Top 10 Freebies on Us: Bryce Canyon for No Moola

Our Local Expert Says:

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

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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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bryce has one of the National Park system's best astronomy programs. Very detailed and professionally organized, the “Dark Rangers” offer an excellent way to learn about our rapidly disappearing night skies.

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This fabulous, not-to-be-missed program is believed to be the National Park system's oldest. Headed up by "founding father of astronomy" Patrick Wiggins, this is hands-down an excellent way to experience the night sky. And at Bryce, that sky is awesome. Tip: check out the annual Astronomy Festival, usually held in mid-June, for amazing and fun learning opportunities about our nation's otherwise light-choked night skies. Bryce is famous for the clarity of stars; take advantage to see them in this gorgeous environment.

Our Local Expert Says:

How cool would it be to say you've looked directly at the sun & didn't go blind?

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This is just so cool. As a kid, most of us were told that looking directly at the sun would cause blindness. (Or maybe, as most of us probably discovered when we slyly ignored our parents' admonitions, lots of colored spots dancing before our stressed little eyeballs.) Well, at Bryce, you not only can look directly at the sun, the rangers encourage you to do so! Of course, you must use the special solar telescopes and follow a ranger's direction. But, along with many other Bryce attractions, Solar Viewing is one experience you won't soon forget.

Our Local Expert Says:

Appreciate Bryce with more depth as rangers explain geologic history in easy-to-understand terms

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What the heck is a hoodoo anyway? Find out during one of these informative yet far from dry ranger-led Geology Hikes. The crazy topography of Bryce Canyon will make more sense as the rangers explain, in very down-to-earth terms, how our planet heaved and spat and fired up various rocks to create the impossibly gorgeous and truly bizarre scenery at Bryce.

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Hoodoos, ancient lakes and something called frost-wedging? Geologists have spent years studying the unique story of Bryce Canyon. Spend a half hour with a ranger as we discuss the current scientific explanation behind Bryce Canyon's unique geologic history. Check at the visitor center for current information.

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Got snow? Strap on the Park-provided snowshoes and get thee out there on a ranger-led Snowshoe Hike! Every winter week, if there's enough of the white stuff, you can see Bryce in a way few will while learning more about it from a ranger. For example, they'll teach you how snow shapes the hoodoos. A Snowshoe Hike is an awesome activity to get everyone in your party out and about, especially if there was any whining about the cold. Note: snowshoeing is more physically active than you might expect, so be prepared to huff a little. Snowball fight optional.

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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.

Description:

Short and sweet, this hike is accessed from outside the Park proper, from Highway 12. Watch for the signage about 1.2 miles west of the east entrance to Bryce. This is a great way to experience some of Bryce without going all the way into the Park. Note that the water in the canyon is not in a natural flow; early pioneers settlers rerouted stream water to irrigate their crops in nearby towns. Also take note that you will have stream crossings, which are usually passable by rock-hopping. Beware of possible heavy early spring run-offs. In the wintertime, you can see amazing icicle formations at Mossy Cave itself.

Our Local Expert Says:

Truly spectacular & unique views here. Don't miss!

Description:

Fairyland Point serves as the trailhead for the Fairyland Loop trail and because of its location offers a unique view of the park. It is farther north of the other points (Sunset, Sunrise and Inspiration). Visitors appreciate the different aspects of Boat Mesa, Fairyland Canyon, the Sinking Ship and Campbell Canyon.

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Somewhat short yet definitely good, this well-worn trail starts from Sunrise Point and leads you into the heart of those crazy hoodoo rock formations. When you land (safely!) at the bottom, 950 feet below the trailhead, you'll be rewarded by Tower Bridge, situated right beside Keyhole Window in a stunning display of typical Bryce topography. Tower Bridge does indeed look like a natural version of, say, London Tower, albeit far more light and beautiful. Look for bristlecone pines and China Wall off in the distance.