The caprock then protects the underlying layers from further erosion, resulting in the spectacular hoodoos and spires that tower above the canyon floor. In many instances more resistant layers overlie, or cap, less resistant layers. Sediment layers containing rich deposits of lime, carbonates, and dolomite are more resistant to this erosion than lime-poorlayers of siltstone and clay. These gully walls then became vulnerable to other forms of erosion, primarily through trickling water and the freeze-thaw cycle.ĭuring warm seasons water trickles down the gully walls, slowly dissolving the carbonates that bind the sedimentary rock together. As this process continued, gullies cut deeply into the plateau, exposing layers of rock. As the streams traveled eastward over the edge and down the slope of the plateau, its waters gained velocity and began to carry away bits of the Claron Formation. In fact, Bryce Canyon is not so much a canyon as it is a series of amphitheaters created by erosional forces of the Paria River system along the edge of the plateau. No matter what time of year you visit Bryce, it’s a good idea to bring warm clothes! Geography and Geologyīryce Canyon National Park forms the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. There’s no “best” time to visit Bryce Canyon–summer daytime temperatures are comfortable, spring and fall will have cool nights, and winter is the chilliest time of year with the greatest chance of snow (although snow is a possibility at this elevation year-round). Bryce Canyon climate and weather:īryce Canyon National Park is located at a relatively high elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, meaning that it is much cooler than at Utah’s other national parks such as Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches. Summer is the most popular time to visit Bryce, but spring and fall will have fewer people, and winter offers the chance of snowfall and winter activities. Choosing the best time to visit Bryce Canyon just depends on what you’re looking for. It’s not open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. From November to March, the visitor center closes at 4:30 p.m. during the summer tourist season (May through September). The Bryce Canyon National Park visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. The fee includes unlimited use of the free shuttle bus that runs from late May through early October. Fees and permits:ħ-day entrance passes to Bryce Canyon National Park cost $35 for vehicles and $20 per person for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. There are smaller airports in Cedar City (CDC), Utah (80 miles) and St. The closest major airports are in Las Vegas (LAS), Nevada and Salt Lake City (SLC), Utah, each approximately 270 miles from the park. Bryce Canyon National Park Logistics Location and airports:īryce Canyon National Park is located in Southwest Utah.
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