Bryce Canyon Country Is the Perfect, Less-Crowded Alternative To the Grand Canyon
10.10.2023 - 14:03
/ matadornetwork.com
The Grand Canyon sees around 5 million visitors a year for good reason: its grandeur is unlike any other place in the world. However, just a few hours away, there is another “canyon” national park that is smaller, much less trafficked, more colorful, and surrounded by distinct natural wonders. Bryce Canyon Country includes Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, Kodachrome State Park, and so much more in its 3-million-plus acres of protected lands. It’s the perfect Grand Canyon alternative for anyone who wants to see Utah’s natural splendor without the same level of crowds — Bryce Canyon sees about 2.5 million annual visitors, Capitol Reef about 1.5 million, and not even one million visit Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument every year.
The Bryce Canyon Country parks and protected lands are home to hoodoos (which cannot be found in any other National Park), ancient petroglyphs, dinosaur bones, and thick, wooded forests. There are nearly endless exploration opportunities between the monuments.
There are many different ways to see Bryce Canyon Country depending on the kinds of activities you like to do or the activities you’re open to trying. You could spend a lifetime exploring this area, but most people usually only have a few days or a weekend to spare. These are a few must-see attractions, places to stay, and places to eat for your journey through Bryce Canyon Country.
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One of the best ways to see the formations inside Bryce Canyon National Park is by horseback. There are specific trails in the park that are horse-only, and the only outfitted guide to lead tours is Canyon Trail Rides, which has been working in the park for more than 50 years. The company’s extremely educated and dedicated guides will take you down to the bottom of the red rock hoodoos that are only accessible by horseback.
On both the two- and three-hour tour, the guide shares information about how the hoodoos were formed, the bristlecone pines that carpet the floor, and the legends of the cowboy that have rode through the canyon walls. It’s not only a stunning ride, but also more fun to be riding a horse than hiking down then back up the steep canyon trails.
It’s always important to know that even though the bottom of the canyon can be up to 20-degrees hotter, you should wear long pants to prevent rubbing as you ride and you should secure all hats before departure. No bags of any kind are allowed on the tours.
Canyon Trail Rides: 280 Bryce Way, Tropic, UT 84776
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The nearly 2 million acres that make up Grand Staircase Escalante are seemingly unexplored, yet there are people like Rick Greene of Excursions of