With shapes so distinctive they’ve earned names like the Poodle, Thor’s Hammer and Queen Victoria, the tall chiseled spires known as hoodoos are the prime attraction at Bryce Canyon National Park, which features the largest concentration of the eerie formations in the world. Other geologic features also draw visitors, including two red sandstone arches, Natural Bridge and Tower Bridge, and Mossy Cave, a grotto bedecked with greenery in summer and icicles in winter. This complete guide to Bryce Canyon National Park covers all the park’s top sights, best hikes, and most popular photo ops, and presents detailed informational how to enjoy the areas many exciting opportunities for adventure. We also take a look at other major National Parks!
Beautiful Bryce
National Treasures
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK • This unique and magical landscape, first protected as a national monument in 1923 and as a national park in 1928, features the largest concentration of hoodoos found anywhere in the world.
A One-of-a-Kind National Treasure • Chiseled by time and weather, Bryce Canyon’s dramatic rock formations are found nowhere else in the world.
GEOLOGY OF BRYCE CANYON • How water, wind and the forces of the Earth shaped the landscape overtime.
Top 10 Most Stunning Sights • From south to north, be sure to hit these top spots.
Wondrous Wildlife • From elusive elk to soaring falcons, where to spot animals in their natural habitat.
Incredible Hikes • This five routes have something for every adventure level.
More Cool Things to Do • You’ll find plenty of fun places to stop on your road trip to BCNP.
Where to Stay • The best places to bed down for every type of traveler.
Travel Tips • How to make the most of your visit.
CALIFORNIA, HAWAII & TERRITORIES • With the most national parks of any state (nine) and its incredible peaks, deserts and coasts, the Golden State fulfills many travelers’ dreams, as do these dramatic island locales.
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Yosemite National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Redwood National Park
Channel Islands National Park
Death Valley National Park
Haleakalā National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
National Park of American Samoa
Virgin Islands National Park
Pinnacles National Park
THE NORTHWEST & ALASKA • Vast glaciers, arctic sand dunes, Technicolor hot springs, deep-blue lakes, fearsome wildlife—all of these spectacles and more prevail in this diverse corner of the country and in our 49th state.
Grand Teton National Park
Glacier National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Olympic National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
Crater Lake National Park
Kenai Fiords National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Katmai National Park & Preserve
North Cascades National Park
Kobuk Valley National Park
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
THE WEST • Be it the wistful painted deserts, the fanciful red-rock formations or the world-famous canyons, the American West has always had a particular pull, drawing explorers, prospectors and, now, tourists.
Arches National Park
Zion National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Mesa Verde National Park
White Sands National Park
Saguaro National...