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Colourful canyon
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The geologically formed, delicately carved rock spires draw tourists by the thousands
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WONDROUS ROCKS These spectacular hoodoos are whimsically arranged and beautifully tinted
Bryce Canyon National Park is situated in the American state of Utah. We were so fascinated by the pictures of the park that we decided to visit it.
July is fairly warm but we were advised to take along warm clothing and raincoats because Bryce is at a height of 8000–9000 ft. and the weather is unpredictable.
From Las Vegas the park is 158 miles northeast and on U.S. highway 89.
The hoodoos
The drive to Bryce Canyon was very beautiful. There were rows of pine trees all along the road, veiling the colour and grandeur of the Canyon. Abruptly the land descended and in front of us loomed the picturesque delicately carved spires in vibrant colours in thousands. They are called hoodoos.
According to geologists, nearly 10 million years ago forces within the Earth created and moved massive blocks known as the Table Cliffs. Despite its name Bryce is not actually a Canyon but rather created by the headward erosion. This erosion is not from a central stream of a river.
Millions of years of wind, water, snow and geologic mayhem have shaped and etched these brown, red, orange, yellow, white, purple pinnacles of limestone, sandstone and mudstone.
Hoodoos shoot skywards in fanciful formations. They are carved by the repeated actions of freezing and thawing in combination with all other forces of erosion. The beautiful colours of these formations are due to iron and manganese compounds in these stones.
These formations are the part of the Grand Staircase. The oldest member of this super sequence of rock units are exposed in the Grand Canyon which is in Arizona.
The intermediate ones are in Zion National Park and the youngest part in Bryce Canyon.
There are 14 view points. Bryce amphitheatre is the biggest natural amphitheatre in the park.
This is surrounded by Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce Points. Bryce point gives the best perspective of the extent and variety of rock formations.
From all the view points it is possible to see 100 miles south and east over the Paria river valley.
Rainbow point is the highest part of the park at 9,105 ft. As the name suggests the area is full of spectacular hoodoos in multi-colours.
At a natural bridge point there is a bridge which actually is an arch. It was carved by both rain and frost erosion acting from the top of the rock. Aqua Canyon point displays contrasts of light and colour.
An interesting American-Indian legend describes why the rocks at Bryce have such amazing shapes.
It says that before the American-Indians the legend people lived in that place. They were many kinds – birds, animals, lizards, but they looked like people. But they were punished for their evil ways and turned into rocks. We can see them now, standing in rows, sitting down and holding onto others.
We can see their faces with paint on them just as they were before they became rocks.
The place was named “Angka-Ku-Wars-a Wits” i.e. red painted faces. There we can see the castles, the Chinese Wall, sinking ship, wall of windows, three wise men, cathedral, Thor’s hammer, poodle and many more.
Bryce Canyon was designated a National Park on September. 15, 1928 and covers 56 miles (145 km.). It is named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Scottish immigrant. The church of Jesus Christ sent Bryce and his wife Maria to settle land in Paria Vally because they though Ebenezer’s carpentry skills would be useful in the area. Bryce family chose to live right below the amphitheater.
Star-talk walks
Bryce is at much higher elevation than the nearby Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. The rim at Bryce varies from 8000 to 9000 ft whereas the south rim of the Grand Canyon sits at 7000 ft. above sea level. The area therefore has a different ecology and climate.
Bryce Canyon offers options for all interest levels. Many people simply auto tour along the rim and stroll out to the view points. Others like along the rim and remote areas of the park. Less tiring horse back trails are also available. Floor of the Bryce is orange coloured and looks as if we are in another world. This remains open through out the year. During winter snow piles deep along the forested rim and the park is a popular place to cross country ski.
During the new moon and full moon days there are ‘Star-talk’ walks. Atmosphere is clear and the Bryce is at elevation. So the sky with the moon and the stars is totally different from what we see here.
Bryce Canyon lodge is a National Historic landmark and is open from April through November.
Inside the park there are two developed camp grounds. There is a food shop, snack bar and souvenir shop also.
There was an Indian jewellery section in the shop. It was great pleasure to see the popularity of our jewellery in the western market.
SUNANDA CHATURVEDI
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