Destination information
Over millions of years, the area's colourful limestone rock has been eroded into a series of incredible shapes - slot canyons, windows, fins and the most amazing of all - spires, or hoodoos as they are better known.
Around this natural rock theme park there are pine and fir forests, and high meadows which are teeming with wildlife such as mule deer, Utah prairie dogs, chipmunks, squirrels, fox and antelope. There are numerous hiking trails, on which to enjoy the park's spectacular beauty, and you can also take a 2- or 4-hour wrangler-guided trek on horseback along a dedicated horse trail and the Peekaboo Loop Trail.
Of course, sunset is one of the most spectacular times of the day, with the redness of the sun bringing out the amazing colours of the rock - Inspiration Point and Paria View are 2 recommended spots to enjoy the views. And it's worth sticking around a while after the sun has set because Bryce is a superb place for stargazing. Visibility can be as much as 200 miles and there is no man-made light pollution to mar the stars' brightness. You'll feel like you're on another planet!
Getting around
There is a shuttle that goes around the park, but a car is essential to get to Bryce Canyon itself.