Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is situated in Southwestern Utah in the United States of America. Pronounced /’brice’/, it is famous for its Bruce Canyon. Contrary to common perception, it is not actually a canyon but is a naturally constructed amphitheater by constant erosion along the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

It is distinct from other national parks because of its unique geological structures called hoodoos. They are formed from water, wind, ice erosion of the lakebed sedimentary rocks and the river.

More than their interesting formation, it is their vivid red, orange and white colors that attract visitors from all over the world. Bryce Canyon National Park rim varies from 8000 to 9000 feet while the nearby Zion National Park and Grand Canyon sits around 7000 feet only. Bryce Canyon National Park is named after Ebenezer Bryce who homesteaded in this area in 1874.

The settlement began in around 1850 by the Mormon pioneers, however it was not until 1923 that it became a U.S. National Monument and in 1924 was declared a national park. The park spans over an impressive 56 sq miles and has selected visitors on Las Vegas travel due to its remote location as compared to Grand Canyon. People coming to this park generally set base at town of Kanab, Utah as that town is midway b/w all the three national parks.

The visitors to this park come generally for the scenic drives, which gives access to 13 vantage points over the amphitheaters. Some of the visitors travel to Las Vegas come for hiking and Bryce Canyon National Park is just the place for that. It has 8 marked and maintained trails which most of the people cover in less than a day.

Almost all the trails intersect, so if you want to go for a week long hiking trip, it is just the place to be. Besides this there are 2 overnight hiking trails which require camping permits, Riggs Loop Trail and Under the Rim Trail.