"Bryce Canyon " a Bryce Canyon National Park Travel Page by RAINBOWWINGS

Bryce Canyon became a National Monument in 1923 and became Utahs second National park in September 1928, but this amazing area had been around for a little while longer...60million years longer, as you can see from the strange formations of pillars,spires,and hoodoos formed by the fierce elements of ice and snow, rain and wind.
Its not only the stunning beauty of the rocks that awaken all senses, but the mystery of its formations and the flora and fauna that has survived this hidden territory make this one of natures wonders.
Rarely seen cougars prowl the canyons hunting the mule deer, while black bears and smaller mammals such as rabbit, bobcat, fox coyote and bighorn sheep keep to their own areas, feeding on juniper berries and pine nuts.

As with all National Parks the entrance fee is $25 per car or $12 per pedestrian or bicycle. This fee lasts for 7 days but you can buy an annual pass which allows you into all the National Parks for $80. You can purchase these passes at the entance to any Park or online at www.nps.gov.

For many centuries, the Southern Paiutes inhabited the canyons, fishing and hunting and living in the warmer lower valleys, but it wasnt until 1875 that settlers took up land to graze cattle, and a Scottish immigrant called Ebenezer Bryce was the first.

We had taken the free shuttle bus to tour the canyons..best way to see the most important areas, and on one of the stops the bus driver introduced us to a family of ravens who lived in the canyons and who knew that when the bus stopped there might just be the odd crumb or two dropped by the tourists. Five members in this family and all very friendly. What a sight to see them soaring thru the pillars with their vivid shiny black feathers standing out amonst the red , red rocks.