Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
by the National Park Service, and is available in the public domain
Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park in southwestern Utah. Despite its name, Bryce Canyon is actually not a canyon, but rather a giant natural amphitheater created by erosion. It is located along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. A unique feature of Bryce is its towering formations, called hoodoos, formed by wind, water, and ice erosion of the river and lakebed sedimentary rocks. The red, orange and white colors of the rocks provide spectacular views to visitors.
Bryce is at a much higher elevation than nearby Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. The rim at Bryce varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet (2400 to 2700 m) compared to 7,000 feet (2100 m) above sea level for the south rim of the Grand Canyon. It therefore enjoys a different ecology and climate, and offers a contrast for people visiting all three national parks in a single vacation.
Mormon pioneers settled at Bryce in the 1850s, and named the place after Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded in the area in 1875. The area around Bryce Canyon was declared a US National Monument in 1924. It was designated a national park in 1928.
Bryce Canyon National Park covers 56 sq miles (145 sq km). Fewer visitors come here compared to Zion Canyon and the Grand Canyon, because it is much more remote. The town of Kanab, Utah is situated at a central point between these three parks.
Three hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park
by the National Park Service, and is available in the public domain
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