Mysterious Bryce canyon

Bryce offers a range of visual treats, starting from the vibrant colour combination of snow, red sand-stone hoodoos and the pine trees. The hues of orange, green and blue, tempered with (snow) white is a feast to the eyes, as well as the camera

Grand Canyon is perhaps very well-known to all of us -more heard than seen-particularly the impressive physical features that we read about in our geography books are unforgettable! Very few must be knowing about the spectacular Bryce Canyon which comes a pleasant surprise with its ‘hoodoos’ or the odd shaped pillars of rocks left standing from the forces of erosion. These rock formations look like silent spectators against the lovely landscape of nature. In fact, says Venu, who recently visited this spectacular site –“I feel one among these ‘audience’ who seem to welcome you to join them in the huge opera!”

Candice, from Utah, also a tourist has some stunning facts to share with us. She says, Bryce offers a range of visual treats, starting from the vibrant colour combination of snow, red sand-stone hoodoos and the pine trees. The hues of orange, green and blue, tempered with (snow) white is a feast to the eyes, as well as the camera!

Bryce Canyon covers over 140 square kilometres in Utah, USA and is not actually a canyon but a formation cut into the Pink Cliffs. The most impressive feature is the collection of hundreds of hoodoos and monoliths – freestanding pinnacles cut from the cliffs by water, wind and ice. Hoodoos are composed of soft sedimentary rock and are topped by a piece of harder, less easily eroded stone that protects the column. Bryce Canyon has one of the highest concentrations of hoodoos on Earth.

Visiting Bryce Canyon is enjoyable in any season. Winter offers fewer activities but there are the amazing views of the red rock formations covered in snow. In the warmer seasons, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking and ATV rides are available. A scenic drive to Rainbow Point (29km one way) allows access to 13 viewpoints over the cliffs and many hiking trails. Many viewpoints are accessible to those who find it difficult to walk. Numerous hiking trails provide different views of the cliffs and formations. The Bristlecone Loop hike traverses through spruce-fur forests to cliffs with bristlecone pines and expansive vistas of the surrounding areas. The air in the area is so clear that on most days mountains and plateaus can be seen from a distance of 140 to 260 km. Visitors should be careful when hiking due to the high elevation – 2,400m to 2,700 m – where oxygen levels are lower.

One of the most awe-inspiring sights is during the nights when stargazers can see 7,500 stars with the naked eye (compared to large cities where only a few stars are visible). Star formations – including the Milky Way, Big Dipper and North Star – create a carpet of stars in the sky. Park Rangers host astronomy talks on scheduled dates.

Bryce Canyon can be difficult to visit. The closest major airports – Salt Lake City and Las Vegas – are 4-5 hour drive. Most visitors arrive independently in private vehicles as few tour companies include the area on their itineraries. The drive to the park passes through beautiful landscapes nearby.

Lodging is available inside and outside the park and reservations are recommended. Options inside the park include a lodge (open seasonally) and camping facilities. Options just outside the park accommodate the majority of visitors. Ruby’s Inn is the closest hotel to the park entrance and provides many lodging options. Established in 1916, Ruby’s Inn provides lodging rooms, camping facilities, restaurants, shopping and tourist services.