Bryce Canyon National Park is located in the southwestern part of Utah in the United States. The site is featured in many tourist guides, as is the Glacier National Park. The park, in essence, is a natural monument, such beauty is unlikely to be found anywhere else. The range of warm earthy shades around is amazing, breathtaking from the opening panoramic view.
Each Bryce Canyon trail is like a scene from an adventure movie. And what about the underground labyrinths, which are cut off by fabulous lakes inside the rocks?
Description of the park
The park is not very large – its area is about 145 square kilometers, let’s say, it stretches from north to south. The name and the leading element for tourists is Bryce Canyon National Park, but geologists say that this is not quite a canyon. In general, from the point of view of geology, it is an extremely interesting natural object, as well as the Grand Canyon Park .
That is, along the eastern side of the Pounsaugant Plateau, a huge natural amphitheater was formed due to erosion. So to speak, the wind blew all these unusual geological sculptures. It is worth coming here to see with your own eyes the hoodoo – these are the pointed structures of Mother Nature. They are formed due to the subsidence of soft rocks in the now dry river beds. An absolutely stunning sight – no video film will convey the sensations that arise when you see such beauty.
Relatively speaking, the park is divided into several parts:
Scenic road. This path, which runs along the western edge of the park, absolutely deserves its name. The views from each observation deck, and there are 15 of them here, are truly incomparable, and there is no point in trying to describe them. This is a must see!
Amphitheater. The busiest part of the park. All services, campsites, hotels, services are concentrated here. I advise tourists with children to relax here, because it is still a residential part, but no less beautiful views open from here and there are many hidden interesting paths.
The backcountry is a distant part. So to speak, for those who want to go to a nature retreat and are ready to retire. But if on the road you wanted to touch the civilization, there are small campsites.
Fun inside the park
I, as a lover of car walks, just enjoyed the view from the windows of the town car service and took pictures against the backdrop of unmatched views. But for horse lovers there is horseback riding. You can rent a bike and not only see the views, but also improve your health. In the spring-autumn and summer seasons, the park is perfect for trekking, and in winter we take snowshoes and go on an extreme trip under the supervision of local workers.
For a more in-depth immersion in the local natural flavor, you can negotiate with the rangers and go on a hike or live in one of the trailers, and in the evenings around the fire, drink tea with black bears and snow leopards. By the way, this is not quite a joke – there are many wild animals here, you have to be careful.
There are also helicopter and airplane tours by airport car service to cities. An interesting thing, because the entire park is visible from a height and looks majestic.
A bus runs through the park; you can ride it absolutely free. He makes short stops near some of the viewpoints.
The Bryce Canyon National Park in the United States hosts an astronomical and geological festival every year. I didn’t get on them, but judging by the reviews, it is an interesting sight.
Opening hours and prices
The park is not wild – it is an absolutely socialized facility, and therefore there are operating modes when legal access can be obtained.
- Spring and autumn the park is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but, of course, you need to arrive in advance, because you won’t be able to drop in for 5 minutes
- Summer they are allowed inside from 8 am to 8 pm;
- In winter – from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
It is important to note that the park is closed to visitors on New Years and Christmas Day, as well as Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
Ticket prices:
- if you come by car, the fee will be $ 25. That is, both the driver and all passengers pass on the same ticket;
- single pedestrians or tourists arriving on a motorcycle will pay $ 12;
- a subscription for an annual visit at any time costs $ 30;
- a season ticket that includes visits to all US national parks costs $ 80. This is for a year.
- Children under 15 go free.
- A single ticket is valid for 7 days.
We get to the park
If you are traveling by car, then by turning on the navigator, you will get there without any difficulties. You can rent a car in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. These are the nearest points.
There is no public transport to the park, but Greyhound buses are available from Seder City and Saint George.
