Bryce Canyon is one of the many National Parks in southern Utah, however, this canyon is known for crimson red colored spire shaped rock formations. The main park road takes visitors onto a mesa top with many overlooks down into the nearly boundless Bryce Amphitheater. The view down into the canyon below is a depression filled with the hoodoo rock formation and can be viewed from the drive to overlooks, the Rim Trail hiking path or many hiking trails that transverse the canyon.

Overlooks are located at Rainbow Point, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Bryce Point and others. As with most other canyons, the prime viewing times are around sunup and sundown.

Wake up early to beat the crowds and hope to be out of the park by noon. I drive to the south end of the eighteen mile drive to see the view first at Rainbow and Yovimpa Points and then begin to work my way back north along the Paunsaugunt Plateau. While driving on the plateau, I see a small herd of mule deer.

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9115 feet

As I look out from the viewpoints, I acknowledge these to be true high places where a wayfarer may find clear air, stillness, solitude and gaze on a hundred miles of unfettered land of red rock canyons with blue mesas in the distance beyond and azul skies above.

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9110 feet

A small turnout with a window view into a narrow canyon.

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8771 feet

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8904 feet

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Elevation 8800 feet

Natural Bridge is actually a misnomer because this bridge is technically an arch. Natural bridges are carved by flowing steams whereas an arch is carved by rain, wind and natural erosion on a limestone structure. Despite a natural bridge appearing solid and enduring, the weather is constantly wearing down at the opening.

The stone arch may last hundreds or thousands of years but then, just the right circumstances can bring the entire arch down to the ground.

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Elevation; 8626 feet

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Elevation; 8819 feet

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Elevation: 8175

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Elevation: 8300 feet

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8100 feet