Bryce Canyon National Park is about 80 miles northeast of Kanab. It is not so much a canyon as it is a series of natural rock amphitheaters. The park is 20 miles in length and the amphitheaters sit on the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Visitors to the park may drive along the edge of the plateau and gaze down into the various canyon bowls or even talk a walk amongst the formations called Hoodoos. The limestone rock that comprises most of the canyon has been stained by iron at has been oxidized by the elements of nature. The rock is constantly eroded by the effects of water and varying temperatures which cause the water to freeze and expand within the cracks.

The national park is named after Ebenezer Bryce, a mid-1800s settler in the area. Folklore states that he once said that the natural amphitheaters full of their hoodoos and rock formations are "A hell of a place to lose a cow." Later in 1924, federal legislation officially tapped the area as Utah National Park. The name was changed to its current form in 1928.

People see the park in many ways. Perhaps the most popular activity is hiking, but visitors can also venture through the park on horseback. In fact, a company offers aerial tours over the national park. Other popular activities in the area surrounding Bryce Canyon is biking and ATV riding.

Another fun summer activity is stargazing. Bryce Canyon National Park staffs astronomy savvy rangers so that they can host events during June and July. Since the park has clean, crisp mountain air and is far away from city lights, views of the night sky are great here.

Visit our home page to learn more about this Kanab motel.