lowlands below and stay cooler during hot summers. The relatively lush ecosystems that result are like fertile islands towering above a vast arid landscape. In addition to hoodoos, mammals you may see include chipmunks, squirrels, prairie dogs, mountain lions, pronghorn sheep, coyotes, gray foxes, bats, mice, mule deer, and many more. The three most common birds found in the park are the Peregrine Falcon, California Condor and the Clark’s Nutcracker. Trust me, no self-respecting bird-watcher would turn down an opportunity to see any of those. For those interested in history, Bryce Canyon has its own unique life. A recent archaeological survey of Bryce Canyon National Park and the Paunsaugunt Plateau shows that people have been marveling at Bryce’s hoodoos for at least 10,000 years. It is suspected that throughout history, just as today, most people were just passing through.
Paunsaugunt Plateau edge seen from Under the Rim Trail. Credit Peter Densmore, NPS.
Sunset Point. Sunrise Point is the northernmost of the four major viewpoints that overlook the iconic Bryce Amphitheater. While the Bryce Amphitheater area is found along its first 3 miles, the next 15 miles to the road’s end are known as the Southern Scenic Drive. Along this section of the main road are 9 scenic overlooks that display a lesser-seen beauty of Bryce Canyon. Although driving the main road is the fastest way to see the park, Bryce Canyon offers several day-hiking trails. Because many of these are interconnected, the most popular hikes are combinations of two or more of these basic trails. Most day hikes and their trailheads are found in the Bryce Amphitheater area. Which trail is right for you? All trails offer a unique view of the beauty of this park, but the park’s high elevation means that length and elevation change should be the first variables you consider when choosing a hike. The National Park Service website for Bryce Canyon National Park has great advice and also introduces you to hikes ranging from easy, to moderate, to strenuous, Check it out at www. nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/day-hikes.htm While driving or hiking, you may see some of the local flora and fauna. Bryce Canyon is known for its incredible geology and sweeping vistas, but equally impressive are the plants and animals that make the uplifted plateaus of Utah such a unique environment. Surrounded by deserts, these highlands get much more rain than the
Pronghorn doe and fawns (Antilocapra americana), the fastest land animal in North America, able to reach 60 miles per hour.
Golden-mantled ground squirrel.
HOODOO, YOU DO
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