A sprawling reserve located in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is well-renowned for its spire-shaped rock formations, stunning hiking trails and the expansive Bryce Amphitheater, a hoodoo-filled depression which lies beneath the Rim Trail hiking path. Along with this, visitors flock to the canyon to see the beautiful sunsets, which can be viewed from a variety of prime locations around the park. If you’re planning to visit Utah soon, here are just some of the things that you don’t want to miss out on at Bryce Canyon National Park.
Horseback Riding
If you’re not a fan of walking on foot or simply want to see Bryce Canyon from a higher point of view, then why not join the horseback riding trail? For a true wild-west experience, you can book horseback riding in Bryce Canyon for any length of time, with rides ranging from half an hour to a full day out! With a real-life cowboy guide, riders of all experience levels can enjoy some of the stunning views on either the Red Canyon or Kodachrome trails. On the ride, you will learn interesting information about the history of the area from your guide, including stories about the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy, who once roamed the very same area!
Sunrise and Sunset Points
No visit to Bryce Canyon National Park would be complete without seeing the amazing sunsets. One of the main lookouts in the park, Sunset Point can be easily accessed from the Rim Trail hiking path, allowing visitors to get a prime viewing of the sun setting over the canyon and the amphitheater. Nearby you can find Sunrise Point, where you can enjoy the same beautiful views from a different angle. Previous visitors recommend getting here early and bringing a camera so you can capture the colors in the sky changing.
Geological Formations
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its range of natural geological formations, with one of the most popular ‘Thor’s Hammer’. Located on Navajo Loop, visitors can walk all the way down to see the hammer-shaped formation close-up. If you’re walking the popular Rim Trail, you can view it from here, too. Another formation that’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re visiting from Britain, is the ‘Queen Victoria’, a natural formation that resembles the monarch.
Visitor Center
Lastly, before entering the National Park, be sure to stop off at the friendly visitor center where the staff can help to ensure that your visit is as enjoyable as possible. Here you can find information about the park trails, attractions and more, and even learn a little about the history and heritage of Bryce Canyon. If you’re hoping to take some souvenirs home for family and friends, you can find an extensive selection of merchandise for sale here.
With a stunning selection of hiking trails, natural geological formations, and awesome lookout points, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is an underrated destination and a must for any nature lover’s bucket list!
Have you visited Bryce Canyon? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!