"Bryce Canyon – magic encounters with artist Earth" Top 5 Page for this destination Bryce Canyon National Park by Trekki

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

Bryce Point - where Under-The-Rim-Trail starts

April 2009:
I am currently working on this page, because I wrote it ages ago and feel that it is very much rubbish text- and informationwise. And I miss the good old southwest so much that I will return as soon as possible, horray, red rock country!
Please be patient and wait until I am finished with the revamp.
Thank you :-)

Bryce Canyon – so simple the name of this gorgeous National Park might sound – so thrilling, exciting, mysterious, soout of this world the scenery presents itself to the visitor.

Scientists can explain all what has happened here, from the gorgeous colours (from a chemical point of view) to the carvings and foldigs and erosions (from the geologic point of view) and to the vast flora and fauna (from the biologist’s point of view) – but all in all Bryce Canyon is a part of this globe, where the best artist of the galaxy – Mother Earth – has created a showcase of all her forces.

Location (hard) facts:

Explore the park by hiking !

Bryce Canyon had been established US National Park in 1928 and covers an area of around 36.000 acres. It is located between Moab and Arches National Park (270 miles west of Moab) and Zion National Park (80 miles east of Zion). It stretches out in a north-south axis, around 20 miles long and between 2 and 6 miles wide, in the western part of Colorado Plateau.
A scenic road leads from the park entrance along this axis down to Yovimpa Point, with countlesss view points along the road. In addition, there are more than 50 miles hiking paths within Bryce Canyon, some are easy 2-3 hours round treks, some are longer hikes along the rim or deeper into the eastern part of the park. Also, horseback rides are offered, both for the shorter and the longer trails.

History and ancient settlers

men - standling like red rocks

A lot of names around Bryce Canyon are originated from ancient settlers and native americans Paiute. For example, the plateau, from which Bryce Canyon is stretching out eastward, is called Pansaugunt Plateau – means home of the beavers. The most southern viewpoint, Yovimpa Point – means pine point. And finally the canyon itself was called unka-timpe-wa-wince-pock-ich - which means bowl-shaped-canyon-filled-with-red-
rocks-standing-up-like-men.

Ebenezer Bryce and his wife Mary, who have settled here at the end of 19th century, have called it with the less poetical – but practical – term “a hell of a place to loose a cow”.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Oh so beautiful, so colourful, get off that car and walk to see the best :-)
Cons:Nothing
In a nutshell::-)

Last visit to Bryce Canyon National Park: Dec 1993
Intro Updated Apr 17, 2009
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Reviews (38)

Geology - explained on BC NP Website - Bryce Canyon National Park

(8) It’s also Bridges and Arches time ! Favorites (11)

…. but now it's 3 a.m. in Central Europe - I am too tired now to write more on explaining how bridges and arches have... more travel advice

Hooooodoooooo time ! - Bryce Canyon National Park

(7) It’s Hoooooodooooooo time ! Favorites (11)

The beforesaid – horizontal layers and vertical joints is very distinctively seen in the hoodoos all over the place.... more travel advice

Weather and erosion forces at Sunset Point - Bryce Canyon National Park

(6) Weathering and Erosion Favorites (11)

In addition to weathering, also chemical erosion takes place. Rain water can carry traces of acid. These dissolve... more travel advice

mixed layers at Sunrise Point - Bryce Canyon National Park

(5) Chemistry makes the difference Favorites (11)

Different sculptures are formed where different chemistry is involved in the layers. The upper layers of white... more travel advice

Sports & Outdoors (4)
See All Hiking Under The Rim
What to Pack (1)
Be preapred for all !
Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All Beware of the altitude !!

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (46)

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Nemorino Jul 1, 2010 at 2:35 PM

Hello Ingrid, it was great to see you again last weekend in Bacharach beneath the Patagonian/Panamanian moon. I love your Bryce Canyon tips (even if it isn't really a canyon), especially the ones about the geology. Fine photos!
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Tijavi Oct 2, 2009 at 4:24 AM

Sorry Ingrid, I can't wait :-) Now I'm starting to understand why you chose 'Trekki' as your VT name. This looks like indeed 'one hell of a place,' including the nightlife!
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BruceDunning May 25, 2009 at 4:33 PM

Thanks for the tip on the altitude-I noticed it does get colder in this area more than other surrounding parks. Great pics-do you want me do send some red rock?
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jumpingnorman Mar 29, 2009 at 7:47 AM

You have taken wonderful pictures at Bryce, Ingrid! Thor's Hammer is one of my favorite spots...Norman :)
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MissZena Mar 27, 2009 at 11:18 PM

Your photos and tips are most welcome. I will be travelling to the St. George area this summer and I definitely want to make the trip to Bryce Canyon. I have heard that it is beautiful and your photos confirm it! Thanks for all of your tips.
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Regina1965 Sep 9, 2008 at 3:15 PM

Wow, Ingrid, these pictures are breath-taking and your tips are VERY helpful. I knew I would find agapotravel here :D :D
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agapotravel Jul 5, 2008 at 7:17 AM

My gosh, Ingrid, your Bryce page is extraordinary. Your photos are awesome, and your tips are so helpful. Thanks so much for visiting my Bryce page - I should put a link on it to yours for people to find much more info. :-)
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VeronicaG Feb 25, 2008 at 4:39 PM

We may be headed this way in 2008...your pictures were absolutely stunning, Ingrid--it's breathtakingly beautiful!
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SteveOSF Feb 21, 2008 at 11:06 AM

This is an excellent page. Great descriptions of the trails and lookouts. Very nice pictures!
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Basaic Jan 24, 2008 at 8:29 AM

Great page and photos!