This park, very popular both in the summer and winter months, is a gem. Although access can be difficult in the winter, the park is open and the major roads are maintained. Bryce Canyon is a series of amphitheater cut into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Erosion has carved these areas, leaving brilliant orange, pink and white spires. Paved walkways and railed fences allow visitors to walk, view and photograph these magnificent bowls from above.
Hikers can take a more active approach and enjoy the many trails that wind among the spires.
Leave the park and travel west. Join Route 89 and drive north to the town of Panguitch. Turn south again on State Highway 143 to Cedar Breaks National Monument and the Brianhead ski area. As the air thins and the wind develops a bite, you realize you have entered the highest of the plateau parks at an altitude approaching 10,000 feet. Again, overlooks bring you to the edge of the formations, where sweeping vistas show the artful work of wind and water.