Bryce Canyon National Park, USA - travel experience, post, guide, blog and photos

USA: Utah: Arches National Park, Brian Head, Bryce Canyon City, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Moab, Monument Valley, Park City, Salt Lake City, Snow Canyon, St. George, Sundance, Zion National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA: Hoodoos cast their spell
by Prakash Bang, Editor in Chief

Amphitheatre, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

Hoodoo is a pillar of rock, usually of fantastic shape, left by erosion. Hoodoo is also to cast a spell. At Bryce Canyon National Park the combination works perfectly well. Surrounded by the beauty of southern Utah, hoodoos cast their spell on all who visit. Over 10 million years ago forces within the Earth created and then moved the massive blocks known as Table Cliff and Paunsaugunt plateaus. Ancient rivers carved the tops and exposed the edges of these blocks, removing some layers and sculpting formations in others.

Towards Bryce Canyon National Park, Scenic Highway 12, Utah, USA

We left the town of Torrey after breakfast. We took Utah’s All-American Road – Scenic Highway 12 - to reach Bryce Canyon National Park. This route passes through twisting canyons, red rock towers, pine forests and pioneer town. No wonder this routed has been rated as ‘Top 10 Scenic Byways in America’.

The route saw us through The Grand Staircase National Monument (pre-historic ruins), The Hogback (a ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides offering great views of the countryside) and the town of Escalante (Petrified Forest State Park).

By 12:30PM we were at Ruby’s Inn in Bryce Canyon City. This property comes with history attached. Way back in 1916, Reuben (Ruby) Syrett brought his family to the wilds of southern Utah. A casual Sunday visit to the canyon rim impressed the family that encouraged them to tell people about the canyon beauties and they also become the hosts to visitors. In 1923, Bryce Canyon became a national monument. Ruby’s reputation grew as the monument grew. What started as a tent is now a full-service resort offering great options to stay; eat and visit the Bryce Canyon national park. They have a shuttle service that includes park fees. Our lunch was at Cowboy’s Buffet and Steak Room.

Red Canyon, Towards Brian Head, Utah, USA

The park area is just a few miles from Ruby’s Inn. We left the Inn at 2:30 PM and were in the park at about 3PM. For the next 2 hours or so we drove around exploring various view points and even took a small trail to reach Bryce Point. There are many trails that can be enjoyed – from easy to hard; on foot or on horseback. Since we had limited time, our thrust was on visiting Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and the Bryce points. These points cover the Bryce Amphitheatre – the biggest of its kind in the park. I will leave the pictures to do the talking.

At 5PM we left the park to proceed to Brian Head. Our hotel for the night was Grand Lodge at Brian Head. The lodge is nestled in the Dixie National Forest surrounded by majestic views of red-rock spires and warm-hued canyons. Dinner that night was at Leany’s Steakhouse at the Grand Lodge.

A good night’s rest would prepare us for our exploration of Zion National Park tomorrow.

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