Bryce Canyon National Park

... is NOT even a canyon. Canyons are formed by the erosive force of a moving river, but no river flows through Bryce. More on that later. If you've been to Byrce, you know firsthand the beauty of these unique geologic formations known as "hoodoos." Here are two views from the rim, looking into amphitheaters rife with hoodoos...








Bryce’s signature Hoodoos (a term derived from the West African word “voodoo”) have all been formed not by erosion, but by weathering -- the continual freezing/thawing cycle of water. Bryce experiences over 200 days of the freeze/thaw cycle annually, starting in early September. Ranger Kevin explained the canyon’s geological history and stated the walls are weathering away at the rate of 1 to 4 feet per century, heading inexorably toward the East Fork of the Sevier River, at which time that river's water will course through Bryce, finally making it a true canyon. But it will also quickly destroy all the fragile hoodoos, quite delicate structures. So you better hurry to visit this wondrous geologic marvel because they predict it will be gone in a mere 3 million years!

The hoodoos are best viewed from below the rim, so we hiked a long loop, taking in many angles and perspectives. This shot shows people far below after hiking down countless swithbacks on the Navajo Trail...



... and then the trail entered this slot canyon.



A connector trail then took us below the rim to the Queen's Garden section, shown below...