Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah:

For good reason, this is one of the most cherished national parks in the United States. Located in the heart of the vast slickrock wilderness region known as the Colorado Plateau, Bryce Canyon is a place of rare and unusual beauty that can be visited with little difficulty at any time of the year.

Winter may be the most magical time to explore what the park has to offer - the combination of orange and multi-hued rock formations (or hoodoos as they're often referred to), evergreen trees and deep, glistening white snow makes for a truly memorable sight. In addition, the winter months are by far the least crowded time of the year.

The park is famous for a series of natural amphitheaters scooped out of the Paunsaugunt Plateau over the eons by rain, snow, ice, and wind. This constant erosion has left behind a fairyland of rock spires and pinnacles in deep shades of orange, pink, and red. There are about 12 amphitheaters located within the park's boundaries, the most remarkable of which is Bryce amphitheater.

The tablelands of Bryce Canyon National Park range in elevation from 7000 feet to just over 9000 feet. Regardless of when you visit, it is highly recommended that you take in panoramic views of the sculpted rock formations from one of the numerous rim overlooks at sunrise and/or sunset. It is during these two times that nature renders this incredible landscape at its most spectacular.

If necessary, the park can be explored in one full day, but you may want to set aside a full two days in order to embark upon some of the excellent day hikes that are available. Ideally, the first day would consist of driving the 18-mile park road (State Route 63) and stopping off at the excellent rim overlooks for phenomenal views of the hoodoos and the surrounding Colorado Plateau landscape including the Aquarius Plateau and the Grand Staircase.

A second day might involve a day trek into Bryce amphitheater. All hikes in the park with the exception of the Under-the-Rim trail can be completed in one day. Being surrounded by a forest of red and orange hoodoos makes for an unforgettable experience. Trailheads are easily accessed using free maps supplied upon entrance to the park.

Recommended Day Hikes:
Fairyland Loop
Round Trip Length: 8 miles
Trailhead location: Fairyland Point or north of Sunrise Point
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Attractions: Possibly the best hike in the park, this trail explores both the rim of Bryce amphitheater and its hoodoo-filled interior. For such a stunning hike it is remarkably uncrowded

Peekaboo Loop
Round Trip Length: 5.5 miles
Trailhead location: Bryce Point
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Attractions: Along with the Fairyland Loop, this hike offers the best route for exploring the fanciful rock formations for which the park is renowned. The Wall of Windows, a prominent landmark, can be seen from this trail

Queens Garden/Navajo Combination Loop
Round Trip Length: 2.9 miles
Trailhead location: Sunset or Sunrise Point
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Attractions: Intimate views of the hoodoos, a steep, narrow gorge, and towering ponderosa pines are the main attractions along this hike

Recommended Points of Interest (all overlooks are accessible off the main park road):
Fairyland Point; Sunset Point; Sunrise Point; Inspiration Point; Bryce Point; Paria View; Natural Bridge; Agua Canyon; Rainbow Point; Yovimpa Point

Helpful travel tips and observations
If possible, bring your own food into the park. As anyone who has travelled to National Parks in the American West knows, the restaurants in these areas leave much to be desired and Bryce Canyon is no exception. If you need a place to stay overnight, I would recommend the Bullberry Inn Bed and Breakfast. With excellent rooms, decent rates, friendly owners, and satisfying breaksfasts, it's a great choice. http://www.bullberryinn.com/.

More information on Bryce Canyon National Park: http://www.nps.gov/brca/

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