Bryce Canyon – Bryce, Utah - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

Bryce Canyon

Bryce, Utah

Giant, natural amphitheaters made of delicate geological formations called "hoodoos." 

View all photos
Tower Bridge - May 2023 brendonstinson (Atlas Obscura User)
Bryce Canyon Snowfall TinaK (Atlas Obscura User)
Bryce Canyon "Walking" Tree Roots TinaK (Atlas Obscura User)
Amphitheater at Bryce Canyon National Park Wikicommons (Jean-Christophe BENOIST)
zackofalltrades
zackofalltrades
zackofalltrades
Bryce Canyon National Park http://www.usatipps.com/
Navajo Loop http://www.usatipps.com/
Grottoes JaneWeinhardt
Hoodoos JaneWeinhardt
Navajo Loop http://www.usatipps.com/
The wildlife is very tame. No zoom required for this. Dr Alan P Newman (Atlas Obscura User)
Some hoodoos look remarkably like sculptures. Dr Alan P Newman (Atlas Obscura User)
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah (United States). Michael Barera (Atlas Obscura User)
Navajo Loop http://www.usatipps.com/
3293
2393
Top Places in Utah
Paul Bunyan's Woodpile
Paul Bunyan's Woodpile
Elberta, Utah
Upheaval Dome
Moab, Utah
Satan's Land
Provo, Utah
 See All

Reds and oranges swirl stunningly in the rocks of these natural ampitheaters.

Created by frost weathering and stream erosion, these distinctive formations are called hoodoos, formed by a process of headward erosion. Creating long streams and larger basins, this particular geographic occurance created large, brightly-colored pinnacles that jut out from the basin in a georgeous display.

Parking can be tricky, so it is recommended to park at the Shuttle Staging Area outside of the park and ride the shuttle in. There is no extra cost to use the shuttle. Shuttles run frequently (about every  10 to 15 minutes) and will take you to several of the most scenic points as well as the campground, lodge and visitors’ center.

Know Before You Go

There are a lot of amazing things to see inside this park. When you visit, you should bring some water and stay hydrated. There are a lot of hiking trails and it is an amazing experience. Go there with friends and family because everyone will enjoy the park. 

martian landscapes geological oddities ecosystems geology
Nearby
Tropic Ditch
7.19 miles
The Cassidy Trail
11.97 miles
Kodachrome Basin Spires
12.96 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Tropic, Utah

Tropic Ditch

A late-19th century diversion canal built by hand crosses Bryce Canyon National Park and is still in use.
Red Canyon
Panguitch, Utah

The Cassidy Trail

Local lore holds that Butch Cassidy took an escape route through Red Canyon's sandstone hoodoos after an attempted murder.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Henrieville, Utah

Kodachrome Basin Spires

This quiet park's strange sedimentary spires were named after Kodak's color film.
Quilt Walk Memorial.
Panguitch, Utah

Quilt Walk Memorial Park

If it wasn’t for an innovative use of quilts during a crisis, the city of Panguitch might not exist today.
Related Places
Columnar basalt along the Kanaio Coast.
Wailea-Makena, Hawaii

Kanaio Coast

A cooled lava flow from the Haleakalā volcano formed these surreal-looking columnar basalt structures.
Cabezon Peak
New Mexico

Cabezon Peak

This towering volcanic plug stands out among the dramatic formations that dot this otherworldly desert valley.
The Smoking Hills, as seen from the sea.
Inuvik, Unorganized, Northwest Territories

The Smoking Hills

These hellish-looking cliffs in the Canadian Arctic have been burning for centuries.
A mud pot.
Iceland

Námafjall

In Northeastern Iceland lies something of an oxymoron: a steaming desert.
Appears in 1 List
List

The Ultimate Guide to America's National Parks

Big or small, urban or remote, the parks are full of nature, history, and surprises.
Atlas Obscura March 30, 2021
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web