Bryce Canyon National Park Named for one of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. Erosion has shaped colorful Claron limestones, sandstones and mudstones into thousands of spires, fins, pinnacles and mazes.  Collectively called
"hoodoos," these unique formations are whimsically arranged and tinted with
colors too numerous and subtle to name. Ponderosa pines, high elevation meadows and
fir-spruce forests border the rim of the plateau, while panoramic views of three states
spread beyond the park's boundaries. This area boasts some of the nation's best air
quality. This, coupled with the lack of nearby large light sources, creates unparalleled
opportunities for stargazing. From the town of Escalante: Travel west on Utah 12 to the intersection with Utah 63. Turn south (left) to reach the park entrance. Capitol Reef
From the town of Escalante: Travel north on Utah 12 to the intersection with Utah 24. Turn west (left) to reach the park entrance (approx. 6 miles). |
 |
Capitol Reef
National Park was established because of the scenic rock domes and narrow canyons found
along the trace of the Waterpocket Fold. Indeed, the park boundaries were drawn to
encompass most of the Fold. Capitol Reef is a place to enjoy the scenic majesty formed by
geologic processes, and also to appreciate the interrelationships between the Earth and
all life found in the varied environments within the park--from the forested slopes of
Thousand Lake Mountain, to the green oasis of Fruita, to the barren Bentonite Hills.