Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To get a real feel for the canyon and to get grand close-up views of many spec-
tacular formations, you must hike down into the canyon to walk among the hoo-
doos. One of the best canyon trails is the
Queen'sGardenTrail
★★★, which can
be hiked in only a few hours, is easy enough for most park visitors—including chil-
dren—and takes you to some fascinating hoodoos.
Speaking of hoodoos, there are a few of these naturally sculpted monuments
in stone that are on almost everyone's must-see list. Majestic
QueenVictoria
can
be seen from Sunrise Point on the rim, but is better examined from the Queen's
Garden Trail. Magnificent
Thor'sHammer
is visible from Sunset Point, but is best
seen from the
Navajo Loop Trail
★.
Attractions that aren't made of stone include Bryce Canyon's
bristlecone pine
trees,
exceptionally old evergreens that grow in some of the more inhospitable
areas of the park. They're easily seen via the Bristlecone Loop Trail. for more in-
formation on these trees.
restrooms
at Bryce Canyon
The nicest and most modern restrooms at Bryce Canyon are at the visitor center and just off the
lobby at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon. They're well maintained, heated, and have flush toilets and
sinks with hot water.
There are also restrooms with hot water at the General Store in the park (about a quarter-mile
south of North Campground, near the Sunrise Point parking area), and just outside the park en-
trance at Ruby's Inn (just off the lobby).
Other park facilities range from flush toilets at North and Sunset campgrounds and Sunset Point
to vault toilets at Rainbow, Yovimpa, and Farview points. Although there are few toilets along trails
(none in the backcountry), spring through fall, you will find a vault toilet on the Peekaboo Loop
Trail, just west of its intersection with the Bryce Point cutoff trail.
Although essentially outhouses, vault toilets—officially called “bulk-reduction toilet sys-
tems”—have come a long way in the past 30 years—they're now clean, sanitary, and best of all,
they don't smell. However, there is no water for hand-washing, no lights, and no heat. During busy
times, the less-developed restroom facilities may run out of toilet paper, so it's best to carry a
backup supply.
Seeing the Park in 1 or 2 Days
