In Bryce Canyon (435/834-5322, www.nps.gov/brca, $25 per vehicle or $12 per bicyclist, pedestrian, or motorcyclist, good for seven days and unlimited shuttle use), a geologic fairyland of rock spires rises beneath the high cliffs of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

This intricate maze, eroded from a soft limestone, now glows with warm shades of reds, oranges, pinks, yellows, and creams. The rocks provide a continuous show of changing color through the day as the sun’s rays and cloud shadows move across the landscape.

Looking at these rock formations is like looking at puffy clouds in the sky; it’s easy to find images in the shapes of the rocks. Some see the natural rock sculptures as Gothic castles, others as Egyptian temples, subterranean worlds inhabited by dragons, or vast armies of a lost empire.

The Paiute Indian tale of the Legend People relates how various animals and birds once lived in a beautiful city built for them by Coyote; when the Legend People began behaving badly toward Coyote, he transformed them all into stone.

Bryce Canyon isn’t a canyon at all, but the largest of a series of massive amphitheaters cut into the Pink Cliffs. In Bryce Canyon National Park, you can gaze into the depths from viewpoints and trails on the plateau rim or hike down moderately steep trails and wind your way among the spires. A 17-mile scenic drive traces the length of the park and passes many overlooks and trailheads. Off-road, the nearly 36,000 acres of Bryce Canyon National Park offers many opportunities to explore spectacular rock features, dense forests, and expansive meadows.

The park’s elevation ranges 6,600–9,100 feet, so it’s usually much cooler here than at Utah’s other national parks. Expect pleasantly warm days in summer, frosty nights in spring and autumn, and snow at almost any time of year. The visitors center, scenic drive, and a campground stay open throughout the year.

Allow a full day to see the visitors center exhibits, enjoy the viewpoints along the scenic drive, and take a few short walks. Photographers usually obtain best results early and late in the day when shadows set off the brightly colored rocks. Memorable sunsets and sunrises reward visitors who stay overnight. Moonlit nights reveal yet another spectacle.

Getting There

From Bryce Junction (on U.S. 89, seven miles south of Panguitch), turn east 14 miles on Hwy. 12, then south three miles on Hwy. 63. Or, from Torrey (near Capitol Reef National Park), head west 103 miles on Hwy. 12, then turn south three miles (winter snows occasionally close this section). Both approaches have spectacular scenery.

The Best of Bryce Canyon National Park

• Sunrise and Sunset Points
• Inspiration Point
• Yovimpa and Rainbow Points
• Queen’s Garden Trail
• Navajo Loop Trail
• Red Canyon Bike Trails