Someone once said that the Colorado Plateau in the Southwestern United States is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. It gathers all the most wonderful elements: magical light and magnificent landscapes. After many years, despite having traveled through many lands, the majestic images of the wild Southwest still remain deeply imprinted in my mind, never to fade.
Throughout an endless journey across states, I visited national park after national park, from Bryce Canyon, Arches to the Grand Canyon. Besides, I also explored arid lands that possess a unique beauty, belonging to the Navajo Native Americans, such as Antelope Canyon and Monuments Valley. When I was little, I used to imagine deserts as just endless sand dunes stretching to the horizon. But when I came here, I realized that deserts have countless shapes and shades, each place possessing a unique beauty.
Bryce Canyon, with its majestic beauty and unforgettable experiences, has left a deep impression on me. In particular, the moment of watching the sunrise at Bryce Canyon is one of the most memorable memories.
Bryce Canyon: A Symphony of Colors at Dawn
Bryce Canyon is not located at the beginning or end of a journey to explore the American West, but somewhere in between. However, in my memory, this place holds a very special position. Bryce Canyon is breathtakingly magnificent sunrises, towering forests of rock pillars, as if erected by a supernatural power.
The vibrant orange rock pillars, called hoodoos, are the result of millions of years of water freezing on the surface of rock layers, forming cracks. Rainwater seeps into these cracks, and over time, erodes them into rock pillars tens of meters high. These pillars stand close together, creating an unmistakable beauty, making Bryce Canyon one of the most famous national parks in the United States. I still clearly remember the moment the sun just rose, the first rays of light shining down on the cliffs. In just an instant, the surrounding scenery, which was still immersed in the silent night, suddenly woke up, becoming surprisingly vibrant.
Hoodoo formation process: Rock fracturing and erosionHoodoo formation process: Rock fracturing and erosion
Legends of the Mysterious Hoodoo Pillars
My travel companion told an interesting legend about the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. Before European Americans set foot in this land, the Paiute Native Americans had lived here for hundreds of years. In their legends, those brilliant hoodoos are the ancient “Legend People”. “Legend People” were people who lived from the beginning of time, along with the gods. They did not appreciate natural resources, over-exploiting what they needed, eating all the pine nuts, drinking all the water, leaving nothing for all living things. For these sins, they were punished by the gods, turned into stone and had to stand there forever, coexisting with heaven and earth.
Hoodoo pillars of Bryce Canyon resemble sand castlesHoodoo pillars of Bryce Canyon resemble sand castles
This story not only brings a unique cultural perspective on Bryce Canyon, but also serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental protection and living in harmony with nature.
Hiking to Explore Bryce Canyon: An Unmissable Experience
Although named “Canyon”, Bryce Canyon is not actually a single canyon, but a collection of giant natural “amphitheaters” located along the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in Utah. A paved road runs along the highest ridge of Bryce Canyon, at an altitude of 2400 to 2700 meters. Along this road are countless stunning view points, located right next to parking lots for visitors. From these view points, when the sun just rises in the East, you can freely admire the brilliant hoodoos in the golden orange dawn. The early morning light, though cold, miraculously creeps through the forest of stone pillars, creating an incredibly impressive scene.
Bryce Canyon: Majestic natural "amphitheaters" on the edge of the Paunsaugunt PlateauBryce Canyon: Majestic natural "amphitheaters" on the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau
Hoodoo pillars of Bryce Canyon viewed from Sunrise PointHoodoo pillars of Bryce Canyon viewed from Sunrise Point
The view points are clearly marked on the map, and are often the starting or ending points of short hiking trails leading down into the valley. The hiking trails in Bryce Canyon are not too long and quite easy to walk. Most only take a few hours to half a day to complete, very suitable for both young people and families with young children.
The deeper you go, straight into the forest of stone pillars, the more enchanting Bryce Canyon becomes. The space here is strangely quiet and peaceful. Many times I wonder, if I stop for a moment and listen, can I hear the whispers of the ancients in the legend?
