common injuries by far are sprained, twisted, and broken ankles. Park rangers strongly recommend that hikers—even those just out for short day hikes—wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction and ankle support. When hiking, remember that the lower you drop below the rim, the hotter it gets, so carry lots of water and dress in layers that can be removed and easily carried as the temperature rises.
Another concern in the park is bubonic plague, which, contrary to popular belief, is treatable with antibiotics if caught in its early stages. The bacteria that causes bubonic plague has been found on fleas in prairie dog colonies in the park, so you should avoid contact with wild animals, particularly prairie dogs, chipmunks, ground squirrels, and other rodents. Those taking pets into the park should first dust them with flea powder.
Ranger & Educational Programs Park rangers present a variety of free programs and activities. One-hour evening programs, which may include a slide show, take place at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon, the visitor center, and occasionally at the North Campground amphitheater. Topics vary but may include such subjects as the animals and plants of the park, the park’s geology, and the role of humans in the park’s early days. Rangers also give half-hour talks several times daily at various locations in the park and lead hikes and walks, including a moonlight hike
| Getting a Bird’s-Eye View of the Park |
For an unforgettable view of the canyon, contact Bryce Canyon Airlines & Helicopters (www.rubysinn.com/scenic-flights;
The High Plateaus Institute, which is affiliated with Bryce Canyon Natural History Association, occasionally presents educational programs for the public. For details, check with park offices or the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association (www.brycecanyon.org;
During the summer, children 12 and younger can join the Junior Rangers for a nominal fee. Junior Rangers participate in a variety of programs, and earn certificates and patches; booklets are available at the visitor center. In addition, park rangers periodically conduct special kids’ activities—usually lasting about an hour and a half—on subjects such as the park ecology. Reservations are required—contact the visitor center for information.
Seeing the Highlights
Bryce Canyon is hugely impressive, but its acreage is fairly small, so how much you see depends on how deep you go.
Start at the visitor center and watch the short slide show that explains some of the area geology. Then hop on a shuttle bus (see “Getting Around,” p. 238), which will take you to most of the main viewpoints. If you insist on driving your own vehicle, you’ll follow the 18-mile dead end road through the park. Stop at the viewpoints.
Spend time at Inspiration Point, which offers a splendid view of Bryce Amphitheater and its hundreds of hoodoos. Yes, it actually is inspirational.
Then walk at least partway down the Queen’s Garden Trail. If you can spare 3 hours, hike down the Navajo Loop Trail and return to the rim via the Queen’s Garden Trail (p. 245). Those unable to hike into the canyon can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Rim Trail, which provides spectacular views into the canyon. The views are especially gorgeous about an hour before sunset.
Exploring Bryce Canyon by Car
The park’s 18-mile scenic drive (one-way) follows the rim of Bryce Canyon, offering easy access to a variety of views into the fanciful fairyland of stone sculptures below. Trailers are not permitted on the road, but can be left at several parking lots. All the overlooks are on your left as you begin your drive, so it’s best to drive all the way to the end of the road and stop at the overlooks on your return trip. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
| Top Picnic Spot |
On a hot summer day, the best spot in the park for a picnic lunch is Rainbow Point, which has picnic tables and restrooms. It’s also among the coolest areas because, at 9,115 feet of elevation, it’s the highest point in the park.
From the visitor center, drive 18 miles to Yovimpa and Rainbow Point overlooks, which offer expansive views of southern Utah, Arizona, and often even New Mexico. From these pink cliffs, you can look down on a colorful platoon of stone soldiers, standing at eternal attention. A short loop trail from Rainbow Point leads to an 1,800-year-old bristlecone pine, believed to be the oldest living thing at Bryce Canyon.
From here, drive back north to Ponderosa Canyon Overlook, where you can gaze down from a dense forest of spruce and fir at multicolored hoodoos, before continuing to Agua Canyon Overlook, which has views of some of the best color contrasts in the park. Looking at the hoodoos is like gazing at clouds—you start to see fantasy characters and buildings. Straight down from Agua, you’ll see a hoodoo known as the Hunter, wearing a hat of green trees.
Continue to Natural Bridge, an arch carved by rain and wind and spanning 85 feet, go on to Farview Point for a panoramic view to the distant horizon and the Kaibab Plateau at the Grand Canyon’s north rim. Passing through Swamp Canyon, turn right off the main road to three viewpoints, the first of which is Paria View, with views to the south of the sandstone White Cliffs, carved by the Paria River. To the north of Paria View is Bryce Point, a splendid stop for seeing the awesome Bryce Amphitheater, the largest natural amphitheater in the park, as well as distant views of the Black Mountains to the northeast and the Navajo Mountain to the south. From here, it’s just a short drive to Inspiration Point, offering views similar to those at Bryce Point plus the best vantage point for seeing the sleeping “city” cast in stone.
| The Best Time to Make the Scenic Drive |
The scenic drive is practically deserted in early mornings—any time before 9am. This is the best time to see deer, and the light on the hoodoos is at its richest during this time.
Return to the main road and head north to Sunset Point, where you can see practically all of Bryce Amphitheater, including the aptly named Thor’s Hammer and the 200-foot-tall cliffs of Wall Street.
Continue north to a turnoff for your final stop at Sunrise Point, which has an inspiring view into Bryce Amphitheater. This is the beginning of the Queen’s Garden Trail
Outdoor Pursuits
In addition to the activities in Bryce Canyon National Park, the adjacent national forest has its own share of outdoor activities. For information,
