Enjoy the Awesome Beauty of Bryce Canyon
Photo by depositphotos.com
The vibrant red rocks and sweeping vistas of Bryce Canyon are without a doubt some of the most gorgeous scenery not only in the United States but the entire world. Visitors are literally awestruck when they view stately towers of red rocks at Inspiration Point. Many nature lovers consider Bryce Canyon to be the most gorgeous and accessible of Utah‘s stately National Parks.
There are countless ways to enjoy the splendor of Bryce Canyon, regardless of your age or fitness level. Visitors can take a bus tour that loops around the park and stops at iconic viewpoints such as Sunset Point. Travelers can also sign up for a ranger-led Full Moon hike. The Full Moon hike requires special footwear, a ticket that is procured online beforehand, and participants above the age of 7. Bryce Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park that hosts an Astronomy Festival every year that attracts dark-sky lovers from around the world.
Photo by depositphotos.com
One of Bryce Canyon’s most beloved hiking trails is slightly off the beaten path. Mossy Cave is a man-made grotto with a cascading waterfall that offers a lush contrast to the stark desert landscape that surrounds it. Mossy Cave is a low-impact hike located between the entrance to Bryce Canyon and Tropic, Utah. The low elevation and cool, splashing water never fail to bring untold joy to hikers.
Photo by depositphotos.com
The town of Paria is another locale near Bryce Canyon that adventurers love. Paria was a Mormon settlement that blossomed into a small town from the late 1800s until the early 1900s. Flash flooding caused by spring snowmelt ultimately led to the demise of the town. Paria has also served as the backdrop for several films, including Buffalo Bill in 1944.
Viewing the remnants of Paria requires a bit of hiking. A “Paria townsite” sign is visible from the road. Visitors are urged to use extreme caution if there is high water in the area, as rushing water in Southern Utah can be extremely dangerous in the springtime. A handful of stone buildings and foundations are still visible where Paria once stood, surrounded by gorgeous red rock mountains.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Even if you only spend a few hours in Bryce Canyon, the magnificent colors and textures of one of Southern Utah‘s most spectacular places will become a regular occurrence in your most pleasant dreams. If you love the great outdoors, a trip to Bryce Canyon is an absolute must.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Bryce Canyon National Park — Visitor Center, Utah Highway 63, Bryce, Utah, USA
- Coordinates
- 37.64044, -112.16959
- Access
- Area map pin marks the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center about one mile inside the park entrance. The center provides park information and exhibits but does not sell entrance passes. Check road status after winter storms and seasonal visitor-centre hours before setting out.
- Admission
- Private vehicle: $35; motorcycle: $30; entry on foot or bicycle age 16+: $20 (under 16 free). Non-US residents age 16+ pay an additional $100 each unless admitted with an eligible Annual or America the Beautiful pass. Entrance pass required; no park-entry reservation is required.
- Time needed
- Queen’s Garden out-and-back hike: approximately 1–2 hours; add time for other park viewpoints and trails
- Best season
- May–September is the main visiting season; winter visits may encounter temporary snow-related road closures
- Opening hours
- Park open 24 hours year-round. Visitor Center hours: summer 08:00–20:00; spring and fall 08:00–18:00 (including October 4–31, 2026); winter 08:00–16:30 (November 1–April 3). Closed Christmas Day; bookstore closed Thanksgiving.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-26
- Facts checked
- 2026-09-26
Map marks the area, not a visitor entrance.
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