Even though it is Utah’s smallest national park, only encompassing 56.2 square miles, Bryce Canyon packs a huge punch as far as spectacular scenery goes. Named for early settler Ebenezer Bryce, who said the canyon was a “helluva place to lose a cow,” Bryce Canyon is actually not a canyon at all, but a series of natural amphitheaters exhibiting colorful stone fins, arches and spires known as “hoodoos.” These multi-hued formations, bearing fanciful names such as Thor’s Hammer, Sinking Ship, the Chessmen and the Poodle, allow viewers’ imaginations to run wild.
Bryce Canyon offers something for every age and ability level. Visitors can view the canyon through a leisurely stroll along the rim or a stop at one of its many viewpoints. They may also delve in deeply through explorations of the inner canyon on trails ranging from the 1.5-mile Queen’s Garden Trail to the 24-mile Under-the-Rim Trail. Ranger-led activities, from guided hikes to stargazing sessions through a telescope, will delight both children and adults. Stop by Bryce Canyon’s visitor center to find out the daily schedule for these activities and to learn about the park through fascinating exhibits.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Located nine miles south of Cannonville off UT 12, Kodachrome Basin is a showcase of multicolored rock formations, called sand pipes. With the consent of Kodak, the National Geographic Society named the park after its color film because of the stunning contrast between the deep blue sky and the park's pink, white, red and gray pinnacles. The park boasts several short trails that provide visitors up-close views of its unique geologic formations, including the Panorama Trail, and the Eagle's View Trail. Some of the park's imaginatively named formations include The Patriarch, The Ballerina, and Big Stoney. One of the best places to view the formations is along the park's main road, called the “Grand Parade.”
A primer for Bryce Canyon 's hoodoos, Red Canyon is famous for its plethora of red pinnacles and spires, as well as its two manmade, drive-through tunnels. Located just west of the Bryce Canyon area on UT 12, the canyon offers numerous short hiking trails to explore for a close-up view of the canyon's wondrous formations. It also offers longer trails that accommodate horses and ATVs. For information on the canyon's trails, visit the Red Canyon Visitor Center (open April through October) near the base of the canyon. The visitor center features exhibits on the area's geology, flora and fauna.
Even though it is Utah’s smallest national park, only encompassing 56.2 square miles, Bryce Canyon packs a huge punch as far as spectacular scenery goes. Named for early settler Ebenezer Bryce, who said the canyon was a “helluva place to lose a cow,” Bryce Canyon is actually not a canyon at all, but a series of natural amphitheaters exhibiting colorful stone fins, arches and spires known as “hoodoos.” These multi-hued formations, bearing fanciful names such as Thor’s Hammer, Sinking Ship, the Chessmen and the Poodle, allow viewers’ imaginations to run wild. 
Located nine miles south of Cannonville off UT 12, Kodachrome Basin is a showcase of multicolored rock formations, called sand pipes. With the consent of Kodak, the National Geographic Society named the park after its color film because of the stunning contrast between the deep blue sky and the park's pink, white, red and gray pinnacles. The park boasts several short trails that provide visitors up-close views of its unique geologic formations, including the Panorama Trail, and the Eagle's View Trail. Some of the park's imaginatively named formations include The Patriarch, The Ballerina, and Big Stoney. One of the best places to view the formations is along the park's main road, called the “Grand Parade.”
A primer for Bryce Canyon 's hoodoos, Red Canyon is famous for its plethora of red pinnacles and spires, as well as its two manmade, drive-through tunnels. Located just west of the Bryce Canyon area on UT 12, the canyon offers numerous short hiking trails to explore for a close-up view of the canyon's wondrous formations. It also offers longer trails that accommodate horses and ATVs. For information on the canyon's trails, visit the Red Canyon Visitor Center (open April through October) near the base of the canyon. The visitor center features exhibits on the area's geology, flora and fauna.
