Bryce Canyon National Park

May 27, 2008 - 9:05pm — GettingOutside

Description:

Bryce Canyon, famous for its unique geology of red rock spires and horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters, offers visitors a Far Out View from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. Bryce Canyon NP was set aside in 1924.

Wondrous Rocks and So Much More

Bryce Canyon National Park is a scientist's laboratory and a child's playground. Because Bryce transcends 2000 feet (650 m) of elevation, the park exists in three distinct climatic zones: spruce/fir forest, Ponderosa Pine forest, and Pinyon Pine/juniper forest. This diversity of habitat provides for high biodiversity. Here at Bryce, you can enjoy over 100 species of birds, dozens of mammals, and more than a thousand plant species.

Hoodoos - pillars of rock, usually of fantastic shape, left by erosion - grotesque, eerie and often whimsical are on display here, along with ancient trees and scenic views from the rim.

It is the uniqueness of the rocks that caused Bryce Canyon to be designated as a national park. These famous spires, called "hoodoos," are formed when ice and rainwater wear away the weak limestone that makes up the Claron Formation. However, the hoodoos' geologic story is also closely tied to the rest of the Grand Staircase region and the Cedar and Black Mountains volcanic complex. In short, Bryce has enough fascinating geology to fill a textbook.

A Thought-Provoking Outdoor Activity at BC: Stargazing

Stargazers have been coming to Bryce Canyon for centuries. The first "formal" star gazing programs began in 1969, but surely people have been coming here to watch the heavens and look to the nightime sky for inspiration for millenia. Since there are still no bright city lights nearby (because Bryce is surrounded by Dixie National Forest — and outside the larger park's boundaries it's mostly desert for miles — the entire local region around Bryce Canyon is national parkland designated as non-commercial, non-residential so) there is almost no light pollution whatsoever; the eye can see the entire milky way bare, and all the nebulae and galaxies in our local view of the universe! It's breathtaking.

You can read the National Parks Service's Story about Gazing into the Night Sky, or the Science of Astronomy, i.e. identifying constellations, planets, other stars (suns, some of which may have planets revolving around them!) and objects of interest (like perhaps a comet or a meteorite, a shooting star), or other galaxies out there, star forming nebulae,) by clicking here.

You Have A Couple Different Camping Options at Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park has two campgrounds, North and Sunset, located in close proximity to the visitor center, Bryce Canyon Lodge and the geologic wonder that is the Bryce Amphitheater. Both have restrooms with flush toilets, and drinking water. During the summer months coin-operated laundry and shower facilities are available at the general store nearby. There are no hook-ups in the campgrounds, but a fee-for-use dump station is available for RV users at the south end of North Campground.

NOTE: Dump-station is closed during winter because of freezing temperatures.

Both campgrounds are located in Ponderosa Pine forest habitat with equal amounts of shade and sun, giving them a similar appearance. All sites are limited to 10 people (with no more than 6 adults (adult=16 and up)), 3 tents and 2 vehicles and cost $15 per site/per night. Holders of special Park Passes; Senior Pass, Access Pass (part of the America The Beautiful - National Park Service & Federal Lands Pass System) or the Golden Age & Golden Access Passes, receive a 50% discount. Sites fill by early afternoon during the summer months. Click here for a map of both campgrounds. A Group Site is available at Sunset Campground.

Backcountry Camping is available at limited sites in the park.

Operating Hours & Seasons

The park is open 24 hours per day through out the year. There may be temporary road closures during and shortly after winter snow storms until plowing is completed and conditions are safe for visitor traffic. Road maintenance may require brief closures of individual areas at other times.

Facilities

Visitor Center - Operating Hours