"Breathtaking and Magical" Bryce Canyon National Park by CoAir13

Bryce Canyon National Park Travel Guide: 588 reviews and 1,461 photos

Cast a Spell

Nestled in the Soutwest corner of Utah lies the spectacular Bryce Canyon National Park, set atop the Paunsuagunt Plateau. The valley below is still being carved out by the Paria River and its tributaries. These rushing waters carve into the stone to create "fins". These fins further erode into pinnacles or "hoodoos", which is a Paiute word meaning "to cast a spell".
Hues of orange and pink and white amaze and inspire all who visit this geologic wonder!

First Inhabitants

Evidence that this area has been inhabited for 12,000 years exists, but leaves little information. The Anasazi and Fremont cultures lived on the plateau and when the first Euro-Americans began to enter the region, it belonged to the Paiute. In the 1880's, this natural marvel was being explored by Captain Clarence Dutton and John Powell. They named many places in this valley using the Paiute language. Paunsaugunt means "home of the beavers", Yovimpa means "point of pines", and Panguitch (which is a large gulch), means "big fish".

Scenic Overlook

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Fascinating landscape that takes you to a different state of mind!!

Last visit to Bryce Canyon National Park: May 1999
Intro Updated Feb 23, 2004
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Reviews (7)

You will feel very small!! - Bryce Canyon National Park

Go On In Things to Do (5)

If you can deal with steep, loose rock trails, I highly recommend descending into the canyon. The trails are a little... more travel advice

Elevation,elevation,elevation!! - Bryce Canyon National Park

Elevation,elevation,elevation!! What to Pack (1)

I was here in late May and there was still snow visible on the north facing slopes and in the shade. A sweatshirt or... more travel advice

Hikes Things to Do (5)

There are so many trails to hike...from short, easy ones to long, strenuous ones to overnight hikes! You can't go... more travel advice

Hiking Warnings and Dangers (1)

Check trail and weather conditions before setting out on a long or all day hike. A rim trail is not a good place to be... more travel advice

Comments (15)

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balhannah Apr 3, 2009 at 3:29 PM

"Bryce" was my favorite national park that we saw in the US. Pity we were on a tour, as we didn't get to do any hiking, and there were lots of disappointed people, we all wanted to spend more time here. They need to change their intinerary.
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Nemorino Feb 19, 2007 at 2:39 PM

Fantastic colors and rock formations in this canyon. Great that there are so many hiking opportunities.
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iandsmith Feb 3, 2006 at 1:19 PM

Nice overview with useful tips. Now, if only I can get there.
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Little_Lou_Lou Feb 27, 2005 at 11:03 AM

Great Bryce page! I also love the squirrels (they are adorable!).
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mrclay2000 Feb 1, 2005 at 2:50 PM

Another good page on another park I've yet to see.
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AlbuqRay Jan 18, 2005 at 6:26 PM

Jen, great pics of some spectacular views. Interesting how the Paiute word for casting a spell, hoodoo, is so similar to voodoo.
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Alphons Dec 13, 2004 at 9:06 AM

Great pics, very nice page, maybe i go visit it too ones, greetings Alphons...
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jamiesno Nov 16, 2004 at 3:15 PM

All of these canyons are cool. Utah has lots of parks thats for sure.
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Waalewiener Jul 14, 2004 at 6:42 PM

When Lori & Hansi were there we had a choose ,Zion's or Bryce ,well we went to Zion's but I think they both are awsome by the looks of your pictures Jen, Bryce is awsome so next time we will see Bryce. Huggs for you & Ethan Jen
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Stephen-KarenConn Jun 8, 2004 at 5:06 AM

Beautiful pics and well written pages. Another place our our "Must See" list.