Indian legend tells the story that long ago there lived in the area animal-like creatures that could change into people. They were evil so Coyote turned them all to stone. They still stand here with painted faces Ñ they are the spires of Bryce Canyon. Years later when pioneer Ebenezer Bryce built a ranch at the bottom of the canyon, he described the area as "a hell of a place to lose a cow!" The area became known as "Bryce's Canyon", and later, Bryce Canyon.

Unlike Zion where you look up at the cliffs, at Bryce Canyon National Park you look down upon miles of exquisitely carved pinnacles and spires. Set on a high plateau, the pine-covered rim of Bryce Canyon catches the clean cool breezes of a mountain setting. The red, pink and orange colors of the intricately eroded limestone "hoodoos" constantly change with the sun, making the magical landscape come alive.

Bryce isn"t really a canyon, but 14 amphitheaters of colorful eroded limestone dotted with the deep greens of ponderosa pine, spruce, fir and ancient bristlecone pine.

The park is open all year. Summer is the busiest season when hiking, sightseeing, horseback riding and photography are popular. Summer is also the time when rangers conduct walks, talks, and campfire programs in the cool, clear evenings. Spring and fall are quiet and temperatures are pleasant. In the winter, white snow adds contrast to the red rocks and blue sky making it the most colorful time of the year. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities and are perfect ways to tour the park. Snowmobiling is allowed in the adjoining Dixie National Forest.

You can drive, bicycle, take the shuttle or a scenic tour through the park. But hiking one of the trails is the ultimate Bryce Canyon experience. More than 50 miles of trails wind through the park; the trail between Sunrise and Sunset Points is wheelchair accessible. Most trails descend into the canyon and wind around the oddly shaped rocks. No water is available along the trails, and with the dry air and lack of shade you"ll need to take plenty of water with you. A backcountry permit is required for overnight trips.

Stop at the park"s visitor center and see the exhibits and free slide show. It is open daily* from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended hours in the spring, summer and fall.

Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon, Utah 84717
801-834-5322

* Visitor Center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.