Enjoy the Awesome Beauty of Bryce Canyon – Unusual Places

The vibrant red rocks and sweeping vistas of Bryce Canyon are without a doubt some of the most gorgeous scenery not only in the United States but the entire world. Visitors are literally awestruck when they view stately towers of red rocks at Inspiration Point. Many nature lovers consider Bryce Canyon to be the most gorgeous and accessible of Utah‘s stately National Parks.

There are countless ways to enjoy the splendor of Bryce Canyon, regardless of your age or fitness level. Visitors can take a bus tour that loops around the park and stops at iconic viewpoints such as Sunset Point. Travelers can also sign up for a ranger-led Full Moon hike. The Full Moon hike requires special footwear, a ticket that is procured online beforehand, and participants above the age of 7. Bryce Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park that hosts an Astronomy Festival every year that attracts dark-sky lovers from around the world.

One of Bryce Canyon’s most beloved hiking trails is slightly off the beaten path. Mossy Cave is a man-made grotto with a cascading waterfall that offers a lush contrast to the stark desert landscape that surrounds it. Mossy Cave is a low-impact hike located between the entrance to Bryce Canyon and Tropic, Utah. The low elevation and cool, splashing water never fail to bring untold joy to hikers.

The town of Paria is another locale near Bryce Canyon that adventurers love. Paria was a Mormon settlement that blossomed into a small town from the late 1800s until the early 1900s. Flash flooding caused by spring snowmelt ultimately led to the demise of the town. Paria has also served as the backdrop for several films, including Buffalo Bill in 1944.

Viewing the remnants of Paria requires a bit of hiking. A “Paria townsite” sign is visible from the road. Visitors are urged to use extreme caution if there is high water in the area, as rushing water in Southern Utah can be extremely dangerous in the springtime. A handful of stone buildings and foundations are still visible where Paria once stood, surrounded by gorgeous red rock mountains.