This incredible place was established originally as a monument in 1923 and then later its name was changed and it became a National Park in 1928. What makes this park extraordinary is the unique geologic formations called Hoodoos. We visited in late April so we loved being able to see snow mixed in with the red soil. Most of the park is 8,000 feet or higher so we were glad to have layers and sunscreen. The park is not very large and can really be seen in two full days especially if not doing long hikes.
According to National Park Website: Bryce is famous for its unique geology, consisting of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. The erosional force of frost-wedging and the dissolving power of rainwater have shaped the colorful calcium-rich mudstone of the Claron Formation into bizarre shapes including slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called "hoodoos." Tinted with colors too numerous and subtle to name, these whimsically arranged rocks create a wondrous landscape of mazes, offering some of the most exciting and memorable walks and hikes imaginable.
Park & Local Info:
The cost to enter the park, for a private car, was $35 and valid for seven consecutive days. These could be purchased at the entrance booth. They also accept the America The Beautiful National Park passes. We loved utilizing the park shuttle which made it really convenient to park, hike and return to our car and typically arrived at stops about every 15 minutes. Many of the overlooks had very small parking lots so the shuttle would be a great option during busier times of the year. We stayed in Panguitch which was the nearest larger town (about 30 minute drive). There was a lodge as well as a couple of campgrounds right in the park and a few motels right outside of it. There were gobs of hiking trails to choose from.
We arrived mid afternoon on our first day and drove to the Bryce Amphitheater where we wandered all around soaking up the incredible landscape. This stunning amphitheater is home to the greatest concentration of hoodoos found anywhere on Earth!
We got lucky since they had opened up the complete main park road the day we arrived. It's closed during the winter since it's completely buried in snow! One day we drove the entire 18 mile Southern Scenic Drive and had so much fun stopping at the 9 scenic overlooks along the way. The park was super well designed to see lots of scenic things without having to hike at all. All of these views were seen just from walking/standing at the overlooks.
We had originally planned to do a hike at Yovimpa Point which is the last spot at the far end of the park but we were stunned by the depth of snow! They typically get around 100 inches a year here. There was absolutely no way we could get off the path they had cleared at the overlook. It felt so strange to be walking around in short sleeves with so much snow still on the ground.
This park is a real gem and worth making the effort to see!