Bruce Canyon National Park – a kingdom of stone towers

Bruce Canyon National Park, located in Utah, is one of the most unusual and captivating places in the southwestern United States. Despite its name, it’s not exactly a canyon in the traditional sense.

Bruce Canyon is a vast natural amphitheater filled with thousands of rock columns called “hoodoos.” These bizarre towers, shaped by wind, water, and time, create a fantastical landscape that seems straight out of a fairy tale.

The main observation deck, Bryce Point, offers views of an endless sea of ​​fiery orange, red, and gold spires. At dawn, you can witness the unique natural phenomenon of the “sea of ​​fire,” when the first rays of the sun illuminate the hoodoos, making them glow from within. Equally impressive are Inspiration Point and Sunset Point, where the sunset is especially beautiful. The most popular trails begin right from these viewpoints. The Navajo Loop trail leads down between majestic cliffs, including the famous Wall Street Wall—a narrow passage where towering rock walls rise tens of meters. The Queen’s Garden Trail is known for its unusual formations, including a rock reminiscent of Queen Victoria.

For those seeking a more leisurely stroll, the Rim Rim Trail runs along the edge of the amphitheater, offering panoramic views without the steep climbs and descents. And for those seeking adventure, a mule ride is worth a try, allowing you to explore the park’s most secluded corners.

Bruce Canyon is also renowned for its starry skies. Due to its remoteness from major cities, light pollution is minimal, and the park is considered one of the best places in the United States to observe the Milky Way. Special night programs, astronomy tours, and telescope observations are offered in the summer. In winter, the park transforms into a magical landscape: the hoodoos are covered in snow, contrasting with the red cliffs. Here you can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on specially equipped trails.