The first view of Bryce Canyon is dramatic. Thousands of delicately carved spires rise in brilliant color from the amphitheaters of stone. Millions of years of wind, water and geologic mayhem have shaped and etched the pink cliffs at Bryce, which isn't actually a canyon but the eastern slope of the Paunsaguant Plateau. The amazing view is veiled by rows of pine trees until at last when you reach the rim the vibrant colors come alive. There is a beautiful 37 mile roundtrip drive that takes you to all of the most famous viewpoints.
Bryce Canyon National Park is named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon farmer who was the first modern-day settler in the region. He described it as "a helluva place to lose a cow." It was designated a national park in 1928.
The visitor center is open year-round and provides general park information, a slide program, a museum and publications for purchase. The Bryce Canyon Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, is open April through November.