Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is a canyon on the Paunsaugunt Plateau featuring thousands of tall, thin rock spires called hoodoos in shades of red, orange, and white. The landscape forms natural amphitheaters where these distinctive stone pillars rise closely together.

The area was protected as a national monument in 1923 and then became a national park in 1928 to prevent overgrazing and uncontrolled use. These actions marked the beginning of formal protection for the landscape.

The Paiute people, who lived in this region for generations, created stories to explain how the strange rock formations came to be. Their connection to the landscape shapes how visitors understand and experience the place today.

The area offers more than 50 miles of hiking trails at various difficulty levels, two campgrounds, and ranger-led programs throughout the year. Fall and spring provide the most pleasant conditions, with mild temperatures and excellent visibility for viewing the landscape.

The site contains the highest concentration of these rock spires anywhere on Earth, and the highest point at Rainbow Point reaches about 9,100 feet. This extreme elevation creates dramatic temperature swings between day and night.