If you’re looking to do the tourist thing, you might have heard about Bryce Canyon National Park and wondered to yourself: “Is Bryce Canyon worth it?”  While I can’t give you a definitive answer for yourself, I can give you one landscape photographer’s humble opinion on the subject.  Then, I’ll let you judge for yourself if the park is worth it for you.  Are you ready?  Here we go.

What is Bryce Canyon?

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah has some of the most unique landscape you will see on planet Earth.  It’s only in this neck of the woods that you will see the geologic formation known as the “hoodoo” for yourself.  Hoodoos are formed from rain eroding away the soft sandstone unevenly and from parts breaking off and cracking to make the pillars of red stone for which the park is famous for.

There are plenty of trails to hike ranging in skill level required.  You can stay on top of the rim (such as depicted above) or you can hike down into the canyon and see the hoodoos from a different point of view.  There’s more than one amphitheater to explore if you get tired of checking out the main amphitheater.

There are horseback rides, ATV rides, and helicopter/airplane flights available.  You can camp in the park or nearby, you can choose to stay in one of many local hotels, or you can rent space in an RV park.  There’s plenty to do and to see at Bryce Canyon for the avid outdoorsman or even a family on vacation together.  Many of the view points on the rim are even reasonably handicapped accessible!

However, you must also know that this national park is situated in the middle of a desert and also at a very high elevation.  If you are not used to the dry and thin atmosphere, you may have some issues.  You may need to stop and rest more in addition to bringing extra water with you to re-hydrate.

Is Bryce Canyon Worth It?

Please keep in mind that Bryce Canyon was the first national park in the United States which I visited.  I’m always going to have a soft spot for the park.  That being said (and having visited other national parks too), I happen to think that this park is definitely worth a visit.

I love taking some time and taking a hike when I can.  One hike I particularly enjoyed was the Fairyland trail.  When I go back to Bryce Canyon, there’s usually something new waiting for me to discover there.  I also generally go when there’s not so many people around so I get better parking at the view points.  I’ve also managed to catch a couple rainbows over the park.

Bryce Canyon is open year round so you don’t have to worry about missing a window like you would with say Yellowstone National Park.

Conclusion

I almost don’t feel like I can sing this park’s praises enough.  I really do enjoy visiting this park.  If you follow the guidelines and instructions given by the signs and the rangers, you should have a safe and enjoyable trip into the outdoors.  I hope that you will consider putting this amazing and unique national park onto your “bucket list” and check it out soon.