Bryce Canyon, UT is my favorite National Park I have visited so far (with Death Valley,CA being a close second). Why? Because the hoodoos are breathtakingly beautiful and the park is small enough to visit even if you don’t have that much time on your hands.

Every time I return to Bryce, it looks different to me. I have seen it a few times with snow and in freezing temperatures, but also when it was sunny and warm in the summer months.

People always seem to forget the high elevation of the park. It’s at about 2500 to 2800 meters, so you will feel this when walking up to the viewpoints. Generally, people are not ready for the cool windy conditions in the fall. Check the weather forecast on the park’s website before you go.

What to do?
When I visit the park, I usually drive all the way to Bryce Point (the park only has a north entrance), then I make my way back with the visitors center as my final stop.
From Bryce Point you can drive to Inspiration Point (which has bathrooms) for another look over Bryce Amphitheater.
If you want to do a short walk along the rim, you can head to Sunset Point (bathrooms) and walk to Sunrise Point. For a more strenuous walk, you can walk part (or all) of the Navajo Loop which starts at Sunset Point. The Navajo Loop will give you a different angle for photos as it takes you into the canyon. The peace and quiet (if you are not there during peak season) is a nice way to wrap up a visit to the park.

Needless to say, we have to support our national parks, so a visit to the Visitors Center for a unique souvenir (America’s National Parks Monopoly anyone?) is a must.

I just love the colors and shapes of the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon, they just never get boring to me. Not sure when I will visit next, but I am sure I will be back.

Where to stay?
I have stayed at Bryce View Lodge a number of times. It’s basic accommodations, but going across the street to Ruby’s Inn Buffet Restaurant is one of my favorite dinners. Don’t forget to wash it down with a locally brewed Utah beer! The rooms are clean and the staff is generally helpful. That’s all I really care about when looking for a place to stay near a National Park.

For more information:
http://www.bryceviewlodge.com/

http://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm