Overview

Bryce Canyon NP offers some unique relief for your viewing pleasure. It ranks high up there with Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the likes.

In More Detail

Ever since our trip to Monument Valley we had wanted to visit Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon is famous for its "hoodoos"---long rows (and even whole amphitheatres) of vertical rock towers with almost-human shapes. We stayed at Thunderbird Inn (which, by the way, has a golf course) just east of Zion NP, and visited Bryce for a day.

It is hard to describe the views; you have to see those for yourself. We do recommend taking some of the hikes however: there are trails at all levels of difficulty, and of all lengths. Hiking among the strangely shaped rocks makes it easier to "bond" with them, to understand their nature and history. After hiking in the canyon, you can take the free shuttle to some of the vista points along the rim---those are great places for watching the hoodoos redden with the sunset.

If you are passing by the town of Kanab, UT, you may want to also visit the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. The pink sand dunes certainly have an eerie, alien feel, but unfortunately the constant noise from the ATVs crossing the park does a good job reminding you where you really are. (Alas, we were similarly disappointed by the presence of so many power boats in Lake Powell.)