UT, Bryce
National Park, one of the ten "amphitheaters"
The diversity of Bryce can best be seen
on the park's 36 mile scenic byway that winds around ten
horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters. Each with a panoramic
view of the pinnacles and spires that have made Bryce a
national treasure. In contrast to the freezing water
expansion that formed the Arches, wind and rain are
responsible for sculpturing Bryce's easily eroded
limestone. Different artists leading to much different
portraits of Utah's terrain. Both representing
masterpieces of nature.
For visitors with limited time for
exploration: Bryce, Inspiration, and Sunset Point
amphitheaters are three of the most spectacular of
Bryce's overlooks. Iron, manganese, and other mineral
oxides provide its brilliant hues. Iron produces the
reddish, pink, and orange colors; manganese the blue and
lavender. The multicolored, sharply pinnacled, rock
formations and surrounding evergreens make Bryce a unique
spectacle in Utah's red-rock arena.
Its elevations supports the growth of
evergreens from 7,000 to 9,000 feet. Milder temperatures
allowing pinyon pine and junipers to grow at 7,000 feet;
ponderosa pine at 8,000 feet; and spruce, fir, and aspen
at the highest elevations of 9,000 feet. The ancient
bristlecone pines grow only in the harshest terrain on
exposed rocky slopes unsuitable for most trees. Bristlecones
are the oldest living things on earth. Some growing
for over 4,600 years old.
Wildlife in the park includes mule
deer, gray fox, bobcat, mountain lions, black bear, and
peregrine falcons. Elk and pronghorn have been recently
reintroduced into the area.
The park's two campgrounds
(North and Sunset) each have 100 campsites ($10) that are
available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are
no electrical hookups but water is provided. The North Campground is nestled among pine trees.
It has a heated restroom and remains open through the winter. Sunset Campground is located near the South
Visitor Center in a small forest and is open from May-
October.
UT, Bryce
National Park, view along Hwy 12
The Bryce Canyon Lodge has 114 rooms and is open
mid-April through October. Outside the park (in the Dixie
National Forest) is a 36 site campground located 10 miles
from Bryce on Hwy 12. It has a lake for swimming, boating
and fishing. There are also numerous other state and
private campgrounds in the area. Bryce and Arches National Parks each receive approximately 1 million visitors each year. Bryce National Park,
Bryce Canyon, P.O. Box 170001, Bryce Canyon, Utah 84717-0001 (435) 834-5322 www.nps.gov/brca