Suggested Itinerary for a Day Exploring Bryce Canyon
To have a fulfilling day at Bryce Canyon, you can refer to the following itinerary:
Watch Sunrise at Sunset Point or Inspiration Point
As mentioned above, watching the sunrise at Bryce Canyon is an unmissable experience. This is the most beautiful time of day. Among the 13 view points located along Highway 63, Sunrise, Sunset or Inspiration Point will offer you the most magnificent sunrise view. From Sunset Point, you can see Sunrise Point and Queen’s Garden Trail on the left. On the right are Navajo Loop Trail and Silent City, and further away are Inspiration Point and Bryce Point.
Beautiful sunrise at Inspiration PointBeautiful sunrise at Inspiration Point
Sunrise moment at Bryce CanyonSunrise moment at Bryce Canyon
Hiking Queen’s Garden Trail & Navajo Loop Trail
After watching the sunrise at Bryce Canyon at Sunset Point, you should try a short hiking trail to get closer to the hoodoos and fully feel their beauty. Among the hiking trails in Bryce Canyon, Queen’s Garden Trail (over 2 km long) and Navajo Loop Trail (3.5 km long) are the easiest to walk.
Sunrise at Sunrise Point, the starting point of Queen's Garden TrailSunrise at Sunrise Point, the starting point of Queen's Garden Trail
If you have more time, you can combine these two trails into a 4.5 km loop, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. In my experience, if you combine Queen’s Garden Trail and Navajo Loop Trail, you should start from Sunrise Point because the path is easier.
Start your Bryce Canyon exploration from Sunrise PointStart your Bryce Canyon exploration from Sunrise Point
The path down Queen's Garden Trail is quite easyThe path down Queen's Garden Trail is quite easy
The trail is clearly marked, helping you not get lostThe trail is clearly marked, helping you not get lost
Queen's Garden – The garden of stone queensQueen's Garden – The garden of stone queens
Thor's Hammer – One of the most famous hoodoo pillars in Bryce CanyonThor's Hammer – One of the most famous hoodoo pillars in Bryce Canyon
Wall Street – The end point of Navajo Loop TrailWall Street – The end point of Navajo Loop Trail
The hoodoos of Bryce Canyon follow each other, creating winding paths like in a jungle. Perhaps that’s why Ebenezer Bryce, the person Bryce Canyon is named after, once said: “It’s a hell of a place to lose a cow.”
Hiking in the desert can be very hot and dry. So, don’t forget to bring enough water and some snacks.
Winding trail but not too difficultWinding trail but not too difficult
Driving along Panoramic Road
It would be a pity to come to Bryce Canyon without visiting all the view points here, especially when they are right on the main road, very convenient to travel by car. The 18-mile (29 km) stretch from Fairyland Point to Yovimpa Point is extremely beautiful, you shouldn’t miss it.
Since the view points are all on the left side of the road if you come from the entrance, you can drive straight to Yovimpa Point, then stop to admire the scenery on the way back. This will help you save time and not miss any attractions.
Admire Sunset at Bryce Canyon
Sunset is also a great moment to admire Bryce Canyon. From Sunset Point, you can admire the silent forest of hoodoos in front of you, further away are Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship.
Natural Bridge in the twilightNatural Bridge in the twilight
Fairyland Point – A fairyland in Bryce CanyonFairyland Point – A fairyland in Bryce Canyon
Conclusion
Bryce Canyon is a gem of the American West, with unique beauty and unforgettable experiences. From the brilliant sunrises at Bryce Canyon, the hiking trails to explore the majestic hoodoo forest, to the stunning view points along Panoramic Road, Bryce Canyon will surely leave a deep impression on every visitor. If you have the opportunity to come to the American West, don’t miss the chance to explore Bryce Canyon and experience the breathtaking beauty of this place for yourself.