Bryce Canyon National Park

national park in Garfield and Kane counties in Utah, United States

Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park in southwestern Utah. Its major feature is Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Map showing the location of Bryce Canyon National Park
Map showing the location of Bryce Canyon National Park
LocationGarfield County and Kane County, Utah, United States
Nearest cityTropic, Panguitch
Coordinates37°35′N 112°11′W / 37.583°N 112.183°W / 37.583; -112.183
Area35,835 acres (14,502 ha)[1]
EstablishedSeptember 15, 1928
Visitors1,296,000 (in 2011)[2]
Governing bodyNational Park Service

Despite its name, this is not a canyon but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce is known for its hoodoos. The hoodoos are badlands formed by frost weathering and stream erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rocks.

The red, orange, and white colors of the rocks provide spectacular views for park visitors. Bryce is much higher than nearby Zion National Park. The rim at Bryce varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet (2,400 to 2,700 metres).

Bryce Canyon Amphitheatre from Sunrise Point

References

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  1. "Listing of acreage – December 31, 2011" (XLSX). Land Resource Division, National Park Service. Retrieved 2012-03-06. (National Park Service Acreage Reports)
  2. "NPS Annual Recreation Visits Report". National Park Service. Retrieved 2012-03-06.