and is home to some of the most astounding natural wonders
the human eye could see in a lifetime. Located in the state of
Utah, Bryce Canyon offers the ideal excuse to take an RV
vacation.
Bryce Canyon reaches 2000 feet of elevation and is comprised of
three distinct zones: spruce/fir forest, Ponderosa Pine forest and
Pinyon Pine/juniper forest. These unique zones make the
landscapes here so distinctive that it will be hard to tear your
eyes away.
Not formed in the way canyons traditionally are, Bryce Canyon is comprised of distinctive
geological structures called hoodoos.
These were formed by wind, water and ice erosion and have taken on a dramatic red, orange and
white coloring. These formations draw in tourists from across the world and truly are a sight to
behold.
The Seasons/Climate
Summer days in Bryce Canyon are pleasant, while the nights are cool. Summer brings with it
frequent afternoon thunderstorms, which have been known to occur without warning and at any
time.
Spring and fall weather is known to be highly variable, with sunshine and snowing both almost
guaranteed. Winter nights get incredibly cold and snowfall can be pretty high.
It is best to pack for both hot and cold weather and to ring ahead for weather conditions before
traveling in the park.
Things to Do
There are lots of great things to do within the Bryce Canyon National Park, and many of these
activities occur in the outdoors.
Snowshoe hikes are a popular activity and are best to do when the park has experienced a bit of
snow. Take a guided walk through the park and learn about its winter ecology and the fascinating
stories behind the formation of the hoodoos.
The Rim Walk is another popular way to see the magnificent highlights of the park. Offering
magnificent views of the canyon and changes to get up close to the fascinating plant and wildlife,
this is one walk you cannot miss.
There are also some great programs on offer that are suitable for the entire family. The Kids
Programs are fun for young ones and adults alike, while the evening programs offer an in-depth
look at some of the compelling stories and interesting resources Bryce Canyon protects.
Hiking
Bryce Canyon offers several day-hiking trails, ranging from easy and moderate, to strenuous. Many of these
hikes will take you through the beautiful Bryce Amphitheater, with some of the trails actually shared
by horse riders.
Hikes suitable for moderate levels of fitness include the Navajo Trail, Tower Bridge, Hat Shop and Swamp
Canyon. These walks will expose you to the dramatic geological features of the park and are suitable to
complete over a few hours.
The Wildlife
Over 150 species of birds and dozens of mammals dominate the landscapes here. This makes
bird watching a popular past time, with birds like the California condor, Clark's Nutcracker,
Peregrine Falcon and Violet-green swallows often sighted within the park.
Bryce Canyon is home to 59 species of mammals and these range between the Golden-mantled
Ground Squirrel, the Mountain Lion, the Uintah Chipmunk and the Utah Prairie Dog.
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