Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 5: Exploring Bryce Canyon
National Park
The scenic beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park is unsurpassed—and
because it is among the West's most accessible parks, its wonders can
be enjoyed by everyone from the very young to the very old, from hearty
backpackerstovisitorsinwheelchairs.Bryce'sdeiningfeatureisitshoo-
doos—those rock formations that delight the child in all of us. But look a
bitdeeperandyou'lldiscoverBryceCanyon'sotherfacets,fromitsvaried
wildlife to its rugged forests.
Essentials
GETTINGTHERE/GATEWAYS
Situated in the mountains of southern Utah, the park is
crossed east-west by Utah 12, which eventually heads out of the park east to Tropic
and eventually to Escalante. The bulk of the park, including the visitor center, is ac-
cessed by Utah 63, which turns south of Utah 12 into the main portions of the park.
U.S. 89 runs north-south, west of the park.
VISITORCENTER&INFORMATION
The visitor center, at the north end of the park, just
after you enter (there is only one entrance, see the map on ), has exhibits on the
geology and history of the area and presents an excellent introductory video pro-
gram on the park, which we recommend seeing if you have time. There are large
photos of many of the park's better-known formations, and a relief map that shows
Bryce Canyon and nearby sections of the Colorado Plateau, including Grand Stair-
case-Escalante National Monument. Rangers can answer questions and provide
backcountry permits; several free brochures are available; and books, maps, videos,
postcards, and posters are sold. The visitor center is open daily year-round except
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Summer hours are usually from
8am to 8pm, with shorter hours the rest of the year (in the dead of the winter, the
visitor center will close at 4:30pm).
FEES
Entry into the park (for up to 7 days) costs $25 per private car, pickup truck,
van, or RV, which includes unlimited use of the park shuttle (when it's operating).
