Here are 10 Facts about Bryce Canyon National Park that you probably didn’t know! These cool facts are great to learn or brush up on before going into the park! Want more fun facts? Check out 10 amazing facts about Zion National Park you didn’t know!
The name Bryce comes from Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon settler who stumbled upon the area trying to round up cattle. He described it as a “helluva place to lose a cow”. That leads us to the next fact…
Bryce Canyon is actually a vast stretch of natural amphitheaters etched into the expansive Paunsaugunt Plateau. In any case, it makes for a stunning view!
While it was initially protected as a National Monument in 1923, just 5 years later it was changed to a National Park in 1928 (roughly 54 years after Ebenezer Bryce settled there). It’s also the smallest national park in Utah (though definitely not one to miss).
Possibly one of the most distinct parks out there, Bryce Canyon is known for its beautiful red and white textures, slot canyons, windows and tall spires known as “hoodoos”. Cool bonus fact: The park is home to more hoodoos than anywhere else in the world, making its trails feel maze-like (and like something out of a movie). Several of the trails you can actually visit in just one day.
Near the park’s visitor’s center is a hike called Sunrise Point, home of the famous natural rock formation known as “Thor’s Hammer”. It’s one of the most iconic hoodoos in the park, formed from thousands of years of erosion.
The park has seen significant growth in recent years due to its growing popularity and unique geography. It is much easier to get around than it’s neighboring park, Zion.
These three groups once inhabited the area (remnants of which can sometimes be found throughout the park). Archeologists have found evidence that the Plateau has been visited by people as far back as 10,000 years ago. Due to its harsh winters, however, they were unlikely to have taken up permanent residence. It’s still home to a number of amazing animals such as porcupines, mule dear, coyotes, and even Peregrine Falcons.
The nights are so clear and dark, it makes for an incredible view of the stars– so much so in fact that astronomy programs are occasionally offered nearby.
Wanting to hit two parks in one visit? Wondering how far it is from Bryce Canyon National Park to Zion National Park? Luckily it’s only about an hour and a half drive, though both parks will take longer than that to explore properly. We definitely recommend taking your time in Bryce– it’s just fun to know you don’t have to travel far to see another amazing park full of incredible hikes (many of which are great for young children).
Native Americans used to call the place “Angka-ku-wass-a-wits”, or “red-painted faces”. It was believed that if you looked closer at the hoodoos and rocks, you could see the faces of those who turned to stone! Spooky!
Looking for a fun Children’s Book about Bryce Canyon National Park? Look no further, we’ve got you covered!
Check out Dilbert the Duck Visits Bryce Canyon National Park!
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |