Romancing the Hoodoo

Description:

Yes, the hoodoos and rocks and cliffs you can see from here do indeed boast an impressive rainbow of natural colors, ranging from auburn to cream to tangerine to dusty pink to tan to white. As you look out, see if you can spot these fancifully-named natural attractions: Grand Staircase, Vermilion Cliffs, Molly's Nipple, Grey Cliffs, Pink Cliffs, and the Kaibab Plateau (the North Rim of the Grand Canyon), far in the southern distance.

Our Local Expert Says:

Tired of walking? Let your horse do it for you.

Description:

Why hike when you can ride a horse? Choose between a 2-hour or 1/2-day trail ride through Bryce Amphitheatre along the Peekaboo Trail. Riders can choose from 200 horses and dozens of mules. This is a great way to see the canyon, and very popular with children. Pete and Keela Mangum and their crew of cowboys have been leading groups through Bryce Canyon, Zion and the Grand Canyon for over 20 years and are committed to their customers' safety and enjoyment. Let them share the striking beauty of Utah with you.

Description:

Housed in the motel bearing the same name, the Bryce Canyon Pines dining room is housed in a charming, cottage-style room, warm and inviting. With sandwiches for lunch and a full menu for dinner, Bryce Canyon Pines features a fantastic Utah Trout entrée that must be tasted. Beer and wine are available.

Description:

The most upscale lodging choice in Bryce Canyon, the Stone Canyon Inn gives guests a choice of rooms in the main hotel or charming cottages. The cottages feature two bedrooms and bathrooms, a gas fireplace, a private deck with a hot tub and a barbecue grill. Room guests (those not in the cottages) receive a home cooked breakfast and will sleep in rooms with comfortable, rustic and classically-Western decor. All lodging options feature breathtaking views of the national park or the nearby Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Our Local Expert Says:

Classic. Beautiful. Stunning views. Don't miss a stop here, no matter how short your visit.

Description:

From here, you can see the whole of the Bryce Canyon amphitheater, bristling with pointy, colorful hoodoos. Keep an eye out for Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels and Uinta Chipmunks (but please, no feeding the wildlife, no matter how well they try to convince you they are starving. This is not only against Park law, it can be deadly to the cute little critters.). Funny piece of history: Ebenezer Bryce, for whom Bryce Canyon is named, is said to have noted that "It's a hell of a place to lose a cow." As you gaze down upon the crazy jumble of spires and mini-canyons from Bryce Point, you'll probably agree.

Description:

True to its name, sunset lights up the colorful hoodoos visible from Sunset Point to an almost aching beauty. The swirl of oranges, reds, pinks, whites, tans, and more just beg for photographic capture at this popular spot. Look for notable formations such as Silent City and the majestic, slightly intimidating Thor's Hammer. Birders, watch the skies for hawks, ravens, Cliff Swallows, and Violet-green swallows, among others.

Our Local Expert Says:

A classic that shows off the best of Bryce.

Description:

Another shortie that still reveals a lot of that amazing Bryce scenery, the Navajo Loop is great April through November; winter snows make it impassable. Start at Sunset Point and head down. At the bottom of the switchbacks, look for the two towering Douglas fir trees that have been stretching up toward the sun for over 750 years! Toward then end of this trail, peel your eyes for the hoodoo Twin Bridges as well as the descriptive Thor's Hammer. The Navajo Loop is popular; go early in the day or the evening if you want to avoid hordes of hikers.

Our Local Expert Says:

Totally cool way to see a national park! Don't miss the opportunity if you visit during a full moon.

Description:

Another Bryce specialty, the Full Moon Hikes are an adventurous (yet safe) and different way to experience a national park. Caveat: make sure you're visiting during a full moon if you want to take advantage! Shadows and moonlight help those hoodoos look downright spectral, spurring on your imagination as the ranger leads. There are some very strict rules about getting tickets as well as honoring your commitment to experience a Full Moon Hike, so be certain to check the website or at the visitor center at least the day before the night of a full moon for specifics.