Bryce Canyon is not really a canyon at all, but a series of natural amphitheaters full of hoodoos, those thin, orange-red stone pillars. Many come straight from the Grand Canyon and are surprised that they like the smaller Bryce even more.
A forest of stone pillars
Thousands of hoodoos stand densely packed in the great amphitheater. They form because the frost splits the rock apart winter after winter and washes the softer stone away. At sunrise they glow in orange and pink, the most beautiful moment of the day.
High up and cool
Bryce lies high, on the rim at around 7,875 to 8,860 ft (2,400 to 2,700 m). Because of that it is pleasant even in high summer, and in winter snow often lies on the red pillars, a striking contrast. Do not underestimate the altitude, though, even a short climb becomes strenuous here.
First from above, then from below
From the Rim Trail on the edge you have the overview of the whole amphitheater. But you only really get close to the pillars once you go down, for example along the Navajo Loop. Suddenly you stand among them, and they tower above you.
Early is worth it
The park is smaller and busier than you think. Whoever stands at Sunrise or Sunset Point early for sunrise has the best light and the greatest calm.
