Directions: 78 road miles northwest of Kanab. From Kanab: US-89 north; right on UT-12; right on UT-63.
Distance from Kanab:
78 Miles (
Map )
Known for its unique rock formations, spires called “hoodoos” that form from ice and rain water wearing away at the limestone, Bryce Canyon National Park is as beautiful as it is geologically stunning. The elevation ranges 2,000 feet throughout Bryce, creating three distinct habitat zones: spruce/fir forest, Ponderosa Pine forest, and Pinyon Pine/juniper forest. More than 1,000 plant species, dozens of mammals, and 100 species of birds inhabit this biologically diverse environment.
Despite its name, Bryce Canyon is not a canyon, but rather a series of more than a dozen horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters of carved, colorful limestone. The park was named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon pioneer sent to southern Utah by Brigham Young to colonize and settle the area. Bryce Canyon became a national park in 1924.
The park’s dazzling beauty continues into the night. Whereas about 2,500 stars can be seen in the sky in rural parts of the United States, more than 7,500 stars can be seen at Bryce. This is due largely to an absence of any nearby artificial light in this vast region of southern Utah. During the day, visibility can sometimes near 200 miles, as visitors can take in panoramic views of three states and enjoy some of the nation’s best air quality.
At Bryce, the National Park Service offers a variety of activities, including numerous hiking groups led by park rangers, astronomy programs, and family activities. The park is open year round. Visitor Center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. May through September, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. November through March, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in October and in April.
Bryce Canyon National Park, PO Box 640201, Bryce Canyon, Utah 84764. Call (435) 834-5322 or visit http://www.nps.gov/brca/ for more information.
By Daren Brabham - 9/19/07
Bryce Canyon National Park Map
