Scenic Highway 12 is up with some of the best routes in the US according to many travellers. From the 89a it immediately encounters the Dixie National Forest's Red Canyon. This alone is a 'stop you in your tracks' sight but is just a prelude to another of the Southwest's finest. . . Bryce Canyon. A dazzling array of hoodoos, spires, pinnacles weird and wonderful natural sandstone formations. Colors ranging from salmon pink, yellow through orange to red becoming even more vibrant at sunrise and sunset, an astonishing and beautiful vision. Don't miss it!

Location: Southern Utah.

Approach: From the 89a take scenic highway 12 for approx. 16 miles, the park is sign posted and on your right.

Parking: Near the main entrance if the shuttle buses are in operation. There is usually the option to take your vehicle into the park and drive to the overlooks. Pay stations are situated on the main road through the canyon. Parks are situated close by the main overlooks as well as near the Lodges.

Lodging: Reserve rooms well ahead of your visit if you wish to stay at Bryce Lodge, Bryce View Lodge, Ruby's Inn or cabins within the park. Accommodation can be found at the junction of the 89a and hwy 12. If you are looking for a change from the usual motel room formula then try Harold's Place Inn, Cabins & Restaurant, home cooking and a cosy southwest feel about this establishment make it well worth considering. Just a short drive away, reasonable hotel/motel rates can be found in Panguitch. There are small motels dotted around hwy 89. Bryce Canyon is comfortably reached from Kanab in day trip.

Food: There is a restaurant in Ruby's Inn also a small grocery through from the gift shop. Further on and close to the rim snacks can be obtained from the General Store by Sunrise Point.

Trails: Whether by the shuttle or your own vehicle at some stage get to all the over looks, maybe even starting with the longest journey up to Rainbow Point. A fantastic look over all Bryce Canyon's amphitheaters. If you have never taken a stroll along a trail in your life. . . then this is the place to start, here they are truly wonderful. Tiny worn paths winding almost as a roller coaster ever downward amongst the spires, Juniper and mountain Mahogany. There are moderately easy trails such as Navajo Loop, fairly strenuous as Fairyland, to extended routes for the serious hikers. Take plenty of water and always observe the park rules also keep a sharp lookout for incoming storms they can arrive with short notice and are extremely violent at times. Lightning is frequent due to the altitude of the park, look for the blackened trees. Best get a weather report before heading off down those beckoning trails.