Bryce Canyon National Park is named
for one of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the
eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. Erosion has
shaped colorful Claron limestones, sandstones and mudstones into thousands
of spires, fins, pinnacles and mazes. Collectively called "hoodoos," these
unique formations are whimsically arranged and tinted with colors too
numerous and subtle to name. Ponderosa pines, high elevation meadows and
fir-spruce forests border the rim of the plateau, while panoramic views
of three states spread beyond the park's boundaries. This area boasts some
of the nation's best air quality. Coupled with the lack of nearby
large light sources, unparalleled opportunities for star gazing exist,
so bring your imagination.
Visitors can enjoy Bryce Canyon during any season.
Summer days are pleasant and nights are cool at 8,000-9,000 feet. July is
the warmest month with an average daytime high temperature of 83 degrees
and a nighttime low of 47. Much of the area's precipitation comes
as afternoon thundershowers during mid to late summer. Spring and fall
weather is highly variable. Cold winter days are offset by high altitude
sun and dry climate. Winter nights are sub-freezing. Alaskan cold fronts
can descend on the Colorado Plateau bringing temperatures
as low as 30 degrees below zero. The area can have snowstorms from October
through April; annual snowfall averages 100 inches.
The 18-mile main park road winds
along the edge of the plateau, terminating at the south end of the park.
Return to the entrance via the same road. Spur roads and pullouts offer
opportunities for viewing and trailhead parking. In summer, parking at
most viewpoints is extremely congested. Your best chance of finding a
parking space is before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Due to steep
grades and limited parking, trailers are not allowed beyond Sunset
Campground. The park has over 50 miles of hiking trails with a range of
distances and elevation change. Assess your ability and know your
limits. Use caution if unaccustomed to the high altitude.
National Parks Conservation Association -
The gradual, accelerated warming of our planet will have disastrous consequences for America's
national parks. But all is not lost. Although the situation seems dire, NPCA's report,
Unnatural Disaster, says we
can still halt the most severe effects of climate change if we take action now. The national parks offer
a unique opportunity to draw attention to America’s priceless resources at risk, and to showcase
opportunities to act to protect them.
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