the stone of all three was formed while the entire region was under a shallow sea. The park, established in 1928, covers 35,835 acres (14,513 hectares).

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Bryce Canyon National Park

Parks Directory of the United States / US National Parks / National Parks

Address: PO Box 640201
Bryce Canyon, UT 84764
Phone: 435-834-5322;
Fax: 435-834-4102;
Web: www.nps.gov/brca/
Size: 35,835 acres.
Established: Proclaimed as Bryce Canyon National Monument on June 8, 1923; changed to Bryce Canyon National Park on February 25, 1928.
Location: In southern Utah. From the north or south on US Hwy 89, turn east on UT 12 (7 miles south of Panguitch, Utah) and travel to the junction of UT 12 and 63. Then turn south onto UT 63 and travel 3 miles to park entrance. From the east, travel west on UT 12 to the intersection with UT 63. Then turn south to park entrance.
Facilities: Lodge, campgrounds (é), picnic area, rest rooms (é), cabin rental, groceries, restaurant, visitor center (é), museum/exhibit, hiking trails (50+ miles). Entrance fee required.
Activities: Camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, guided hikes and interpretive programs, auto touring.
Special Features: In horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters along the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah, erosion has shaped colorful Claron limestones, sandstones, and mudstones into thousands of spires, fins, pinnacles, and mazes, collectively called "hoodoos." The 18-mile main park road affords outstanding views of the park and southern Utah scenery; from many overlooks you can see more than 100 miles on a clear day.

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See other parks in Utah.