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Be Entranced by the Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park

Published by Jason Hussong, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

The hoodoo spires of Bryce Canyon National Park are mesmerizing rock formations in the southwest corner of Utah that attracts visitors from all over the world. Or, as Ebenezer Bryce, the immigrant who settled the land after being sent by the Mormon Church, said, it’s a “helluva place to lose a cow.” The reason why is obvious as the giant spires, some reaching 200 feet (61m) in height, create a stunning panorama painted with various hues of red and orange, punctuated by the dark greens of the ponderosa pines and spruce trees; it is a maze of wonder that’s worth exploring.

Designated in 1928, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, is not a big area at just under 36,000 acres (145.02 km2), but what it lacks in size it definitely makes up in beauty – which is why four of the thirteen observation points in the park surround what is actually an amphitheater. Unlike nearby Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks, Bryce Canyon National Park was actually formed by rain and frost erosion, opposed to the central stream of water moving over and through the rock like the two other parks. This erosion has formed the 12 mile (19 km) long and 800 foot (240 m) deep horseshoe-shaped amphitheater studded with hoodoos just inside the entrance to the park.

More hoodoos, although in lesser quantity, can be found throughout the rest of the park along the 18 mile (29 km) rim road, which was originally constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corp. Driving the winding road through a small canyon of trees is one of the more popular attractions in Bryce Canyon National Park, keeping a watchful eye all the while for a possible wildlife encounter. The best way to get out and explore the area though, and possibly see some animals, is to go snowshoeing or take a hike on one of the many trails, 50 miles (80 km) in total. Then, turning through the maze of hoodoos, like one of Ebenezer’s cows would’ve done, it’s possible to enjoy a stunning perspective that so many others miss.

If time is of the essence though, it’s possible to see the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon in approximately four hours by spending 15 minutes at each of the 13 observation points. The jaw-dropping views are sure to impress and cause a sense of wonderment though as to why such little time is spent enjoying the beautiful rock formations. And the hoodoos, while the main attraction, aren’t all to see as a spectacular arch, and the remnants of others, are also visible on the Bryce Canyon rim drive.

The Bryce Canyon National Park rim drive ends at the highest spot in the park – Rainbow Point is 9,105 feet (2,775 m) above sea level. A spectacular view off the Paunsaugunt Plateau is the prize to those who make the drive, but it’s difficult to compare it to that of Bryce Canyon near the entrance to the park. The hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, in both number and formation, are too stunning not to become entranced by as the sun paints them various colors throughout the day. Thankfully, it’s only a short 18 mile drive back from the end of the road.

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When to Go to Bryce Canyon Hoodoos

The best time of year to experience the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park depends on what you're interested in doing while there. Many people come just to relax and enjoy the scenery, in which case it's never a bad time to visit as the snow can add a little extra flavor to the red rocks and the hoodoos. But, if you're looking to go hiking, then the only time to go is in the summer as the cooler fall, winter and spring months can keep the snow on the ground and make it impossible to get around without a pair of snowshoes or cross country skies.

The best time of day to see Bryce Canyon is at sunrise. The sun paints the hoodoos with its rays, making for the best possible light for photography. Any of the four observation points around the canyon are excellent spots to see the sunrise, so don't let the name "Sunset Point" fool you into thinking that spot is best later in the day. If you wait until then, you'll miss the best light as the sun is then shining on the other, and less photogenic, side of the plateau. The morning is also the best time to find quiet and solitude as most will still be slumbering away in one of the nearby hotels or campgrounds.

Odds n' Ends

When you're done at Bryce Canyon National Park make sure to visit the other national parks in the area as well. Zion National Park is just a couple of hours southwest from Bryce, and the two make for a perfect companion trip together for a few days out of nearby Las Vegas - an additional 2.5 hours from there. If you want to go east, farther into Utah, the drive through the Dixie National Forest, Capitol Reef National Park and on by Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to the Natural Bridges National Monument is difficult to beat for amazing scenery.

Make sure not to go out on any of the trails, particularly in the warmer summer months, without water. Because of the elevation of the park, it's easy to become dehydrated and suffer from elevation sickness. Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated are the best ways to prevent and issues.

More Experiences Nearby

Wasatch Mountain Range in Utah
Utah is a country that beckons. The Wasatch Range is Utah’s geological spine, stretching from north to south down the centre of the state. Salt Lake City, Provo, Park City, and Ogden all owe their existence to the bounty of the Wasatch Range; whether in the form of water, resources or resort skiing. To the south lie the famous Zion, Escalante, and Canyonlands Parks; often depicted in the work of American photographer and environmentalist Ansel Adams. The trail up to Dog Lake practically demands to be walked. The little path hugs a small stream that cuts through the dense growth ...84 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

Frommer's Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks
Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
Best Easy Day Hikes Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT - Trails Illustrated Map

Elsewhere on the Web

Bryce Canyon National Park - NPS.gov

Media References

Bryce Canyon National Park - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
Experience magical landscapes of Zion and Bryce Canyon in Utah by hiking trails - CanadianPress (newspaper)

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